WWU Hosts Program for Youth from Cheongju, South Korea

Contact: Marlene Harlan, Western Washington University, marlene.harlan@wwu.edu or (360) 650-7221.

BELLINGHAM – Western Washington University in partnership with City of Bellingham’s Sister City Association recently hosted 20 eleven-year-olds and two teachers from Cheongju, South Korea; the group arrived at Western on July 26 for a three-week stay.

Students were actively engaged in English and American culture classes taught by Karen Stuen and WWU Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) students. The Cheongju students had also been corresponding with local students from Wade King Elementary School throughout this past year and some of these kids were able to meet their penpals during their stay in Bellingham.

The group toured the American Radio and Electricity Museum, Lightcatcher Art Museum, Bellingham Public Library and several other downtown sites. They spent a day in Victoria, B.C. and enjoyed a ferry ride through the San Juan Islands. They have enjoyed learning about American culture and English and experiencing and exploring Western Washington University and Bellingham.  

On Friday, Aug. 13, an event was held at WWU to celebrate the last night of the Cheongju Sister City youth program. Representatives from the Bellingham Sister City Association, including Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike and CheongJu program representative Lisa Woo, attended the event along with Wade King Elementary School Principal Rob McElroy, teachers, and some of the students’ penpals and parents.

The Cheongju Sister City youth program is likely to be offered again next summer. If you have questions about the program, contact Marlene Harlan at marlene.harlan@wwu.edu or (360) 650-7221. If you want to learn more about all of WWU’s Youth Program offerings, visit the Web site, www.wwu.edu/youth.