Korean Job Discussion Forums

crazy_arcade · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

I'm looking to study Korean two or three times a week in the evenings.

So far I'm looking at Sogang, Yonsei, and SNU. I know sogang quite well and have studied with one of their books in the past (unfortunately their M, W, F) schedule doesn't fit me that well.

Does anyone have any experience with Yonsei or SNU? Both of their schedules suit me more.

What about any language academies that offer evening courses? I've heard a horror story about YBM. I'm looking at one: www.http:///ltrc.co.kr
What else?

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Chris Kwon · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Location: North Korea

I'm attending SNU next month, as well as going to free Korean classes once at week at the Korean Foundation Cultural Center.

I know SNU offers night classes and I think Sogang does as well.

If you have any questions about my application process or whatever let me know.

CGully · Joined: 23 Aug 2005

I attend the Yonsei KLI evening program, I'm currently in level 4 of 8. It's grammar intensive, and the teaching takes a very traditional Korean approach, so lots of technical knowledge and not a lot of speaking practice. Although it's been working really well for me, lots of other foreigners say it doesn't suit our western learning methods.

I've heard good things about Sogang, but apparently they don't offer evening classes past the first level? That's an unconfirmed rumour though, so don't quote me on it.

If you have any questions about Yonsei, feel free to PM me.

- CGully

justin moffatt · Joined: 29 Aug 2006

I am unsure what level of Korean you would be assessed at. However, I strongly suggest to DO NOT go to Yonsei University KLI, especially if you are beginner. The program structure is horrible (writing based, no conversation practice, very traditional: repeat, dictation, grammar with no english explanations). Furthermore, there are NO refunds after one week, and only 70% refund even after one class! There are virtually no western foreigners there (except Korean Americans).

Mebertz · Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Location: Suncheon

Rosetta Stone is an expensive computer-based course, but one may do an online version for 3 months at $109 or 6 months at $169. It may be better than the traditional, Korean methos. In fact, it IS better if one has a little self-discipline.

Mike

CGully · Joined: 23 Aug 2005

Although the above criticisms of the KLI program are somewhat justified, the statement that there are virtually no westerners in the program is false. That may be the case for the regular day program, but the evening program has many Canadians, Americans, and Europeans. Although my current class is only 5 students, it's 2 Canadian teachers, 1 American soldier, and one Chinese.

Again I'll say the learning style is perhaps antiquated, but it works very well for certain people (myself being one of them). It just requires extra practice outside class. I once heard someone say that a Sogang graduate can speak to anyone on the street but can't read a newspaper. A KLI graduate has a hard time on the street, but can read newspapers and novels. I'd rather be able to read and understand, and then gradually improve my speaking with that solid base of grammar. But that's just me.

- CGully

justin moffatt · Joined: 29 Aug 2006

Mike:

Do you have a website for that Rosetta Stone computer course?

CGully: Granted, my observation is based on the morning and afternoon programs.

I just can't wait for my program at KLI to end so I can attend Sogang or SNU. Crying or Very sad

Mebertz · Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Location: Suncheon

It is Rosettastone.com

Select language and learning options. You'll find it easily.

Mike

Intrepid · Joined: 13 May 2004 Location: Yongin

Konkuk University language institute has one of the cheapest programs in Seoul, and it's pretty good. About 1 million won for ten weeks, four hours per day 9-1. Conversation and vocabulary based. Beginner levels start low and have actual non-Korean, non-NE Asian people (many south Asians, actually--it's more affordable to in-coming D-visa people).

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I've done the SNU course and really enjoyed it. My only criticism would be that they didn't have any higher level classes.

crazy_arcade · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

moff12 · Joined: 30 Oct 2006

Does the Rosetta Stone just have level 1?

Last summer when I tried to register for evening classes at Sogang they said they only had the beginner level, however if you could get a group together they might put on a higher class.

I went to YBM in Jongno last year, I think I will enrol again - it's not great but it's near my house, quite cheap, and you can just pay by the month.

Here's the site:
http://kli.ybmedu.com/hakwon/kli/int_academy_eng.asp

If you live in the south, KOTRA (Yangjae) have free classes twice a week. They are geared towards professionals so I think they focus on speaking mainly.

One more thing, has anybody taken the B-Topik exam?

Chris Kwon · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Location: North Korea

Lekker · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

Why pay for an online Rosetta Stone course in Korean when you can download the entire software in its entirety, for free?

You can download deluxe packages with every language Rosetta Stone offers courses in.

Rosetta Stone works better with teaching the basics in a language that uses Roman characters in their alphabets, such as German, French, Spanish, Dutch, etc.,.

With Korean, Japanese, Farsi, Russian, Chinese, etc., it is not so efficient.

Toon Army · Joined: 12 Mar 2007