Do you know that there is a Korean language program held by Chung-Ang University (CAU) for foreign students? The Institute of Language Education (ILE), which was opened in 2004, provides students with a high-quality education of Korean language and Korean culture. It also performs a role for CAU’s internationalization. International students are able to listen to Korean lectures organized systematically by professional teachers. Also, they could directly feel close to Korea through the language exchange program, and various cultural experience programs. Commemorating Hangul Proclamation Day, October 9th, let’s take a look at the Korean language program in depth with CAH!
1. Korean Language Program
a. Introduction to Korean Language Program
Students studying in Korea learn how to read, write, listen, and speak in Korean through this program. They enhance their ability of communication, problem-solving, and a command of vocabulary. The purposes of this education are to encourage students to acquire TOPIK certificate and help their everyday lives away from CAU in Korean. Also, one of the most interesting point of this program is the self-produced textbook by CAU; Chung-Ang Korean(중앙 한국어). Considering the different level of student’s Korean, the textbook ranges from level 1 for beginners, to level 6 for students who have the literacy level of a university student. Through the integrated book including speaking, listening, writing, and reading, students can effectively learn Korean at their own pace.
b. Regular Course, Online Course, and Short Term Course
There are three courses in the Korean Language Program: Regular Course, Online Course, and Short Term Course. First, the regular course aims to improve communication skills in Korean of overseas Korean or foreigners to get into university or achieve degrees at graduate school. Next, the online course adopts the system of interacting with Korean teachers online through Zoom. Through the study management system of CAU. the Institute of Language Education provides students a recording video of the class and learning materials. Regular course and online course are held for over 200 hours in a semester, and 4 term systems in a year. There are approximately 15 students per class divided into 6 levels, and the classes conduct separated into morning class and afternoon class. Lastly, the short-term course holds diverse programs for experiencing the language and culture of Korea. They include TOPIK test preparation class, K-POP dance class, and Taekwondo class.
2. Extra-curricular Activities
a. Language Exchange Program
Through this program, Korean students and international students can “exchange” their languages. Korean students and foreign students who are participating Korean language program are matched 1:1 or 1:2 and trade their languages. The activity is possible either face-to-face or online. Through the planning activity of the language and culture process, students can learn each other’s language and obtain new perspectives of seeing the world by having friends from various countries. Korean undergraduate students who are helping foreign students can also gain extra social service credit. They can apply for social service credit in the rainbow system (http://rainbow.cau.ac.kr) after doing more than 30 hours of activities(https://bit.ly/3ecb3WA). Also, Korean students should pass the inspection process of the volunteer journal and be issued a volunteer certificate from the administration of the institute of language education. Furthermore, they should enroll for social service activities in the rainbow system and have their credits approved in the administrative office of their department. Not only is the program helpful for foreigners who aim to enter CAU or graduate school, but it is also good for Korean undergraduate school students.
b. Various Cultural Experience Programs
The ILE gives students an opportunity to experience Korea’s various cultures as well as language. Students can explore noticeable tourist attractions such as historic sites and watch performances of famous artists in Korea. In addition, there are activities of learning Korean food, K-pop dance, and taekwondo. The ILE holds one cultural course per semester for students who take regular courses to experience various Korean cultures. You can check out pictures in (https://bit.ly/3QbHgKV) of students participating in the ‘2022- spring semester culture experiencing’ and ‘2022- spring semester Korean craft experience’ last April.
The fastest way of acquiring language is to communicate with natives frequently. We have learned about CAU’s Korean learning program which includes experienced Korean teachers and effective interaction among students during cultural meetings. For Korean undergraduate students who are looking for a chance to have a conversation in a foreign language, or are interested in other countries, how about joining an interchange of language and culture with international students through the program?
