On February 18, 2025, Mark Keppel High School welcomed 20 exchange students from Jeongguk High School in Yeoncheon Country, South Korea. This is the second year that MKHS has partnered with Jeongguk, offering their students a 10-day experience in the heart of Los Angeles.
The students were hosted by ten Keppel students, each of whom welcomed two Korean guests into their homes. The program was put into place in hopes of establishing cross-cultural connections, providing the exchange students with an intimate experience of life in American high school.
To commemorate their arrival, the school hosted a welcome ceremony, featuring performances from the Cheer team, Drill team, and Vocal Ensemble. This gave a warm welcome, making the Korean guests feel at home, while showcasing Keppels overwhelming school spirit. Apart from the classes and socialization with their foreign peers, the exchange students were able to witness our school’s championship winning basketball teams, where they saw firsthand the rich and athletic tradition of our school.
Towards the end of their stay, two exchange students, Ha-Rang and Jun-Seong, were asked what the biggest difference between Korean and American school was. Ha-Rang had stated, “Korean school has a much more solemn atmosphere while American school is much more lively.” Jun-Seong had also noted, “Korean school lunch is much tastier with healthier options.”
Outside of school, the students visited various landmarks in LA, where they were able to immerse themselves in our city’s highlights and diverse culture. Throughout their stay, the students were able to establish close relationships with their student hosts, sharing stories and experiences, showing them a window into life as an American student, leaving the students with unforgettable memories.
As their stay came to an end, our ten host students from Mark Keppel will have an opportunity to visit Korea and attend Jeonguk High during this upcoming spring break. Through this whole exchange, Mark Keppel and Jeongguk hope to be providing their students with long lasting memories, and promote global friendships, further solidifying the two schools’ relationship.