While the KDI School’s students are from around the globe with diverse professional and cultural background, Korean language and cultures are believed to be the important parts for their everyday life in Korea. Because learning Korean is important in order to get familiar with Korean culture, basic Korean Language and Culture courses are provided to all new students. By enrolling in Korean and culture classes, students can understand basic vocabularies and plain expressions to make basic communications in everyday life. Furthermore, international students can also learn Korean culture such as social norms, food, geography, and history of this rich cultural country.  

“Fun, interesting but difficult” is the common words heard from students who are enrolled in this course. Somvixay Chanthavong (2013 MPP, Laos) said that by learning from vowels and consonants, the Korean class is fun and it reminded him of his preschool education. However, Korean language is difficult in term of pronunciations. Besides Korean language, he stated that he gained more knowledge on Korean history and culture after few fieldtrips and presentations shared by classmates and professor. After a month, he confidently used what he learned in class at least for shopping, especially when bargaining for lower price at the market. 

Another student who always greets his Korean friends everyday in Korean language, Rudolph Tinaye Matete (2013 MPP, Zimbabwe) said he loves Korean language and it is another chance for him to learn a new language. Not different from other international students, he agreed that Korean language is necessary to know while staying in Korea because it is the communication channel. More importantly, Korean might be an advantage for his future job. However, “Korean language is not easy,” he stated. Vowels and consonants with similar pronunciations confuse him most of the times, and it is funny when students pronounce the words like primary school students in class. Rudolph has his favorite Korean expression and he always waits the weekend to say “주말 잘 보내세요!” which means “Have a good weekend!” 

Even though students confirmed that Korean language is difficult, it is interesting and important for them. Most students are waiting to attend another higher level of Korean class this winter vacation.

By Sopheana Bronh (2013 MPP, Cambodia)