Korean Job Discussion Forums

catchshime

I apologize if this is a "repeat post." I've searched pretty extensively on the forums and haven't found anyone with direct input/experience on KS MA programs in Korea yet.

That being said, has anyone received a 2 year MA from SNU, Korea U., or Yonsei in Korean Studies? I have looked into all 3 programs and so far, KU seems like the best one; not just for Korean Studies but for international students in general.

I am highly considering enrolling in a Masters program for Korean Studies in Korea once I have saved up some $ teaching. My reason for doing so is that I am a 1st generation Korean-American (gyopo) who is considering applying for a Foreign Service Officer position under the State Department. I already speak another foreign language other than Korean and have previous experience working abroad. From what I've garnered, a MA in KS FROM Korea is not altogether worthless, whereas any other degree (with the exception of an MBA) is.

If anyone who has done graduate studies (ideally the Masters program in Korean studies from Korea University) could offer any input that would be appreciated kindly. Please feel free to PM me as well.

Thank you all in advance!

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

I can tell you that all three schools are anxious to increase their numbers of foreign students. You may wish to contact them now to find out what sort of financial and work-study assistance may be available to you for a March 2010 start. It wouldn't surprise me if they made it possible to start sooner rather than later, if you are qualified.

UknowsI · Joined: 16 Apr 2009

SNU will probably be best if you want to work in Korea afterwards. Not because the course is better but simply because of the name value.

However, you better find someone with first hand experience, and in your field.

rchristo10 · Joined: 14 Jul 2009

Been there, done that. Wouldn't recommend going to SNU at all. The teachers are lazy and spend more time professing the notion of being professors than actually teaching. The school is very very inconvenient and requires a taxi ride just to get some food. It's a nightmare in the winter because the government doesn't allow many of the classrooms to use heating in the winter (public school rule) and you spend much of the 3-hour classes shivering and slowly dying from hypothermia.

Konglishman · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Nanjing

catchshime

tenchu77491 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009

Do these unis offer KS programs in English?

Konglishman · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Nanjing

Konglishman · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Nanjing

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

I know that Yonsei GSIS's program has put a lot of people through to U.S. top-ranked and Ivy Ph.D. programs in Asian and Korean studies. Great area to live, too, and the campus and school are top notch.

catchshime · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:01 pm Post subject:

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Maybe, but you'll have a better time at Yonsei!

catchshime · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 11:56 pm Post subject:

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

The neighborhood has a lot to do with it, but the actual facilities at the GSIS are mighty impressive, too. Their students get involved in all sorts of local and international activities, and they provide good access to an alumni association network and internships opportunities. I've given talks at both Yonsei and KU, and both are great schools.

catchshime · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 12:20 am Post subject:

http://gsis.korea.ac.kr/programs/ma/korean_studies/index.html - KU

http://gsis.yonsei.ac.kr/html/content.asp?code=002001001002 - Yonsei

The course list for KU is extensive. Granted, these are just their websites and by no means clear pictures of the school. In any case, looks like both are a great choice from what I hear. I just wanted to show this to contrast the impressions the 2 schools make.