South Korean students participating in the Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS) international program will be returning home today.
The program is considered to be a great success this year, but its future is currently being evaluated.
“It’s still a question mark whether or not we’ll continue next year. We need to have that conversation with the staff. Logistically on a short term stay, it’s very challenging,” said DVSS principal Curtis LaPierrie. “The only reason for continuing would be the phenomenal group we had this year. In terms of revenue, the school doesn’t need it.”
The Korean exchange program was first held in the fall of 2011. After the success of the first exchange, it was decided to invite another 20 students in 2012.
At the start of the school year, 20 students from South Korea arrived in Drumheller to expand their knowledge in the cosmetology, hospitality, and food industries.
Over the past several months, the students attended class at DVSS and participated in work experience programs at local businesses.
“This group came in with a much higher functioning level of English, their personalities are great, and they had phenomenal training before coming here. The foods students came in already knowing French classical cuisine, cake decorating, how to fillet a fish, sauces, and the list went on and on,” said LaPierre.
Currently, the exchange occurs for the first three months of the school year. There had previously been consideration for expanding the exchange to include 40 Korean students in both school semesters. Should the exchange happen again next year, LaPierre hopes to keep it small.
“We just don’t have a large enough community to handle that kind of capacity from a work experience standpoint. When they come, I have to make timetables and meal plans for example, so logistically it’s challenging,” said LaPierre.
DVSS is hosted a farewell dinner for the Korean students last night. LaPierre has spoken with students who have expressed a desire to return.
“There are a number of students who would like to apply for a job here in Canada and get work Visas,” said LaPierre. “The reward is experiences the kids, our school, and the community has as a result of this program.”
Tony Shin (left), Crystal Mun, Britney Lee, and the remaining 17 Korean students will be heading home this Friday. The students arrived in Drumheller at the beginning of the school year and have been learning about Canada, western culture, and training for their trades. The students spent time working at local restaurants, salons, and other businesses during their stay.
