Korean Job Discussion Forums

VirginIslander · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Busan

Try not to speak, or at least limit your use of, your native. Easier said than done, I know.

I tried doing the same in Korea. But, my primary purpose here is teaching, not learning.

However, if one is studying abroad for the purpose of learning or mastering a language--particularly at a later age, one should make an effort not to speak his or her native language and to avoid speakers of that language.

When I eventually study in Guatemala, I will not be studying in Antigua, where one will find most expats. I plan to study in a remote part of the country. I'll learn Spanish in class and speak Spanish after class. Ideally, I won't even teach English.

From my understanding, this is how one retains and internalizes a language, and this is how one uses his time efficiently and money wisely.

Korean students studying abroad should do they same--although I understand culturally why most don't.

My girlfriend's brother lived in Australia for a year and he didnt speak to any Koreans. Mostly Aussies; Chinese and Japanese students. His English is excellent, or least his command of spoken English.

On the other hand, I know several girls who studied in the states for two-three years and they sometimes still say "This is Mina." (As opposed to "Hi, my name's Mina. How's it going?")

These girls attended English schools and then they hung out with their Korean boyfriends and Korean friends afterschool, ate at Korean restaraunts and watched Korean films. Waste of time, waste of money.

Except for background conversation on the bus or at a restaraunt, how is this different from studying at a howgron here.

Do the parents understand whats happening? Do they discourage their children from speaking Korean and congregating with Koreans when studying abroad? Or, do they encourage it? And if so, does his fall into the category of "it doesn't matter what you are doing, as long as your there"?

What are your thoughts?

Have you studied abroad? Tell us about your experiences.

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

My korean is not great. Which is why I'll be a bit more understanding of foreign nationals who don't speak english when I'm back in the west.

However..point is, learning english is a huge advantage. There is much greater incentive to learn it than there is for foreigners to learn Korean. You can't really compare the two.

VirginIslander · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Busan

jhyum · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Location: Anyang

I studied abroad in Korea a few years ago. I did try to hang out with other Koreans, but there was a definite barrier--and not just language. My Korean friends were very nice, but it was hard to get on the inside, as an American. Eventually I fell into the habit of sticking with English speakers. Hopefully it will be different when I go this time, for a year.

I totally understand why foreigners studying in the States end up hanging out with their own. They feel isolated, they need someone who can relate to them, etc. Its not the best way to go, but it is very easy.

Fresh Prince · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Location: The glorious nation of Korea

newton kabiddles · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

tomato · Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 2:53 am Post subject:

Here are my thoughts on how and why a foreign teacher should study Korean.

enchoo

You got to use Korean in every day situations. It takes persistence but maybe you should make a Korean friend. I am sure that many people will be willing to have a language exchange. I think role-playing and practicing on the spot really helps to learn a new language.

Sejong has a great website to learn Korean. Also there are places that teach Korean to you for a small fee (1000 won) per class in Samgagji Station. Anyways good luck in learning the new language. It was a great hobby of mine in the past.

Alyallen · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject:

I studied here as a student and people would often speak to me in English because they wanted to practice their English. Maybe if I was hmmm Dutch and wanted to learn Korean I wouldn't have had the same resisitance.

I think that it's not necessary to hid in some remote corner of a country in order to learn the language. If you truly want to make an effort, you will learn. Koreans who clump together and yap in Korean all day will learn nothing no matter where they are because their heart isn't really into it. It's nice to talk to people here and there in your native language but you have to be willing to draw a line in the sand AND enforce it....