By Yun Suh-young

The United States government said Tuesday that it will dispatch 40 student ambassadors to the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, to be held in Korea from May 12 through Aug. 12.

The student ambassadors selected from 31 universities across the United States will serve as a “public face” for the country at USA Pavilion 2012, a promotional booth to be set up at the expo. They will greet visitors as well as provide information and support, according to the State Department.

Out of the 40 student representatives, 10 of them are Korean-Americans who are both fluent in Korean and English.

"Our student ambassadors will showcase the best of America's young people,” said Ann Stock, assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs, at a press briefing held at the foreign correspondents’ club in Washington. "The expo is also an opportunity to showcase America's commitment to oceans.”

She said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made environmental issues a priority at the State Department.

“The Republic of Korea couldn't be a better partner in this work. Our participation in the expo highlights our strong relationship both with the Republic of Korea and its people," she said.

Philippe Cousteau, chief spokesman for USA Pavilion 2012, also an environmental activist, said the students will introduce their country from their unique experience and perspectives.

“They represent the hopeful and determined spirit of the American people,” he said.

Under the theme “The Living Ocean and Coast,” the Yeosu Expo is seeking to promote the diversity of resource and sustainable activities. It aims to attract 10 million visitors, including 550,000 from overseas. Over 100 countries have already pledged to participate in the expo.