Korean Job Discussion Forums

bluethree · Joined: 20 May 2009

Ive been mostly self studying Korean and have managed to pass topik level three. I'm considering enrolling in a Korean uni program but I was wondering if there are any good ones for the higher levels? In particular I'm looking at yonsei and they said I would probably qualify for level 3 or 4 for their program. Any experiences with them or other higher level Korean programs?

Daniel1981 · Joined: 30 Dec 2009

I would say consider the KIIP program also - socinet.go.kr

Their courses are free. I am taking it now as part of getting an f series visa and like it a lot. I'm in level 4. There are 4 levels of Korean, then a social integration culture / history course. Each level is 100 hours except the last culture course which is 50 hours.

Our teacher said the KIIP levels match up roughly to the Yonsei levels.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

If you're looking at studying Korean full time, I'd say go for the Sogang over Yonsei. I had a great experience with Sogang, while my Sonang classmates who'd also done Yonsei said Yonsei classes were reminiscent of 1950s CIA language school training (way too much listening and discreet grammar point testing). Sogang takes a communicative approach with lots of small group and pairwork, while making sure you still get the fundamentals. I've also heard great things about Ehwa's Korean program.

I've also done KIIP (levels 4 & 5), and did not have as good of an experience as Daniel did, especially at level 4. Quality varies massively from location to location and from teacher to teacher. However, if you want to do a part time program KIIP is free and offers classes all over the place and at different times. Completing the program will also bring you most of the way to qualifying for the F-2-7 residency visa. That alone makes KIIP worth doing, and was why I did it, but in terms of Korean language instruction it's no substitute for one of the better university programs.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 3:32 am Post subject:

Dodge7 · Joined: 21 Oct 2011

murr · Joined: 11 Jan 2008

Does anybody know if one can do just the Korean language element of the program, or does one have to do the whole package i.e. the cultural course too?

nick70100 · Joined: 09 Sep 2005

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

Charriere · Joined: 01 May 2008

The social integration course that has been mentioned might be free, but there is no guarantee that you will actually be able to attend a class. I took the test, and like Daniel, was placed in level 4. Unfortunately there were no courses available in my area. Most of them run during the day, Mon-Fri. I asked about taking a course in a different province, but I was told that this is not possible.
Of course, if you don't plan on working, this will not be a problem. Also, if you are registered in Seoul, you're chance of finding a suitable course will increase, too.

bluethree · Joined: 20 May 2009

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think i'll probably just opt for a tutor or try to find a hagwon with specialized classes (like for the higher level TOPIK) instead of dropping the cash on a university program. I will probably just be relaxing here for a few months w/o working on a D10 or tourist visa.