Korean night on March 26

Korean night was on March 26. Many Koreans and other foreigners went to the Union to see the performances.

During Korean Night, there were many performances that introduce a Korean culture to OU students. Throughout the night, the Korean kids played traditional music instruments like the ‘Sogo’, and ‘Samulnori’ which are Korean traditional percussion quartet. In addition, other Korean girls performed the Korean traditional sword and fan dance. Those who performed were wearing Korean traditional clothes, and many foreigners admired the gorgeous colors of their clothing. The audience also saw a great performance of Taekwondo.

The first annual Korean night took place in 1999, and now Korean night is held every year. Even though Korean Students Association hosts this event, many other Koreans that live in Norman or OKC contribute by donating or performing their talents.

Jieun Han, Korean Students Association director said, “Korean night is so important to us because many Korean exchange students can meet each other, and we can introduce our culture to many foreigner friends. Through this party, many Koreans can remind of our culture in America, and this feeling makes them feel a sense of belonging.”


Korean night is held every March. If you want to receive some notices about Korean party by e-mail, you can join Korean Students Association. On the webpage, you can see some performances about Taekwondo.

Another family in America, Host Family

At OU, there is a program called Host Family in which OU’s incoming exchange students are connected with an American family. OU’s many exchange students make another family, who not only help them to adjust in America life, but also provides them with experience to learn America culture.

The official name of Host Family is ‘Friends to International Students’, but the former name is more famous. In this semester, 92 host families are with their host children, and 52 exchange students applied for this program. A host family can have a student or 5 students who are from different countries. Between host sisters or brothers, closed relationships are made and are as a basis for international relationships. Last semester, 209 exchange students applied for this program and had their host family. Host families try to give their students a great chance to experience America culture like going to a farm and riding a horse or being invited and eating dinner together.

Education Abroad holds the first orientation about this program every semester, and receives applications from all exchange students who participate in this orientation. After that, Host Family can select their students considering the students’ interests or countries. EA gives a host family some information about school activities to provide meeting opportunities between host family and students. However, many host families usually meet their students one day every week and do many activities together. This program makes many exchange students receive a richer experience in America, and feel strong belonging.

This program started 5 years ago. At first, a few exchange students wanted to make a connection with an American family. However, after 2 years, 200 students applied for this program per year. One year later, 250 students made relationships with many American families who live in Norman or Oklahoma City. Nowadays EA tries to improve this program through more students’ participation.

Diana Tiffany, a staff assistant of Education Abroad and International Student Services said, “This program has the purpose of building closed relationships between international students and American family and keeping their connection after students go back to their country.” She also said that exchange students receive nice opportunities to improve their English abilities and meet people who become a great supporter overall while they are in America.

The orientation about host family is held every January and September. However, if you want to make another family in America, you can do this anytime by connecting with EA. After connecting with them, they try to find a great host family who will support your American life. You can find more information about host family on the Education Abroad webpage.

Sunny's American Life

Welcome to Salsa Dance class

Every Thursday, there is a Salsa Dance class that is loved from many OU students on the 2nd floor of the Memorial Union. About one hundred students from various countries have had fun learning basic steps of salsa for 2 hours.

The Latin Dance Club, one of student associations at OU, hosts this class every Thursday. About one hundred students are in this class this semester, and every week new students have registered to take this class. The Salsa Dance class teaches you to dance salsa and some kinds of Latin dances. Students who take this dance class not only learn to dance salsa but they also have some performances a few months later. The class separates into two parts. The first hour students train by themselves, and the second hour students can practice with their partners.

The Latin Dance club is so famous that they are often invited from other festivals and celebrations. The Latin Dance Club made this class for the purpose of getting OU students’ attention about Latin Culture. This class provides their students with the chance to experience various Latin Cultures like music, dance, and celebration. In addition, students can experience various cultures because this class consists of students from many other countries.

Maritza Rodriguez, the dance teacher in the Latin Dance Club, said “We want many OU students to have more interest with Latin Culture. Although many students already like salsa dancing and Latin music, they hardly have opportunities to enjoy this culture.” Maritza said that many students could make other friends who enjoy Latin dancing together and understand their culture more. She added words that they hoped their students feel salsa dancing is easy to enjoy through this class.

If you are an OU student, anytime you can participate in this class. You have to pay a deposit of twenty dollars when you registered for this class at first. However, after you finished all the sessions without missing one, your twenty dollars will be given back to you. If you want some more information about Salsa Dance class, you can visit this class on Thursday. The Latin Dance Club is waiting for you!