Because my major is American Studies, I knew about this internship program working for the US Army in Korea. I thought it would give me not only a good experience but also improve my English ability in Korea. I cannot forget the interview with Ms. West, who was our intern coordinator, because I was really nervous, more excited than ever before, and afraid since I didn’t have enough information about it.

In USAG (United States Army Garrison), there are many departments we can take part in: AFN Korea (Armed Forces Network Korea), SAS (School Age Services), USO (United Services Organizations), and DAS (Daegu American School). I worked as an assistant teaching fourth grade students for DAS in Camp George, which has an elementary school, a middle school, and soldiers’ apartments. It was hard for me to adapt to new circumstances. School starts at seven thirty. At first, I made some mistakes because of communication. When I couldn’t understand my supervisor, I just pretended to know what she wanted, but she noticed it and helped me understand easily and participate in the class with students.

After several days, I got good relationships with my fourth grade students and I felt many cultural differences. For example, they express their opinions very well during the classes. Also they don’t change their shoes in the class. I was surprised because after playing outside, sometimes they lay down on the carpet with shoes, reading books. In Korea, we use different shoes inside a room or go into a room without shoes. In addition, they have popcorn days when students donate their money to poor people. They have many donation programs where students participate very well. In addition, when they come to school, they put their belongings in a cabinet and the pledge of the nation is broadcast from a broadcasting booth in the school. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.” All of the students and teachers stand up and pledge to the flag.

The best memory was American special days: Thanksgiving Day, Halloween, and Christmas. On Halloween day, we dressed up, made up our faces and gave some candies to children. Also, we paraded and had a party in the school.

For six months, I had a precious experience. I will never forget my students and my supervisors. Sometimes it was hard for me there, but I would like to recommend this program to people because it kills two birds with one stone, which means you don’t need to go abroad to learn English and to experience other cultures, and you can save money and get credits from school.