Korean language courses in Korea

Travelling around is always awesome, and is full of positive emotions and memories. But during travel, we usually face different issues related to the foreign language. And today we will talk about South Korea and the Korean language.

I started to study the Korean language in 2009 when I received a scholarship from Korean Foundation. My first language course was at Hanyang University. It was a short intensive program. The scholarship covered everything, except travel expenses. But still, it was a pretty good deal. The course duration is 3 weeks.

A little bit of Korean language… Hangugo (한국어)— Korean language. Hanguk (한국)— Korea, Suffix ‘-o’ (-어) means ‘language’

During the courses, we stayed in the dormitory. There were 2 students in one room. The room was pretty wide: 2 tables, 2 beds, 2 wardrobes, toilet and shower room, etc. The classes were in another building. In order to get there from the dormitory, we could take a subway or free shuttle bus (about 15mins), or just walk (about 30 mins). As soon as it was winter, and it was kinds of cold outside, we usually took a shuttle bus.

About Hanyang University

Hanyang University was established in 1939. in 2017 it was ranked as the 5th university among all universities in South Korea. There are 2 campuses: the Seoul campus and Ansan Campus. Seoul campus has more than 15 faculties and 60 departments, and in Ansan campus teaches more than 60 specializations. In total there are about 30,000 students on both campuses.

Many of you maybe heard about Hanyang University Hospital. That hospital is located on the territory of the Seoul campus. Many foreigners visit that hospital to get a health check-up or treatment.

Hanyang University (Seoul campus)

Language courses

Korean language courses can be found almost in any university, and usually, the tuition fee costs about 1,500 dollars per semester. One semester durations about 2–2,5 months, and about 4 hours per day. A study program varies from university to university. At Hanyang University every Wednesday we had a cultural class, so we were visiting different touristic places, tried Korean food, learned about culture, etc. All expenses for cultural classes were covered by the university.

Who are Buddies?

At Hanyang University each foreign student had a Buddy, a Korean friend, who suppose to help foreigners to adapt to Korea as soon as possible. Some buddies help to do homework or show them around the country. Unfortunately, not all universities have a buddy program. I didn’t have a buddy when I was studying at Hanguk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS). And as I know, you can apply for buddy help at EWHA University.

Hanguk University of Foreign Studies (Seoul Campus)

Pros & Cons

Let’s compare language courses at HUFS and at Hanyang University.

Well, first of all, I would like to say that each university has pros and cons.

The Buddy program at Hanyang University can be a good advantage, but as soon as all people are different, and having a buddy doesn’t mean that your buddy will be helpful or just a good person. For example, one of my friend’s buddies focused only on studies, and while all the other students were having fun, he forced my friend to do some extra studies, checked his homework, forced to correct the mistakes, redo something, etc. Well, on the one side it is good, but on another side, besides books and studies, social life is also important.

I was walking around Seoul with my buddy, and it helped me to improve my speaking skills, and to learn more about Korean culture.

HUFS has very good speaking practice. During the studies, we had presentations, different discussions, and debates during the class. Also, the speaking exam on the Advanced level was also conducted in debate form.

Cultural classes at Hanyang university were every Wednesday, but in HUFS it was just once per semester.