From July 2 to July 21, twenty-eight students from South Korea’s Seoul National University of Science and Technology called Montclair State University home.

With its proximity to New York City and respected English-as-a-Second-Language program and faculty, Montclair State University is a popular site for the three-week intensive English-as-a-Second-Language course. The students enjoyed the opportunity to experience American life both in the classroom and as locals of the tri-state area.

MSU English-as-a-Second Language instructors Norma Pravec, Maryann Seibert and Alice Wright, and Gifted and Talented program instructor Jim Woods signed on to instruct classes in English literacy and communication and American History.  The students were also treated to guest lectures by MSU faculty from different departments including professors Debbie Saivetz, and Hugh Cornutt and International Services Director Victoria Donohue.  The aim of these classes was not only to improve the students’ fluency but to supplement their experience living and travelling in the U.S.

The students had the opportunity to embark on several excursions to popular and important landmarks of interest in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.  Along with student assistants from the Global Education Center, the Korean students visited the United Nations, Rockefeller Center, Broadway, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty in New York City.  A field trip to Philadelphia was organized as well, during which students visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Reading Terminal Market, and were given a walking tour of the historic downtown area. 

Many of the Korean students made the most of their downtime while living in the Village at Little Falls, making full use of MSU’s Recreation Center.  They were encouraged to explore Montclair as well as New York City at their leisure.   Students also organized trips themselves; several journeyed to Washington DC and Niagara Falls for even more sightseeing.

At the end of their three weeks, the students performed skits they had been working on in their classes at a farewell ceremony hosted by the Global Education Center.  As they celebrated and said goodbye to their professors and new friends, it was evident that their experience at MSU and in the U.S. was one they would not soon forget.

This is the fourth time that MSU has hosted SNUT students for a short term program, which was made possible through the joint efforts of the Global Education Center and the English as a Second Language Program.

In July 2009, 15 Seoul National University of Technology students and one administrator participated in the second 21-day American Studies and English as a Second Language Program organized by the Global Education Center.

Their program  included daily English conversation and culture classes, guest lectures by MSU professors, and field trips to cultural and historical sites. A Broadcasting Department workshop that combined language skills and hands-on experience was a favorite
for the Korean students.

For 18 students from Korea, January was an exciting time to be at Montclair State University, despite the cold weather.
Accompanied by two of their professors, the Seoul National University of Technology English and Engineering students came for an 18-day program in American Studies organized by the Global Education Center.