Run in partnership with Sahmyook University from July 26 to Aug. 2 — seven nights, eight days of living English, learned through play and everyday life!
Seoul's Nowon-gu district office announced it will run the "Nowon Children's Native English Camp" during the summer vacation.
Organized in partnership with Sahmyook University, the camp's defining feature is its EOZ (English Only Zone) format, in which participants live entirely in English around the clock. The structure is designed to deliver intensive learning results in a short period.
Parents have responded particularly well to the program's use of full campus facilities — classrooms, a gymnasium and dormitories — which allow students to learn English in a safe, well-equipped environment.
The residential camp runs for seven nights and eight days, from July 26 to Aug. 2. It is open to students in grades 3 through 6 who live in Nowon-gu. The standard participation fee is 990,000 won (about $650), with the district subsidizing 510,000 won so that families pay only 480,000 won out of pocket. Students from socially disadvantaged households will have their full fee covered by the district.
A total of 160 students will be selected and divided into eight classes of 20. To ensure appropriate instruction, participants will take a placement test beforehand so classes can be grouped by proficiency level, though individual class levels will not be disclosed. Each class will have one native-speaking teacher and one Korean co-teacher, who will closely monitor students' learning attitudes, adjustment to camp life and any conflicts, while also overseeing safety and daily routines. Teaching assistants will be housed on the same dormitory floor as the students, giving parents added peace of mind. Under a 24-hour on-site management system, a dedicated duty staff member, teaching assistant and nurse will also be on hand overnight to handle any emergencies.
The curriculum centers on textbook-based English lessons and is rounded out by arts activities and foreign cultural experiences led by native-speaking teachers, sports and physical activities for hands-on learning, and practical real-life English drills simulating situations such as airports and hospitals. Campfire nights and a variety of community-building programs are also woven in, making the experience more engaging and dynamic than a conventional lecture-style language program.
Students wishing to apply may do so through the district office website from 9 a.m. on June 29 to 6 p.m. on July 2. If applications exceed the available spots, participants will be selected by computerized lottery, with the final list announced on the district office website at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 9.
District Mayor Oh Seung-rok said the English camp is "one of the programs that draws very high satisfaction not only from participating students but also from their parents," adding, "I hope every moment the children learn and experience at the camp becomes a precious stepping stone that propels them boldly toward a wider world."
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