British Embassy launches English program for NK defectors

By Kim Young-jin

The British Embassy in Seoul on Tuesday launched a free English language and job-training program for young North Korean defectors in a bid to help them survive in the ultra-competitive South.

The “English for the Future” program, co-sponsored by The Korea Times, will provide 47 students with a year of language training at the British Council as well as access to internships at well-known companies. One student will receive a one-year scholarship for postgraduate study in England.

The new program comes amid growing recognition that defectors suffer problems in the education system and job market due to language problems.

“English language ability can be a real barrier for new settlers who strive to access the good jobs and higher education opportunities that South Korea has to offer,” British Ambassador to Seoul Martin Uden said in a press conference.

“We can help them learn English and other new skills, access opportunities on an equal basis and build up confidence for their new lives,” he said, adding the program was born of the embassy’s sense of social responsibility.

Over 20,000 North Korean defectors have arrived in South Korea since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, but many complain of difficulties stemming from a lack of effective services, negative stereotypes and other problems.

“English has been a big barrier since I settled in the South because many South Koreans start learning English from an early age,” a 30-year-old defector who has studied with the British Council for a year said, requesting anonymity.

“If I hadn’t started the course, I would never have escaped my fear of language.”

Lack of work experience was a huge hurdle for young defectors in the ultracompetitive job market here, Uden said, hoping the internships would provide a “first important step on the career ladder.”

Unification Minister Hyun In-taek offered his support to the program, saying he would bolster government programs to help defectors adjust.

"I have no doubt that the small step we take today will produce great rewards tomorrow," he said in a speech at the opening ceremony at the embassy.

"We must help these new settlers realize their dreams in their new homeland and help them grow into responsible members of our society."

The Lee Myung-bak administration this year nearly quadrupled its budget for defectors to help those from the North better adjust to society.