Many of the American families and Korean students that took part in the South Korean exchange program this January began the experience as strangers but left as family.

“We grew so close with our boys because we were around each other all the time and got along really well,” said Betsy Bailey, 8th grade.

South Korean students lived in the home of Westminster families and attended school at WCA for three weeks, including Spirit Week.  Not only did they experience a change in culture from their school to WCA, but they were also able to experience the culture of the Midwest by partaking in field trips to the St. Louis Art Museum, the Arch, the Cathedral Basilica, and even a day trip to Chicago, Illinois.

“We took them to a lot of different restaurants and did a lot of activities in the area like bowling and laser tag,” said Alec Bequette, 7th grade.

Many Westminster students had a similar experience this past summer by living with a Korean host family.  For two weeks, they were submersed in the South Korean culture by exploring the city of Seoul and teaching classes at Saemmul.  As a result, some of these students were interested in hosting South Korean students during their visit to WCA.

“My family decided to participate because I had a wonderful time in Korea this summer and I wanted to reciprocate the wonderful hospitality I received,” said Emma Bailey, a senior who spent two weeks in South Korea this summer.

American host families were able to share American culture to their students by including them in their daily schedules, food, and fun activities.  For example, after picking up their two South Korean brothers, David and Jake, from the airport, the Bailey family took them straight to one of the family’s favorite St. Louis style pizza joints, Grassi’s restaurant in Ladue.  Other WCA hosts were just as excited to share American culture with the students staying with them.

“I got to share with my two boys everything that is different about America.  It was awesome to see how our cultures can be so different yet we were able to connect so easily,” said Christian Lindgren, another senior who went to Seoul this summer.

After sharing so much of their lives with each other and spending countless hours together, many who took part is this unique exchange program grew close with each other and have made friends that will last a lifetime.

Not only will this WCA winter tradition continue in the future but the family bonds made between the Korean students and their hosts families will also continue.  These temporary students and WCA families can now say that they have family members across the world.