ESL Immersion Program

English is a critical component in the foundational skillset required for North Korean defector students to reach their full economic potential. From acceptance to college, to communicating and being employment-ready in today’s global economy, English language skills are imperative. NKHRW’s ESL Immersion Program provides opportunities for North Korea defector students ages 18 - 20 to participate in an intensive, cross cultural learning experience in the United States. 

The program is primarily focused on ESL classroom training, but also allows for cultural exchange learning opportunities with student counterparts and host family members from the United States. 

Located in Northeast Ohio and calendared over the traditional summer break, the 4-week, 8-week, or 12-week education program provides a ‘total immersion’ learning experience in which participating students attend daily classroom training taught 100% in English. 

In addition to ESL content, course curriculum also educates participants in elements of western culture and democratic systems and concepts. Students continue the immersion experience with their volunteer American host families, where they get to experience U.S. culture firsthand and practice their English speaking and comprehension skills via social interaction and time spent with their hosts. Upon completion, students return home to South Korea, armed with marketable English language skills that have prepared them not just for educational success, but also for future employability, and the possibility of bringing democratic ideals to North Korea, should the country open its market and/or should reunification with South Korea occur.   

The NKHRW ESL Immersion Program provides fully funded scholarships for qualified North Korean  students to broaden their understanding of western culture and democracy and become fluent and skilled English language speakers.