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Hampton highlights sister-city ties and welcomes South Korean exchange student
Summary
Diane Foster updated the city on a revived Sister Cities program and an exchange student from Anyang, South Korea, spoke about cultural differences and her goals to study English and attend university. Hampton High principal Myra Chambers said the student has enriched classroom learning.
Diane Foster, chair of Sister Cities of Hampton, told the council the program has been revitalized and recounted recent delegations to Bandome, France, and Southampton, England, and visits from Anyang, South Korea and Bandome during BAE Days. "We have several board members and citizen members of Sister Cities of Hampton," Foster said, noting an emphasis on student involvement and upcoming exchanges and internships.
Myra Chambers, principal of Hampton High School, said the school's ESL program makes it an ideal host for exchange students and praised the student for contributing to classroom discussion. "She's doing very well in her classes ... she's a hungry learner," Chambers said.
Ji Hee ("Brianna") Hong, the exchange student from Anyang, introduced herself and described differences between South Korean and American schooling, saying she attends school in Korea from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. and came to Hampton to improve her English and communication skills. "I am enjoying my time with the Lewis family," she said, and presented a gift from the mayor of Anyang for Hampton's mayor.
The council showed a short video about the exchange and the mayor asked Brianna to deliver the city's gift to Anyang when she returns in June. The sister-cities remarks were presented as part of the council's Spotlight on Citizens program and included invitations for citizen participation and travel with future delegations.
