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Recently, a large group of Korean students joined Dalian American International School. To support their transition and help them build strong relationships, the school started the Korean Meeting Club with Ms. Lim. This club offers a space where Korean students can feel comfortable while adjusting to a new school environment.
One of the key goals of the club is to help students connect with each other. At the same time, regular meetings provide much more than social interaction. The club strengthens students' understanding of Korean culture and supports the development of Korean language skills. This balance appears meaningful for students who may later consider attending universities in Korea, while also helping them stay confident with academic expectations in our school.
Most Korean students participate regularly, and all communication happens in Korean. This allows them to express ideas freely and confidently. The students come from different backgrounds: some just arrived from Korea, while others have lived abroad most of their lives and have never attended school in Korea. Their language levels vary, but they all learn and grow together through the activities.
One of the most meaningful additions to the club has been writing practice. Students write short reflections, summaries, or responses after discussions. Even with different proficiency levels, this writing time helps them maintain and strengthen their Korean reading and writing skills. It also gives them a space to organize thoughts, express opinions, and build confidence using academic Korean.
The Korean Meeting Club has also benefited from ongoing collaboration with school leadership and the library. In recent discussions with members of both teams, the Club president Hyunseok Jin (senior) highlighted the club's growing needs, including expanding Korean book selections. Additionally, the club leaders advocate for exploring field trip opportunities and inviting more guest speakers to address topics such as Korean culture, university admissions, and student life, all of which are especially relevant for students.
Currently, students borrow Korean books from the Dalian Korean International School, as Korean-language resources on our campus are limited. The club works with the library to increase access to Korean books and digital materials so students can continue developing their literacy skills.
Club meetings include a variety of activities. Students can use books from the Korean International School for reading, discussion, and short presentations. These regular opportunities help students structure ideas, express opinions, and practice speaking in front of others. This seems especially important for students who might have had limited international education experience before joining DAIS. Ms. Lim also uses this time to explain school rules, policies, and daily routines to help students navigate school life smoothly.
A recent highlight for the club was a special session with Lee Beolchan, the youngest Korean correspondent based in Beijing and the author of several well-known books, including “DeepSeek Deep Shock,” “A Kind Guide to Understanding China,” and “AI Society.” He introduced his work, shared experiences as a journalist, and discussed how China and AI are shaping modern society.
Students particularly enjoyed the open Q&A, where they learned practical strategies for navigating AI tools responsibly. These skills are becoming increasingly important in academic life and everyday communication.
The Korean Meeting Club demonstrates that language development and relationship building are foundational goals, yet the educational impact extends well beyond them. The club provides meaningful cultural learning opportunities, academic support, and community connections.
Ms. Jessica Lim, College Counselor & Social Emotional Counselor: "I hope that through this meeting, students not only build friendships but also stay connected to their identity and ultimately succeed when they go on to university."
With recent initiatives such as the notable author meeting and the ongoing collaborative initiatives with the library, DAIS continues to invest in student success and well-being. Through these structured experiences, Korean students gain confidence, broaden their perspectives, and integrate more smoothly into the wider DAIS community.
Written by Hyunseo Kim
DAIS Grade 11
