Vacation English School at Sunway University College

Students from the Su Won Baking and Cooking Academy in Su Won, Korea made a trip to Sunway University College not to holiday but to learn English. The three-week residential programme was held during the students’ semester break, and was run by Sunway’s Language and Compulsory Subjects Centre. It was certainly worthwhile as an eye-opener for the Korean students to be in Malaysia and to experience its rich multicultural heritage while learning English.

The 17 students were accompanied by a teacher and their principal, Mr Lee Won Young. As English is not widely spoken in Korea, the English language proficiency of the students was low. It is understood that the students were given a three-week crash course before they arrived. However, their enthusiasm levels were high as they were very eager to practise their spoken English with others.

The Korean students with similar English proficiency levels were placed into groups for their written classes, which were held in the mornings and the students combined together as a whole for oral classes which took place before lunch. The afternoons were dedicated to workshops and the students were given access to computers.

As a break from routine, the Korean students were taught English through the singing of English songs and the reading of English poetry as well as role-play. Sunway’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Management treated the students to two workshops on Dining Etiquette & Wine Appreciation and Pastry Making. The purpose was to encourage them to use the English language in practical and familiar contexts.

There was also time out for rest and relaxation for the Korean students when they were taken to Sunway Pyramid and to a local Pasar Malam (night market) by student ambassadors. These ambassadors, current students of the Intensive English Programme at Sunway University College, came from Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Korea and Malaysia. They added an international element and enriched the Korean students’ experience at Sunway.

The Vacation English School ended with a graduation during which the Korean students and the Sunway student ambassadors put up an impressive concert to show off the Korean students’ newly acquired English speaking skills.

“The students thoroughly enjoyed their time at Sunway and their confidence in the use of the English language has been boosted through this unique experience.” Said Mr Lee Won Young. “We hope that more Korean students will take advantage of such a wonderful programme here at Sunway,” he added.