Cultural exchange unites Soldiers and students

DONGDUCHEON, SOUTH KOREA

12.06.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Almon Bate 

210th Field Artillery Brigade

CAMP CASEY, Republic of Korea – As the year approached its end, Soldiers from 210th Field Artillery Brigade and Shinhan University students took a moment to reflect on their combined academic and cultural accomplishments.

Soldiers from 210th FAB and Shinhan University students celebrated the Culture Language Exchange Program academic year with a closing ceremony at Camp Casey Bowling Center Dec. 6.

CLEP is an eight-session program, organized for Shinhan University students, located in Dongducheon, and 210th FAB Warriors to exchange cultural experiences and teach each other languages.

In his remarks, Mr. Seo, Gap Won, president of Shinhan University, praised the program’s contribution to ROK-U.S. relations.
“Korea and the United States are brothers, thus a very precious relationship,” said Seo. “Students and Soldiers could learn more from each other and build up much stronger bonds throughout this program.”

Staff Sgt. Jam Llanes, Honolulu, Hawaii native and unit supply specialist, Headquarters Support Company, 70th Brigade Support Battalion, 210th FAB, also agreed that the program strengthens the alliance.

“This is really important,” said Llanes. “By teaching and communicating with each other, we are developing a very healthy relationship.”
Llanes also agreed that he learned much throughout the program.

“By teaching them, I got to know their culture, and their characteristics as students,” said Llanes.

During the exchange, participants not only learned more about each other, but also met Soldiers up close and personal, which caused civilians to gain a more positive perspective to change their perspective toward the Army.

“These Soldiers showed that they’re not only here to protect us, but also share their knowledge with the community,” said Seo. “My image towards the U.S. Army has positively changed throughout this program.”

Educational programs like CLEP, help 210th FAB demonstrate their mission to protect the peace and immerse with the local community.
“When I counseled these students, all of them told me that their English skills have improved significantly thanks to these Soldiers,” said Seo. “I can tell from the atmosphere, and I’m really excited about the results.”

Although the program has come to an end for this year, Shinhan University is looking forward to coordinating exchange opportunities in the future.

-S2N-

• Date Taken: 12.06.2018
• Date Posted: 12.27.2018 01:19
• Story ID: 304505
• Location: DONGDUCHEON, KR