Foreign diplomats in Seoul are invited to join one-on-one Korean language and culture classes.

The program, taught by a group from Gangnam Volunteer Center, aims to help foreign diplomats and their families adapt to Korean life and understand the culture here.

The “Friends of Diplomats” volunteer team of students from major Korean universities aims to have international exchanges in English or other languages with participants. The program has been running since 2008.

“Diplomats who were satisfied with our program and their partner volunteers said that the volunteers are like ‘close friends’ to them in many ways. Not only because volunteers help diplomats improve their Korean, but also because they meet regularly and discuss about various recent issues, sharing thoughts,” said Bae Jae-hyung of the Friends of Diplomats group.

“Above all, volunteers and diplomats care about each other like old friends with affection.”

The 5th year of the program will run from this March to Feb. 2013 for 30 diplomats and their family members on a first come first served basis.

The volunteers will meet their partners for weekly meetings for two hours at an agreed location to teach them Korean language and culture.

Those interested in taking part should apply by e-mail to friendsofdiplomats@gmail.com by Feb. 29.

They should include their name, gender, nationality, organization and position in the message as well as their cell phone number and address in Korea.