Korean Job Discussion Forums

[casey's moon]

[Ilsanman]

I am also starting at ���� in December.

I study well by myself but sometimes I need a teacher's help to give me a jump start to the next level.

[taobenli]

Again, thanks for the feedback.

My biggest problem is that since my university (University of Washington) is on quarters, I won't finish the school year until June 15th or so. So that would make it difficult to do either Seoul National or Sogang's programs (both have their placement tests in the first week of June, and then classes begin almost right away). I wouldn't want to miss the first two weeks of classes.

I really want to get in a full 10 weeks of intensive Korean study, so I was thinking of doing a program that lasted about a month and then spending another month at a program that looks interesting, the Academy of Korean Studies in a more rural area. Both Korea University and Kyung Hee University have programs that start in the beginning of June and go just till early August. I've heard that Kyung Hee is really trying to promote their language program- does anyone know anything about these two universities?

Thanks again!

[Neil]

Do you need to be at a certain level to take these courses?

[taobenli]

Neil-

Most well-known Korean universities offer summer Korean language programs from very beginning level to very advanced. That is probably true of the regular academic year programs as well. I know that my university has an exchange program with Seoul National U. during the academic year, but you take regular classes (and must have studied at least three years of Korean). I won't have reached that level yet, so I need to just go with a pure language study program.

[taobenli]

I'm reviving my old thread...

I'm still planning to go to Korea in June and study intensive Korean, and I'm thinking SNU's program is the place for me. Even though it starts right as my American university is getting out for the summer, it looks like a better fit for me than Yonsei. The program finishes in mid-August, which will give me some time to explore Korea and think about good places to do anthropology field work later...

I have a question about the district that SNU is in- I heard it's south of the river but not really in Kangnam, but in a more working-class neighborhood where I'll hear a lot of Cholla accents. Does anyone on this board live there, or have a feel for the neighborhood? I've never been to Seoul so I don't know the layout.

I've heard that Yonsei, Ehwa and Korea universities are all in the same area (Shinchon?) and that's the trendy part of town. However, I don't really care if I'm not next to all that nightlife...I'm a grad student and kind of a dork.

I'd love to hear your feedback...

taobenli

[casey's moon]

If you want to live near the university, I think you're best bet is with one of the dormitories. Some of them are quite nice, and the area is great if you're at all into nature. If you're not much for hiking and such, and don't like the idea of living in a dormitory and are up for somewhat of a commute, look into some other areas that may offer cheaper housing.

The SNU area around the Gwacheon-gu office isn't particularly charming -- although someone who actually lived there might have more to say on that. I think there is actually a traditional market fairly close, which is one plus.

I was one of the commuters (from way up close to where Yonsei is, ironically!), and while I wouldn't suggest that particular commute, a shorter one that is on Line 2 would be no big deal. Plenty of students do that.

[billybrobby]

..

[taobenli]

Reviving this thread yet again...

I still haven't applied for summer language programs, but will get on that soon (I'm still waiting to hear about funding from my university). Probably gonna do Sogang. I don't know why, though, I still have half a mind to go somewhere different to have a more unique experience in Korea. I do want good classroom instructions, but it would be cool to be off the beaten path.

I'll still probably just go with Sogang...but does anyone know anything about Ajou University in Suwon? I looked at schools in Pusan and other smaller cities but their programs either don't look intensive enough or they don't have summer quarter.

Thanks!

[Mashimaro]