Foreign car companies, builder run English camps

Multinational auto and construction equipment makers have started running English summer camps for their employees’ children.

The purpose is to heighten workers’ sense of pride and devotion to the company and also to help their children develop global mindsets.

Volvo Construction Equipment Korea kicked off the “2012 Volvo Super Junior Camp” at its Pyeongtaek education center, scheduled to run to Aug. 15. About 120 children are participating, the company said.

Company officials said the program aimed to encourage participants to acquire English skills naturally through fun activities. Volvo has organized a variety of activities such as the English Olympics, career mentoring sessions, tree planting and ocarina and folk dance lessons.

“We wanted to present a wonderful summer to our employees as well as their families,” CEO of Volvo Construction Suk Wi-soo said.

“It’s my second time attending the camp,” said Kim Soo-yeon, a camp participant. “Since last year, I was able to make new friends and take great interest in English. That’s why I signed up again this year.”

GM Korea has opened its English camp to the children of workers at its subcontractors. The camp is arranged in different regions where the carmaker’s partners are located. A session for those in the Seoul-Incheon region started Wednesday, with South Gyeongsang Province the next place, starting on Aug. 16, according to a company report.

The participants will engage in virtual situations in the airport, bank and hospital to practice English conversations and global manners, the report said.

“We are glad to provide opportunities for youths to develop global mindsets through English education,” said Choi Bum-young, president of GM Korea Supplier Association. “GM Korea will keep up with social contributions.”

Another carmaker, Renault Samsung Motors, has also started youth camps for 700 children simultaneously in Seoul English Village in Suyu and Busan Global Village, set to end on Aug. 14. The program includes English classes led by native teachers and water sports activities such as aquarobics, the company said.

“What’s good about the camp is that my son is able to receive a high-quality English education and I also feel proud of my company,” said a company official

By Kim Eun-seo, Intern reporter
(estee.kim@gmail.com)