An Auburn school has reached far to forge a close friendship with students from South Korea.

A “sisterhood” – an exchange of educational and cultural opportunities – has brought together administrators, teachers and students from Buena Vista Elementary Adventist School and Youngnam Sahmyook Academy in Daegu, South Korea.

The relationship has had an immediate, positive impact on young lives.

“It broadens their understanding of the diversity of the world they live in,” said Buena Vista Principal Ron Trautwein, who was part of an Auburn delegation that visited South Korea in late September. “They see that diversity and have a greater appreciation for it.”

Trautwein joined student ambassador, Connor Hubin, a Buena Vista eighth-grader, and others on a six-day visit to the English-speaking academy in rural South Korea. The visit culminated with a ceremony establishing the sisterhood.

What the Auburn delegation found were students eager to perfect the English language and learn more about American culture.

Such educational and cultural ties between the countries in the past commonly have occurred when students have reached high school. But that is no longer the case.

“It’s shifting to younger students,” Trautwein said. “The focus is students are able to pick up the language quicker at a younger age.”

Relations between the schools began last January, when a delegation of 22 Korean students and the academy’s principal came to Auburn. They visited classrooms at Buena Vista, got acquainted with students and took in prominent sights throughout the Seattle area.

In July, Buena Vista returned the favor. Jen McGhee, a sixth-grade teacher, and Valerie Serns, a kindergarten teacher, joined a group of Washington teachers to lead a 10-day English camp at the Youngnam Sahmyook Academy. Korean students were given the opportunity to improve their English through diverse classroom and outdoor activities.

Following the visit, the academy extended a formal request of sisterhood.

Buena Vista is preparing to host 20 students from the academy and their principal in January. The group will spend most of its time in classrooms immersed in English, but also will reserve moments to explore the Seattle area. They will stay with host families while in Auburn.

Buena Vista is planning a ceremony to complete the sister school pact.

Communication between the students has continued through email, Facebook and Skype. The technology is providing an ideal way for South Korean students to improve their English, and allowing friendships to develop and grow.

Gina Hubin, Buena Vista Adventist School public relations director, contributed to this report.