Summertime may mean vacations and a break from school, but for 23 Korean students, this summer of 2004 will go down in their personal histories as "The Summer They Spent in California Studying America."

Parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Rowland Heights spent four weeks welcoming Korean students in their homes as part of the Korean Youth Cultural Exchange Program. It's the first time for the innovative program that's aimed to teach Korean youth the English language and culture.

Spearheaded by parishioner Greg Park, the four-week program is an "intense immersion into the English language." Weekdays begin with Mass celebration and then a series of instructional classes --- all held at St. Elizabeth School and taught by parishioner/teachers.

There is free activity time as well as Bible study time where parables and other Bible stories are used for not only religious education but as a way to further the students understanding of the language. The day ends about 4:30 pm.

"The kids seem to like it," says Park who admitted that during the first few weeks, none of the students seemed unsure of their ability to speak the language. "Then, they finally starting opening their mouths," he explained. "They are not scared anymore."

Wanting to do a social service project after the death of his wife two years ago, Park realized that by connecting youth together and learning about different cultures is a way to "enhance the peace of the world."

As a Korean-American, Park coordinated the project with his pastor (Msgr. Michael Killeen) and fellow members of the church council, plus assistance from the local Knights of Columbus. Park contacted the priest that baptized him back in Korean for help in amassing willing Korean students.

"I feel great about this project," he said. "They are like my own kids and we are getting so close. When they go home, I hope they can plant hope in their lives and make peace together."

Park hopes that in the coming years, students from St. Elizabeth parish will have the opportunity to spend time with Korean families in Korea.