How we started

KJEC stands for “Korea Japan English Camp” but we are more than an English program as our current curriculum and programming is focused on youth development and cross-cultural exchange to help foster leaders with a global mindset.

Initially the vision for KJEC developed from our Executive Director, Mathew Goldberg. The idea emerged while Mat was a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in South Korea, where he taught English at a high school in a rural part of South Korea from 2014 to 2017. During his time as a Fulbright ETA, he dedicated his time strengthening his relationships with his school, students, and local community. Through his interactions and relationships, he learned about the opportunity gap that existed among students often due to their socioeconomic backgrounds. Interested in helping, Mat got involved with the Fulbright organization Korea Bridge Initiative dedicated to offering free and fun English classes  for students who do not attend English academies, in order to help bridge the English educational gap and ensure that all students have the resources they need to be successful in school. 

In 2015, Mat had the opportunity to visit a fellow Fulbright ETA in Thailand. During the visit, he noticed students’ genuine interest in getting to know him, despite the language barrier. During the visit he was reminded of students’ genuine interest and curiosity and learned about a Fulbright-led program that brought together Thai and Malaysian students for an interactive camp. Mat was impressed by the idea and brainstormed how he could offer his students a similar meaningful experience.

In 2016 Mat decided to launch a fundraiser to raise money to provide 3 of his students scholarships to travel to the US with him and practice their English skills real-world setting while experiencing and learning about American culture. The experience solidified Mat’s belief in the value of international education and sparked his interest in experiential learning.

Collaborating and talking with students and colleagues, Mat further began brainstorming for an immersive, collaborative camp. In thinking of possible partner countries, he was drawn immediately to Japan as he knew the two countries share a difficult history, but also recognized students genuine mutual interest in each others culture.

He developed the idea for KJEC, and took it forward with the Korean-American Educational Commission who supported him throughout the process and helped him navigate working with the US Embassy in Seoul. The first camp launched in 2017 and is now called KJEC Experience.