A little bit of England in Korea

Opportunities for the North East in the world's first English Education Theme Parks.

Partnership

A partnership between the North East Assembly and a province in Korea means opportunities for people from North East England to have a unique experience and promote better cultural understanding between the two regions.

Entrepreneurial Koreans are determined to learn English in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized. In a bid to overcome the barriers of English as a second language, they are establishing English-only 'villages' in one province where local people can immerse themselves in the customs, as well as the language, of the English.

In the 'English Village' everything must be done in English from changing money at the bank to shopping, having a meal, going to the library or going to the theatre. There is a post office, hospital, TV studio, travel agency and a gym. This provides Korean people with the opportunity to learn by direct experience and to get thoroughly immersed in English life.

North East England has a special relationship with Gyeonggi Province in Korea, thanks to the work of the North East Assembly who have hosted a visit from Mr Jin Won Che, Deputy Director of the International Affairs & Trade Division of Gyeonggi Provincial Government. Mr Jin is interested in developing trade and investment opportunities between the two regions and is proposing an expert be seconded to ONE North East for a year to develop the possibilities.

He is also hoping to encourage English Teachers to go and work in Gyeonggi Province's 'English Villages' which will provide once in a life time opportunities for people from the north east and promote better cultural understanding between the two regions. There are 2 English Villages in Gyeonggi and at the latest village to be opened the streets and buildings are built to resemble an English village. It can accommodate 700 residents including teachers, staff and participants. . In the English Village, learning is based on the principles of 'experience, entertainment and education'. The Village offers innovative methods of teaching English like speechcasting, broadcasting, multicultural folk dancing, music, and art plus the chance to take part in drama, cooking, robotics, hip hop English and role-play simulations.

Aidan Stradling, Europe and Government Liaison Manager for the Assembly and the Assembly's representative on the Regional Language Network said:

"This is a major step forward in the North East's relationship with Korea and will provide opportunities for development and economic growth on both sides."

For more information, please click here English Village