Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SeoulNate]

Anyone have any advice for Korean classes? I'm looking for something that has smallish class sizes and meets on Fridays and/or Saturdays. Prices would also be helpful.

I'm pretty fed up with tutors as I seem to be making little to no headway with my speaking skills and want something that is a little more structured.

[World Traveler]

[Sireno]

When I was in Korea I quite enjoyed 숙명여대 free courses on Saturdays. They have structure, though are taught by volunteer students who may or may not have any idea what they're doing. However for the free price or perhaps 1,000 won, it's not bad. Search for Sookmyung Korean Education Volunteers on facebook.

[SeoulNate]

[spaceman82]

You might want to give YBM's Korean classes a try for the upper levels. Some of the teachers are really good and the classes don't get too big.

[World Traveler]

Not trolling. Just giving information. Maybe try a new approach to how you study with the tutor (ask them to speak more slowly, etc.) and up your hours or give up on tutors entirely, but I don't think it is possible to get good at Korean without a lot of speaking practice. Classes alone (especially part time weekend classes) aren't enough to get you to a decent level. You need to study every day (on your own or otherwise). I've found for me, most classes in Korea suck (that has just been my own experience) and that tutors are the most effective route to go. I guess do whatever you want, but keep in mind almost no Western expats end up being able to speak the language (including those with Korean spouses). You really have to commit youself big time if you want to get good.

[spaceman82]

Sorry, I forgot to include prices. It should be around 140,000/month for around five hours a week of instruction. That's for the weeknight classes, which are the ones I have experience with, but I'm sure the weekend rates are about the same.

[Fox]

Nate, have you considered simply giving up on tutors and classes entirely? I strongly believe that 100% of the value of language instruction can be acquired through alternative means, and generally cheaper or even for free. I know your question was about classes specifically, so if that's what you're set on of course I don't want to patronize, but the resources for learning Korean independent really are adequate to the task I think.

[SeoulNate]

[SeoulNate]

[wings]

I can't vouch for them, as I haven't taken classes here, but it could be a good option: http://www.omijakorean.com/

[SeoulNate]

[wanderkind]

I took the Yonsei University Korean course. You mentioned your schedule, but if you're in the public school system (or uni), you might be able to swing doing it during the winter or summer break. As far as I know it is the only 6 week program offered by a uni in Korea. I met a few other people taking it at the same time as me who got permission from their school to do it in place of desk-warming (combined with their vacation) during the break since their school didn't have camps.

It is very intensive, and you have to learn or fall behind immediately and fail. If you don't fall behind, you can learn a lot.

That said, it's so hit or miss depending on your teacher (I don't know how, but they have some TERRIBLE teachers there, and some teachers who would probably be good, but are forced to commute 4+hrs each day to work there and just hate life), I wouldn't recommend it.

Personally, I'd say don't give up on tutoring. It's about finding the right tutor. A genuinely good teacher, who's patient, understands what you need, and how to best help you improve. Try advertising in a university building if there is one close to you, line a bunch of people up, do a trial lesson with each one, and see if anyone impresses you. If you don't find someone who you think will suit your needs, try again elsewhere until you do. A lot of uni students are looking for part time work, and most likely will get minimum wage at CU or a coffee shop anyway. It's a good incentive for them to perform well in a tutoring gig, and make as much or more in less time.

[almosthome]

If all you need is structure, start a little Korean learning group with other expats. Come up with a syllabus (including homework assignments) using a variety of free resources. Maybe aim for 50 vocab, 5 slang/colloquialisms, and a grammar rule each week. Involve food. Advertise!

[World Traveler]