제 31 호 Sangmyung University Hosts Summer English Camp for Elementary School Students
Kicker: SM NEWS
Sangmyung University Hosts
Summer English Camp
for Elementary School Students
By Ji-Won Choi, reporter
Image of the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Jongno-gu Summer English Camp
Summer vacation is a time for students to step away from the classroom and gain new experiences. In particular, using English through various activities can help students develop greater interest in the language and build confidence beyond textbook-based learning. In this context, Sangmyung University has prepared an English education program for elementary school students in cooperation with Jongno-gu. Through the “2026 Summer English Camp,” students have the opportunity to communicate with native English-speaking instructors and participate in various activities. Now in its 17th year, the camp is meaningful as an example of long-term cooperation between the university and the local community through education.
The camp was organized to help elementary school students become more familiar with English during their summer vacation and use the language in real communication situations. Rather than simply learning English in a classroom, students can naturally use the language while participating in various activities. Through these experiences, students can develop greater interest in English and gain experience communicating with others in a new environment.
Classes and Experiential Activities
Image of the Participant Recruitment Poster
This camp is part of the “2026 Jongno-gu Summer Vacation Native English Camp” project organized by Jongno-gu and will be held at the Miraebaeknyeon Building on Sangmyung University’s Seoul Campus for 10 weekdays from July 27 to August 7. Classes run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are open to first- through sixth-grade elementary school students who live in Jongno-gu or attend a school in the district, with a total of 105 students selected to participate. After taking a level test, the students are divided into seven classes, with a native English-speaking instructor and a Korean assistant instructor assigned to each class to provide lessons according to the students’ English levels. The tuition fee is 400,000 won for regular participants, 300,000 won for families with a third or later child, and free for students from low-income families. Lunch and snacks are also provided, along with a shuttle bus service for participants.
The classes are organized according to the students’ English levels so that each student can receive instruction appropriate to their abilities. Native English-speaking instructors provide an environment where students can directly use English, while Korean assistant instructors support students throughout the lessons. Through this class structure, students can naturally participate in listening and speaking activities in English.
The camp offers not only textbook-based English lessons but also play-based programs, including English missions and experiential activities based on various themes. Through these activities, students can use English naturally while developing their expressive and communication skills. They can also reduce their anxiety about using English through direct communication with native English-speaking instructors and gain experience expressing their thoughts confidently in a new environment. The camp aims to help students develop greater interest and confidence in English by allowing them to use and experience the language rather than simply studying it.
Opening Ceremony and Orientation
On July 25, an opening ceremony and orientation were held at the Art Center on Sangmyung University’s Seoul Campus. Kim Chong-hee, president of Sangmyung University, Yoo Chan-jong, head of Jongno-gu, and other officials attended the event and encouraged the participating students. Information about the camp’s operation and programs was provided during the opening ceremony, along with messages of encouragement to help students actively participate in the camp.
President Kim said that she hoped the camp would provide students with opportunities not only to learn English but also to understand different cultures and communicate confidently in a new environment. She also expressed his hope that the camp would encourage students to challenge themselves without being afraid of making mistakes and help them build confidence. This shows that, in addition to improving English skills, adapting to a new environment and expressing their own thoughts are also important goals of the camp.
University and Community Cooperation
The fact that Sangmyung University and Jongno-gu have been jointly operating the English camp for 17 years is also noteworthy. This long-standing partnership can be seen as an example of connecting the university’s educational resources with the educational needs of the local community. In particular, by providing local elementary school students with various opportunities to learn and experience English, the camp demonstrates how continued cooperation between universities and local governments can contribute positively to education in the community.
The camp is meaningful because it allows Sangmyung University to share its educational resources with the local community and expand opportunities for elementary school students to experience English. By cooperating based on their respective resources and roles, the university and the local government can provide students in the community with diverse educational experiences. In addition, the fact that the program has continued for 17 years shows that cooperation between the university and the local community has continued beyond a one-time project.
The English camp provides students with opportunities not only to learn English but also to communicate in a new environment and build confidence. It is also meaningful as an example of continued cooperation between the university and the local community through education. Sangmyung University plans to continue sharing its educational resources and capabilities with the local community through various collaborative programs.
Source:
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