SOME 22 students from various schools on the island are scheduled to leave for South Korea early next month as part of a cultural exchange program developed to foster better ties among locals and Koreans, according to Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela.
In an interview, Tudela said the students will be accompanied by himself and at least two chaperones. They are scheduled to leave on July 9 and return on July 14.
Tudela said the students’ counterparts from Korea are scheduled to be on Saipan later this year.
Tudela said the Saipan students will travel to Seoul from which they will take a train ride to their final stop—Ulsan.
The participating students are required to pay $300 each to cover expenses. Plane fare is free, according to the Saipan Mayor’s Office.
The Saipan-Korea student exchange program was created several years ago to develop ties among Koreans and islanders.
The program is spearheaded by the Saipan Jaycees.
Most of the Koreans in the CNMI are engaged in the retail trade and own several small and big grocery stores.
Tudela said the 22 students who will join the Ulsan trip are from Koblerville, Kagman and Marianas High Schools, Mt. Carmel School and Grace Christian Academy.
