OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 51st Fighter Wing hosted its 14th annual Osan English Camp as part of the U.S. Forces Korea Good Neighbor Program at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 26-28.

The camp introduced 20 8th grade students from Pyeongtaek City middle schools to Team Osan families, culture, missions and how they contribute to the defense and alliance of the country.

This camp gives students an opportunity to study practical English and build confidence through communicating with American friends and to experience the culture first-hand, said Mi Cha Yang, superintendent of the Gyeonggido Pyeongtaek office of education, through an interpreter.

The students were paired with U.S. 8th grade counterparts from Osan Middle High School, lived with their counterparts’ family, experienced American classes and toured the base.

“I think this program is very good for all the students,” said Hyung Yong Lee, a participant of this year’s English Camp. “I made new friends and learned a lot of American customs.”

The end goal of the camp is for students to graduate and become goodwill ambassadors, all while improving their English skills and promoting the U.S. and ROK alliance.

“The foundation for an alliance comes from understanding each other’s nations,” said Dae Hwan Kim, a public affairs specialist assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing. “For continued alliance, it is essential for future leaders of the ROK and U.S. to learn one another’s culture. This program has been soil, rain, and sunlight for great seeds that have infinite potential to root and grow."

The program expands awareness of the Good Neighbor Program and community relations efforts while making a positive impact on future leaders of the ROK.