Recently you may have noticed that Westminster has welcomed a number of Korean students into our midst. This is a yearly tradition that brings refreshing excitement to the halls of the building. Not only is it a marvelous experience for the students at the school, but it allows for these amazing Korean students to engage in American culture and enjoy new activities, such as visiting Chicago. Behind the scenes Joanna Hancock, School Nurse, has organized the Korean exchange this year, and when it comes to why Westminster had Korean students visit she said:
“The students all attend Saemmul Christian Academy, a sister school Westmisnter has had since 2009. This is an opportunity to faithfully encourage and strengthen the relationship the schools have. Westminster’s vision is to ‘Prepare and equip more young men and women to engage the world and change it for Jesus Christ’. This is an opportunity for students to ‘engage the world’, but within the walls of WCA.”
These students use their time in the United States to learn english which helps strengthen their bonds with WCA students, but also helps in order to engage with one another in conversation around Jesus Christ, and the good news of the gospel. During the three weeks of stay that the exchange students have they will partake in many activities to experience the culture. Hancock views their endeavours and when it comes to her favorite to see she said:
“I love seeing them interacting with Westminster students and connecting over commonalities, such as interest in food, sports, music/arts, gaming, etc. I love hearing about the connections they are making with their host families, either enjoying trying a new American food like chili, or meeting up in their kitchen for a spontaneous late night snack of cup Ramen.”
The beautiful connections being made by people with such different backgrounds is a true testament to what Hancock and the rest of Westminster want for these students, as well as to the love that comes from Jesus that WCA uses to shine on others. Hancock has a history with Korean students, hosting them when she was a student, and interacting with the same students years later. When it comes to being the one who organizes she said:
“I am grateful to have a part in creating opportunities for WCA students to connect with students from another country that could result in long-term friendships and opportunities to travel to South Korea when WCA goes to Saemmul Christian Academy to host their English camp.”
These connections would be extremely difficult to make without the help of Westminster’s own Global Relations Officers or GROs. Elijah Schmidt, a member of the GRO, said:
“It has been great getting to exchange cultures with this group of Korean students. They are all so kind and so excited to learn more about American culture.”
The effect that the exchange students have on Westminster Christian Academy, and the effect that WCA has on them is very clear, and will continue to exist in the years to come. The connection between American students and Korean students shows no signs of slowing down, and will hopefully continue for years to come. Make sure to make them feel welcome by saying hello sometime!
