Members of the Korean Club took part in a cultural exchange with Korean college students from the Hawaii English Language Program (HELP) at the University of Hawaii (UH).

HELP aims to empower students to succeed at UH and other institutions of higher learning, “by providing exceptional English as a second language instruction.”

English teacher Gina Redilla, the coordinator for the exchange, explained the development of this event.

Redilla said, “The university could not secure enough students from the second language studies program on campus. I was in a conversation about the lack of conversation partners with the director. I mentioned the Korean Club at the Academy, and the idea developed from there.”

Sophomore Adrianne Del Rosario, the K-Club treasurer, mentioned how the exchange expanded her interest in the Korean culture.

Del Rosario said, “My experience with the Korean students was thrilling! I practiced my Korean language skills, and I was able to learn more about Korean traditions. We also talked about Korean celebrities!”

Redilla hopes that through this exchange program, Academy students will be able to expand their interests in different cultures.

Redilla said, “Exposure to a culture and its language is always a good thing. For one, it expands the knowledge and hopefully prompts the individual to learn and study more about it!”

The next exchange between K-Club members and Korean students will be held on Oct. 24.