Students from South Korea visit LCC

By Mallory Stiles
Associate Editor

Having a sister city means a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. The relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement.

According to lansingsistercities.org, Asan, South Korea, became a sister city to Lansing in 2008. Residents of the city have been taking part in various basic cultural exchange programs, as well as shared research and development projects ever since.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, this special bond between our capital city and Asan made it possible for 22 high school seniors to explore LCC and get a taste of American college life.

LCC Admissions Counselor Janelle Brinker was one of the overseers of the visit, and worked directly with the students throughout the event.

“We are always looking to globalize our campus,” Brinker said. “Today’s event doesn’t necessarily have a name. They have been in the area since the first of February, staying with their host families in Holt and going to Holt High School.

“Today, they visited Eastern High School and then have come here to learn about LCC, tour the grounds and take part in an application workshop.”

On Monday, Feb. 13, all willing participants also took the necessary placement testing to officially enroll at LCC. Every resource continues to be offered to help ease their transition as international students.

To an untrained eye, this was a group of bubbly and smiley young women. However, each student had a different dream and a drive that has already taken them overseas.

In room 2214 of LCC’s Gannon Building, there was a future biologist, actress and engineer; each with their own bright smile and warm personality.

Jenna Lee, 17, said her favorite part of America so far was the steak and chicken sandwiches.

“Today was good; a lot of fun.” Lee said. “I think I will come back to LCC. I am sad to leave, I want to stay longer.”

Sister Cities Program Coordinator Won Song travels with her students and watches over the group as their guide.

“I have been doing the program coordination for 15 years; I am a retired professor.” Song said. “Being an educator, I naturally fit in as a coordinator. I taught at MSU for over 30 years, and I think LCC is a great institution.

“(The students) are here mainly to understand more of the language and culture. They are seniors, so we are focusing on college entrance.

“I encourage them to go to LCC because it is a chance at a better education in many ways. It’s a smaller classroom and (there are) a lot more vocational programs to choose from.”

The group was also taken skiing and sledding in between different tours, which some said was the best part of the trip. Looks like Michigan winters aren’t scaring them off and LCC officials couldn’t be happier to hear it.

Events like this one should be remembered because they help strengthen global connections in the best way; through people and relationships.