Gyeongbuk Office of Education Successfully Completes 'Happy English School' with University Native Speakers

Over 450 Elementary Students Participate in Summer English Camp at Andong University, Gumi University, and Dongguk University

The 'Happy English School' with Native Speakers at the University Successfully Concluded (Scenes from the Happy English School held at Dongguk University WISE Campus).

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwi-yeol] The Gyeongbuk Office of Education successfully concluded the 'Happy English School' program, held over two weeks of summer vacation at Dongguk University WISE Campus, Andong University, and Gumi University, with a total of about 450 elementary school students participating.

This program was designed to improve elementary students' English communication skills and reduce parents' private education expenses by utilizing excellent foreign instructors from universities. The 10-day program started on July 25 at Dongguk University WISE Campus, continued on August 1 at Gumi University and Andong University, and concluded on August 12.

A student from Gangnam Elementary School in Andong who participated in the Andong University English camp said, "There are no native speakers at school, but I was very happy to participate in the camp and communicate directly with native teachers and practice expressions I usually don't get to use."

A student from Pungcheon Pungseo Elementary School said in an interview, "There are no native speaker classes for sixth graders, but I was very happy to attend classes with native teachers at the camp. At first, it was awkward to start conversations, but now it feels natural, and I have gained a lot of confidence."

A 'Happy English School' with native speakers.

A parent of a fourth grader at Duho Elementary School in Pohang who participated in the Dongguk University English camp said, "It was tiring to drive my child all the way to Gyeongju for 10 days, but it was rewarding because my child enjoyed participating in the English classes. At first, my child could hardly understand the native teacher's fast speech, but after five days, they could understand about 70%. The classes were very fun because they included outdoor play and different games and activities every time."

The Gyeongbuk Office of Education stated that although the program was conducted at two universities in 2021, due to high demand for native English camps, it expanded to three universities this year and operated courses accordingly. They also noted that the demand for this program was high, with about ten times more students applying than the number of available spots.

Lee Kyung-ok, Director of Educational Welfare Division, said, "For young students, summer vacation is a time to play, so it is commendable that they participated in the 'Happy English School' camp. It is praiseworthy that they spent their time meaningfully at the camp, beating the heat and overcoming their fear of English."