Life
A conversation with the leaders of Busan Foreign School
source: BFS
The Busan Foreign School in Haeundae-gu district was established in 1996 to provide education for students from different backgrounds. BFS opened its doors to the Busan community and its surrounding areas and offers its students opportunities to grow together with local communities.
Lauren Harvey, the Early Childhood and Elementary Principal, and Carl Brenneman, the Upper School Principal, spoke with Daily Busan and shared their thoughts on the school’s philosophy, Busan’s “English-Friendly City” policy, and the World Expo 2030 Busan.
Q. Please introduce Busan Foreign School.
Carl: We seek to instill in our students the values of being Social Conscious, Hardworking, Active Communicators, and Respectful. At BFS we believe in a growth mindset to help students Keep Learning. Together, the first letter of these traits spells SHARK. Therefore, our school mascot is the shark.
Q. What does the school teach about the history of Busan or Korea?
Lauren: Across grades K-12, students may choose Korean, or Spanish, as their foreign language. In the Korean Language and Culture class, students learn about important Korean holidays and celebrations such as Chuseok, Hangul Day, and Seollal.
Q. Busan is currently implementing an "English-Friendly City" policy. What do you think about this? Please share your opinion.
Carl: I think Busan is very English-friendly. People are also very patient and make a noticeable effort to interact in English.
Lauren: I am always surprised by the number of street and store signs in English. I think Busan has improved greatly in being an English-friendly city.
Q. One of City Hall’s goals is to make Busan a place where people want to live. Do you think Busan is doing well in this area? Please share your opinion.
Carl: I love living in Shin-Haeundae. If I take my morning run, I am at the ocean or track hiking trail in 10 minutes. When I want to go somewhere, I look at a bus app to find out when I can be picked up, I transfer onto the metro, and from there I can connect anywhere. The metro lines have clear signs, they are so clean and safe. Sometimes I wish that cultural events, like symphony concerts, firework shows, and visiting performances were better advertised in English.
Q. Busan is making significant efforts to secure the 2030 World Expo. Do you believe that Busan can successfully host the Expo?
Lauren: Yes, BFS supports the 2030 World Expo. We held a “Busan is Ready” contest for our students who created artwork, video, and essays supporting Busan as the 2030 World Expo site. We also created a school video that has been shared on YouTube.
◎ BFS Website: https://busanforeignschool.org/
◎ BFS Support Busan's World Expo Bid Video
◎ Busan is ready Contest Winner