English Camps: Getting Away to Say 'How Are You Today?'

English camps in Korea have gained popularity over the past few years as alternatives to going abroad to learn the language. Camps in Korea give people of all ages a chance to study with native speakers at relatively lower costs than comparable programs offered overseas. Typically, many classes and activities are offered in English only, and participants are not allowed to speak any other languages. The following camps offer a summertime specialization in English.

IHT-JoongAng Ilbo English Camp

The 2001 English Camp organized jointly by the International Herald Tribune-JoongAng Ilbo and the Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) will be held Aug. 4-5 at Pyeongchang National Youth Center in Kangwon province. This overnight camp for adults and college students will offer participants a chance to communicate with native speakers, including the hosts of EBS's English programs, in an informal setting. Participants will be divided into small groups to participate in discussions and to make friends with native speakers. Later, there will be a special open lecture hosted by the IHT. The camp will feature other fun events such as an English quiz show and a campfire. Admission to the camp is 45,000 won (about $34). Admission is limited to 700 participants. For more information call 02-526-2067.

Elite Camp

Elite Camp is organized by Arirang TV, Korea's English-language broadcasting company. In addition to English classes, manners and etiquette classes will be provided for children and junior high school students from Aug. 3 to Aug. 15 at Hallym University in Kangwon province. Students at the camp will participate in a variety of activities such as morning exercise, English games, sports and learning through videos under the guidance of both native English teachers and Korean staff fluent in English. Admission is priced at 1 million won. For more information contact www.elite-camp.co.kr or call 02-565-0545.

MBC Academy English Camp

MBC Academy offers intensive English training programs such as Kids School, Junior School and Adult School between July 23 and Aug. 18 at Semyung University in North Chungchong province. Each program includes lessons from native English teachers on basic skills such as reading, speaking, listening and writing. In addition, participants can choose from various electives including "Pronunciation Clinic," "Pop Songs," "Story Telling" and "Speech." The camp will offer some outdoor activities as well such as a "Camp Olympics" and a "Team Power Demonstration." The programs last four weeks except the Kids School, which will be offered twice during the period for two weeks each time. The second session of the Kids School starts Aug. 6. Admission is priced at 1.1 million won for the Kids School and 1.73 million for the Junior School and Adult School. Admission to the first session of the Kids School has now closed.

For more information, contact www.mbcacademy.co.kr or call 02-4202-111.

Yonsei L3 English Camp

Yonsei University's Institute of Language Research and Education at Wonju city, Kangwon province, will offer the Yonsei L3 English Camp between July 23 and Aug. 18 at the university's Wonju campus. The program is intended for college students and adults, and will offer intensive English classes for four weeks as well as a range of events conducted in English. Admission is limited to 120 participants. Admission to the camp is 1.3 million won.

For more information, contact dragon.yonsei.ac.kr/~instt or call 033-760-0916.

by Lee Sang-min