University News

South Korean Students Visit WIU for Five-Week Language and Culture Program

July 2, 2019

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MACOMB, IL – A group of 16 students from Gwangju University in South Korea are spending five weeks on the Western Illinois University campus as part of a language and cultural exchange program that has been going on since 2000.

The students are visiting Macomb until July 30, participating in local events, taking courses to improve their English language skills. The students are specifically studying listening/speaking, American culture and reading/writing.

The group arrived June 22 and will be in Macomb until late July, before spending a weekend in Chicago. Gwangju University English Professor Sangwha Moon visited the students on campus last week.

According to Dana Sistko, assistant director of international student services, the short-term programs offer international students the opportunity to experience American culture in a friendly atmosphere.

While in Macomb, the students will participate in the high ropes course and Horn Field Campus, the Heritage Days parade, the Macomb Airport breakfast fly-in, field trips to Hannibal, Mo and Springfield, IL, a game night, Fourth of July fireworks and a picnic, helping put up the Flags of Love in Chandler Park, having dinner at Macomb Mayor Mike Inman's home, star gazing at Veteran's Park, attending the Warren County Fair, spending the night in St. Louis and a homestay weekend with local families.

"We have partnerships with Gwangju and other schools, and these programs strengthen our relationships, which can allow for more students to come for short- and long-term programs, in addition to helping boost our relationships for faculty exchanges. We hope they have such a great experience here during our summer programs they will come back to pursue degrees in our undergraduate or graduate programs," Sistko said. "These programs allow students from around the world to come and spend quality time at WIU."

For more information about WIU's International Student Services, visit wiu.edu/international.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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