The Korean Language Summer Immersion at Yonsei University was ...

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experience which definitely improved my Korean language abilities and also my ... We had our lessons at the Yonsei University Korean Language Institute (KLI).
The Korean Language Summer Immersion at Yonsei University was a really interesting and enjoyable experience which definitely improved my Korean language abilities and also my understanding of Korea. We had our lessons at the Yonsei University Korean Language Institute (KLI). I feel that this immersion programme really improved my Korean and my confidence in speaking Korean due to the curriculum and programmes that they offer. The relatively small class size and the assignments given to us allow us to practise our speech and writing in a fun and interesting way. Furthermore, the lessons at KLI are from 9am to 1pm every weekday and that gives us much time after lessons to head outside to explore Korea and also interact with locals. Some of the more interesting and memorable parts of the immersion programme would be the weekly special activities, the Language Exchange Buddy Programme and the home stay activity. KLI planned a special activity for us each week, such as pottery class, culinary class and Samulnori (Korean traditional instruments) class. We were able to learn more about Korean culture through these interesting special activities.

The Language Exchange Buddy Programme allowed us to make friends with Koreans who were our buddies for the three weeks. It was a really good experience because we got to practise our Korean a lot more and also make more Korean friends. Similarly, the home stay activity was an enriching experience as well. In fact, it was my most memorable experience in Korea.

We really got to understand Korean culture and daily life more by interacting with our buddies and home stay hosts. Learning more about their culture and also explaining our culture to them in Korean was challenging but fun and fulfilling at the same time. Also, travelling to tourist attractions such as the Palaces and Traditional Korean Village with these locals, who could provide explanations to us, allowed us to appreciate these historical sites and the Korean history better.

During times when we were not having any school activities or hanging out with our buddies, we just explored places by ourselves. It was rather easy, given that all of us know Korean. It is really easy to get around given Korea's extensive public transport system and though it may seem a little overwhelming at first, it gets really easy to travel by their public transport. Moreover, at KLI, we learn some useful phrases and vocabulary, such as directions, which greatly aided us in Korea. Due to our abilities in understanding and speaking basic Korean, Korea did not really feel that foreign to us (this is also because Korea is rather foreigner-friendly) and all of us really enjoyed the few weeks of exploring Korea.

From studying Korean, I achieved another language skill which allowed me to have such enriching experiences in Korea which I never thought I was capable of prior to learning Korean. I made new Korean friends and am still in contact with my host family. Also, I can now understand Korean dramas, shows and songs a little better than before. Furthermore, knowledge of Korean definitely made travelling in Korea easier. For students who want to join the immersion programme in the future, I would recommend doing research beforehand and gathering necessary information, such as public transport, as it may be a little overwhelming at the start. However, things would really get easier after a short while. It is also good to have an adventurous spirit to explore the various streets and places of Korea, other than the well-known tourist spots, and also try all the delicious Korean cuisine and also get recommendations from the buddies and teachers (because Koreans know best). A lot about Korean culture can be learnt from their cuisine and their eating habits and preferences as well. Also, do try everything Korean - hanbok, noraebang, their food specialties, ordering food delivery and etc. It would be good to make full use of the time in Korea and explore other cities and places, such as Busan, Gyeongju and Jeju as well. These cities offer a different and refreshing experience. Lastly, it is key to not be shy and practise speaking Korean and hang out more with the Korean buddies so as to gain the most out of the immersion programme.

The trip was really fun and fulfilling and I really enjoyed the three weeks of immersion programme. All of us felt that our Korean really improved quite a lot after these three weeks. I made really good memories and am really glad that I went for the immersion programme.

Pang Mei Na