Korean Language Immersion Program Thrives in Orange County
Students Excel in Orange County’s First Korean Dual Immersion Program
In a groundbreaking initiative, students in Anaheim are thriving in Orange County’s inaugural Korean dual immersion program. This educational endeavor not only enhances language skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of the diverse communities present in Southern California.
At Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, fifth graders immerse themselves in the language through engaging activities, including singing popular Korean songs. Many students who entered the program as non-native speakers now demonstrate fluency in Korean.
Luke Velasco, a participant since kindergarten, recently showcased his bilingual abilities by introducing himself in Korean. He expressed his appreciation for Korean culture, particularly its culinary traditions. "I like the way they celebrate their tradition, spending time with family," Luke remarked. "I feel when I learn their culture, it helps me learn more about them."
Dayani Cotto, another student fluent in Korean, described her experience as "really cool," highlighting the excitement of acquiring a new language.
Jaeeun Kim, the fifth-grade teacher and a Korean American immigrant, reflected on the significance of the program. "It’s really awesome seeing them speaking to me in Korean and being able to understand what I’m saying," she shared. Growing up in the United States, Kim never envisioned her culture being represented in such impactful ways through her students’ learning experiences.
The success of this program underscores the importance of language education and cultural exchange, setting a precedent for similar initiatives in the future.
