The 2024 Summer Gyeonggi Province Youth Ladder Program, hosted by the Asia Research Insititute, held its month-long immersion from July 7 to August 3, 2024. This enriching program provided students from Gyeonggi Province with a unique opportunity to engage in academic learning, cultural exchange, and community involvement, broadening their perspectives through diverse experiences.
The program began with an orientation and campus tour, followed by English language classes and interactive sessions, including singing rehearsals and sustainability projects. Students explored Western New York’s vibrant cultural and natural landscapes through visits to Niagara Falls, East Aurora, and downtown Buffalo. Notable experiences included a Buffalo Bisons baseball game, kayaking on Lake LaSalle, and a Moondance boat ride at Canalside, offering a perfect blend of education and adventure.
As the Korean students departed on August 3, participants left with not only improved language skills but also lasting friendships and invaluable cross-cultural experiences.
This year’s program was a resounding success, reinforcing the importance of international exchange and academic collaboration.