Korean Job Discussion Forums

[taobenli]

Hi all-

I know several of you have studied at Sogang, some at advanced levels. I also studied there in summer 2005 at level 3. Since then my spoken Korean has not improved that much, since I haven't had much time to practice (I'm not in Korea, I'm a grad student in the U.S.). However, my listening comprehension and reading in particular (because of tons of graduate level classes in Korean literature, social science readings, etc.) have improved drastically.

Because I have been studying Korean pretty much continuously in the two years since studying at Sogang I was hoping to place into level 5 this time. I had my phone interview last night (since I won't get to Korea till the day before classes and can't interview in person) and they told me that 5 may be tough, and that they would put me in level 4. I said I was disappointed with this, and they qualified by saying that if I went to level 4 for a few days and found it too easy I could switch into level 5.

For those who have studied at the advanced levels at Sogang, how big a jump is there between 3 and 4? Or 4 and 5?

I really dislike Sogang's interview system and I feel that at this point in my language study I tend to know my own abilities. Also, even if it's more demoralizing I tend to study harder if I'm at the bottom of a class than if I'm at the top. When I went to Sogang in 2005 after one year of Korean study they put me in level 2 and it was much too easy. After much complaining they moved me to 3. It was a much better fit even if my final grade was lower than it would have been for 2. I am reassured that they said I can switch to level 5 if I want to, but last time when I had to fight for a level change it was a pain in the butt.

Thanks for any advice...

[taobenli]

Bump...

Nobody who's done levels 4-6 at Sogang?

[Ilsanman]

I had the same problem. I got placed in level 3 when I am sure I was destined to be in level 4. The interviewer said my grammar and vocabulary were on par with level 5.

When I joined the class, all of the students answered questions much faster than me. But they were super simple sentences, usually no more than 1 verb or noun in each sentence. During the interview, I tried my hardest to speak in long and intelligent sounding sentences.

I think it's Sogang's way to get you to study there longer and to make more money.

[ghost]

[Ginormousaurus]

I started at Sogang in level 3 and am currently enrolled in level 6 (will start June 7). I found the biggest difference so far to be between levels 4 and 5. As you probably know, Sogang is known for it's concentration on speaking. This is true up until level 5 where you do a lot more reading comprehension work and less speaking.

From what you've said about your reading abilities, you may very well be capable of studying in level 5. After you return to Korea, you'll have endless opportunities to catch up on speaking.

I don't know about you, but I have a terrible time with telephone conversations. I need to see the persons mouth when I'm talking to them or else I have a hard time understanding what they say. If you're anything like me, this could be why they want to place you in a lower level.

[taobenli]

Thanks for the feedback!

Ginormosauraus- That's useful information about the difference between levels 4 and 5. If they really switch to a lot of reading in level 5 and not as much speaking, then it may be fine to be in level 4. My reading is good but my speaking is on a lower level since I'm out of practice. I guess I'll just go to the first few days of classes and see if the fit is good, and if it's not cause a scene again to be put in level 5 (all bratty American-style, which I felt bad about doing last time).

As for making money off me, they're going to make the same amount of money off me either way, since I can only be there for 3 months.