One of the most respectful languages in the world. Part I

Last time I told you about my forst trip to Korea . That short journey changed my life and played a significant role in my future. Today I want to continue my speech on that topic and share more memories about my life in Korea.

So, it was 2009, then I studied at the penultimate year at the university. After the first semester, I was offered to go to Korea for 3 weeks for winter language courses. The organizers paid for everything except the road. My parents immediately gave a green light. Moreover, I have long wanted to learn Korean. Of course, in 3 weeks you can’t learn any language, but anyway, at least something ...

Korean language - Hangugo. Hanguk means Korea or korean, a suffix «O'» means a language.

I, my sister and girlfriend collected all the documents, and were in anticipation of our winter holidays in Seoul. Language courses were held at Hanyang University (한양대학교). We were lodged in a university dormitory. The rooms are small but very clean and comfortable. There was everything you need. 2 beds, tables, lockers, bath, toilet ...

From the hostel to the university, more precisely, to the building where our language courses took place, it was possible to take the metro (1 station), take a shuttle bus (10-15 minutes) or walk (20-30 minutes). Shuttle bass was free and we preferred to ride it, so as not to pay for the subway or to freeze for half an hour on the street, getting on foot.

Hanyang University

The university was founded in 1939. According to the data of 2017, Khanyang ranks 5th among all universities in South Korea. The university has 2 campuses: in Seoul and in the city of Ansan. There are about 15 faculties and 60 departments in the Seoul campus, and more than 40 different specialties are represented in the Ansan campus (also called the ERIC campus). In total, both campuses have more than 30,000 students.

The university has its own hospital. In South Korea, almost every university has its own hospital. In the hospital of the University of Khanyang there is an international department in which Russian-speaking staff work (for patients from the CIS countries). Recently, a lot of foreigners come to South Korea. And not only to rest, but also for treatment ... But this is another topic.

Main building of the Seoul campus of Hanyang University

Language courses

Korean language courses are available at all universities in Korea and the cost of education is almost the same. 1 semester, which lasts about 2 months, costs an average of $ 1,500. The training program is different everywhere. For example, at Hanyang University, we had classes 4 days a week, and 1 time a week cultural events that helped to get to know the culture and history of the country. Classes usually last about 4 hours. The general course includes listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Who are the buddies?

The university provides each foreign student with a local student as a companion and assistant, the so-called buddy. Buddy helps to do homework, talk about the country itself, culture, customs, and sometimes go for a walk with students around the city, showing local attractions. In short, buddies are trying to help students quickly settle in a foreign country.

Alas, not all universities provide buddies. For example, in the University of Foreign Languages ​​or Wade (한국 외국어 대학교) , there is no such thing. I was fortunate enough to take language courses at this university, but it was already part of my undergraduate program. I will tell you about this program and the bachelor’s study in South Korea next time.

Seoul campus of the Hanguk University of International Studies

to be continued...

@irisworld

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More articles about my travel adventures you can find here

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