Cebu gains ground as ESL hub for Koreans

While Cebu is now gaining popularity among Koreans as the preferred hub to study English as Second Language (ESL), the government of Geochang City, in South Korea has sent 25 elementary and secondary students in Cebu for its university-based ESL program.

Geochang City, through its Board of Education has partnered with the University of San Carlos (USC) for this one-month ESL program, and this may kick off the further influx of ESL students from Geochang, said Board of Education consultant Il Yang Suh in an interview last week.

According to Il Yang Cebu's good climate and proximity to Korea and good mutual relationship within Geochang, and Cebu, were few factors being considered by his government where to send these top 25 students to study proficient English language.

He said there is a dire need in Korea for its young generation community to learn good English, especially fluent in conversational English, as the country's economy is heavily dependent on export especially the United States.

This is the second time that the government of Geochang has sent ESL students to the Philippines. Last year, the City has partnered with a school in Manila, wherein they sent 16 top Korean students.

 This time, he said the Geochang has noticed Cebu's capability to host ESL students, who are in their growing years, from 11 years old to 16 years of age.

Although, there are several ESL private school facilities in Korea, he said it is highly recommended that students will be exposed to another environment, and culture, in order to get diverse learning, not just English.

Here, he said these students must speak English to be understood.

The Geochang government also receives offers for ESL off-site training such as in New Zealand, and other countries, but the Philippines he said is the best picked, especially Cebu.

Geochang City, which is small City in South Korea with only 60,000 population is spending a total of US$10 million for its entire educational program. Last year, about 30 percent of the total budget was allocated solely for ESL program.

"This is a government funded program," Il said explaining the Geochang government had to conduct a process like contest to choose the top 25 elementary and middle-high students to get the ESL scholarship.

 Aside from learning English, Lee Ra im, a middle-school (secondary) student said she likes to learn the exciting Philippine culture, and food.

From the one-month exposure, she said she expects to speak English fluently.

The USC Department of Language and Literature, has designed a total package for these ESL program. Aside from classroom based English training, the students will also be exposed to outdoor activities, such as nature trips, City tour and culture shows.

Geochang City's economy is driven by its booming elevator manufacturing and development, among others. —Ehda M. Dagooc