TORONTO, July 15, 1996: A group of 32 students from Seoul, South Korea, are improving their English-language skills and learning about Canadian culture through a program tailor-made for them at York University's English Language Institute (YUELI).

The group, the first students from the prestigious Sookmyung Women's University to visit York, have come as a result of a agreement of academic collaboration, signed between the two universities in October, 1995. It was signed as part of York President Susan Mann's visit to South Korea.

"In the original request from Sookmyung, it was stated that they were interested in issues of globalization as well as English language skills improvement," says Maureen McNerney, director of YUELI. "This program was designed to fulfil that request. The Institute is providing every opportunity for language development and increased awareness of international social, economic and environmental concerns."

The students, both undergraduates and those working towards their masters and doctoral degrees, come from a wide variety of academic disciplines, including: biology; business administration; child study; Chinese language and literature; food and nutrition; foreign trade; economics; English language and literature; law; physical education; physics; political science and international relations; public administration; and statistics. They are studying both language and Canadian culture during their one-month stay in Toronto. They are also sitting in on lectures in a variety of other courses, including: Explanation of the Universe; Change in Canada; Study of Politics; The Folklore of Canada; and Roots of Modern Canada. Before coming to Toronto, they asked that volunteer work be incorporated into their stay here. Along that line, they are doing such things as environmental clean-up in the Black Creek area and helping out with the Canadian Stage Company's The Dream in High Park. As well, on their days off they are sightseeing, visiting Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Niagara Falls, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada's Wonderland and taking walking tours of Toronto.

"I want to know about Canada and Canadian education. I'm interested in children's literature," says Oh Jung Lim, a doctoral student in English language and literature. "I heard that in Toronto there are many good writers and public libraries." She says she is particularly interested in the Toronto Public Library's Osborne Collection, a collection of children's stories.

"We're more accustomed to American culture... ," Oh says. "When I take some cultural studies, I feel much closer to Canada."

"To speak English fluently has a lot of privileges," says Jin Kyung Park, a masters student in physical education. "In Korea to speak English fluently is a kind of guarantee for getting a good job."

This is the first year of this program with the Sookmyung students, says Joan Harkness, the program coordinator. "We have been impressed by both the language level and the commitment to cross-cultural awareness demonstrated by these students. I hope the program will continue." Approximately 150 students applied to take part in this summer program but only 32 were chosen through examination, Harkness adds. The cost of their study in Canada is covered by scholarships.

Programs such as this can be tailor-made to fit the needs of any group, either in the summer or during the academic year, McNerney adds.

The students are not the only visitors from Sookmyung to York. On July 19, Kyungsook Lee, president of Sookmyung Women's University, will visit York to sign an agreement on student and faculty exchanges between York and Sookmyung. York president Susan Mann will host a reception for President Lee. She will meet with the Sookmyung students at that time.

"These agreements, which will enable York and Sookmyung to facilitate exchanges, represent an important step in our efforts to expand our teaching and research linkages with Korean institutions," says York President Susan Mann. "We are delighted to welcome President Lee to York."

York University, the third largest in Canada, is nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and teaching. With its combination of dedicated and talented faculty, bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campus in the heart of one of North America's most influential urban centres, York University is setting the modern standard in academic excellence.

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For more information, contact:

Maureen McNerney
York University English Language Institute
(416) 736-5353

or

Cindy Kleiman
Department of Communications
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086

YU/038/96