Learning English as second language entails several challenges but Dong San Edu has found a way to make it fun and exciting.
Dong San Edu is a Korea-based ministry that aims to advance the good news of Jesus Christ and promote academic excellence by teaching the English language to Christian youth. Aside from their short-term and long-term English study programs for adults, Dong San Edu prides itself in the English camps it organizes for students at the junior high school level, and APNTS is one of the places where they frequently hold the camps. “We really like the community in this seminary because it is very multicultural; our campers are given the chance to interact and speak in English with the students and professors. Aside from that, they become educated about other customs and way of living,” says Hannah Choi, Dong San Edu’s camp master. “My favorite part of the camp is our afternoon soccer games with the kids of APNTS students and teachers who live on campus. While we play, they teach us new English words,” adds Alex Lee, a first-time camper.
APNTS gives plenty of options for classes and recreational activities for the campers. There were times when the camp teachers would bring the children under the shade of the trees and have their lessons there. “I enjoy our classes outside the classroom because we breathe fresh air and we see the goodness of God’s creation all around,” says Gary Park, a second time camper.
But nature is not all there is in APNTS; the location is still very accessible to malls and restaurants where the campers frequent to shop, immerse in the urban culture, and, of course, hone their English skills through practical application. “When we shop, we have to speak in English. I think it is really a good way to learn,” says Ericka Ryu, one of the campers. “When I go back to Korea, I will tell my friends that I really had a good time and I learned many things,” she adds.
To become better English speakers is in fact not a small feat, but if it is done with friends in a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere, it will surely be filled with enjoyment and great memories every step of the way.
