Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Henry VII]

First, a little background: I studied business. I have two degrees in the area. That said, I don't find business interesting - I simply wanted to travel. Still, I did quite well in school. Now, I am teaching in Korea to fund a PhD in molecular biology - something in which I am interested. The field is quite large in Korea, so I think some language ability would be beneficial.

Now, the questions: I am considering first studying Korean at SNU, so if you have experience with that - is it worthwhile and rewarding? Also, would I be able to study some prerequisites I may need, in English at universities near Seoul? How difficult would it be for someone who already has a degree to be accepted and enroll in these kinds of courses?

Thanks!

[PeteJB]

You mean a degree in Korean? Getting into SNU if you've already been to university before should be a cakewalk. Read the site, it tells you everything you need. Even a high school graduate can get in (only foreigners). But they are very picky about selecting students, from what I've heard. If you mean the language course, well you'd be better going to Yonsei, Sogang or one of those.

[Henry VII]

I mean the language course. I know that SNU is the most selective in Korea, as far as their actual campus - but I wonder if that carries over to the language school. I hear Yonsei has a better language school, but I am really in Anyang - so it is a bit far (over an hour away) compared to SNU (less than half an hour away). Why would I be better off going to Sogang or Yonsei?

Ideally, I would like to just take courses in Chemistry and Biology - in English. I know about 500 courses are offered in English at SNU, but I wonder if they would accept someone with a degree that isn't looking to pursue another one. I just want to make up the few courses I need so that I can get accepted to the PhD/MD program back home.

That said, while here I would like to improve my Korean while I have the chance. So, that is why I am considering taking the language course.

[PeteJB]

Eh, then ask them directly since you live in Korea now. You don't find many students around here.