Subscribe
CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan – Camp Courtney hosted its annual weeklong Summer English Program from August 19 to 23, including a trip to Camp Foster.
High school students from 12 different schools across Uruma City attended the program at Camp Courtney, where they engaged in English lessons through lectures and interactions with Marine volunteers. Afternoons gave the students the opportunity to tour various base facilities, including the Exchange, barracks, gym, and library, as well as a bowling outing.
“Today’s topic is like how become an ‘instant American,’” said Ichiro Umehara, liaison officer with Camp Operations at Camp Courtney. “In school, students typically learn basic phrases like ‘How are you? I’m fine, thank you. And you?’ So here it’s not an examination thing and they can learn freely from people that speak English.”
The students had ample opportunities to interact with Marine volunteers, engaging in group discussions and asking questions about the Marines' duties and experiences in Okinawa.
“I wanted to learn about the Marine Corps after studying abroad through Think of Okinawa’s Future in the U.S. program,” said Erena Kawamitsu, a student from Okinawa Christian University. “Mr. Umehara taught us about the U.S. military in ways that school doesn’t cover, and I was surprised by how little I knew.”
“I’d like to study abroad after high school and the U.S. or Australia and I wanted to see what it is like first,” said Riona Muto from Yokatsu High School. “I can experience the same situation through this program, but I can come home on the same day.”
Marines accompanied the students on some tours, furthering the cultural exchange between them. Marine Corps Sgt. Mark Gil, a native of Texas, is a transmissions system operator with 3rd Marine Division, who has chosen to extend here a couple of times.
“I believe this event helps foster community relations by allowing local nationals to visit our facilities and interact with Americans,” Gil said. “It also provides us with the opportunity to learn more about the area where we live and serve.”
The Summer English Program, which has been conducted over 20 times, paused for three years due to COVID-19. Organizers hope to continue the program annually to educate and engage future students.
“Uruma City would like our students to take this opportunity to learn about the American culture and get interested,” said Ayumi Nakamura from the Uruma City Office. “This program is very popular among students’ parents. We would love to continue this program as long as we can.”
| Date Taken: | 08.23.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2024 22:41 |
| Story ID: | 480465 |
| Location: | CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Camp Courtney Hosts its weeklong Summer English Program for Education and Cultural Exchange, by Cpl Jesse Davis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
