Language School vs Language Academy? What's the Difference?

The starting point for studying abroad in Korea is an academic institution such as a language school or academy. There are language schools operated by universities and many private language academies. Do you happen to know the differences between language schools and language academies? It is important to choose the right institution to make a good start to your study abroad journey. Today, we will look into the differences between language schools and language academies.

Summary:

Language School

• If enrolled for more than two semesters, it is possible to obtain a visa for staying in Korea.
• It is linked to a university and teaches skills that are necessary for university students.
• Provides systematic classes as part of a bachelor's degree program.
• Provides opportunities to meet various international students.
• Regular courses include cultural experience activities to deeply understand and experience Korean culture.
• Can use university facilities.

Language Academy

• Unable to obtain a visa for staying in Korea specifically for language academy classes.
• Can apply for classes that suit personal schedules, ranging from short-term to long-term.
• Small class sizes for increased concentration.
• Allows for personal time as classes do not fill up the whole week.
• Provides personal lessons to focus on individual improvement.
• Offers more activities to participate in with friends.
• Would you like to compare the details now?

Language School

There are some differences in the curriculum, textbooks, and tuition fees depending on the university, but the overall framework is similar. So, the education program will be based on Seoul National University, and the costs will be introduced based on the average values.

Seoul National University Language School Morning Class | More Details

Seoul National University Language School Afternoon Class | More Details

Curriculum

Regular Course

• The regular course is a year-round program designed to develop comprehensive communication skills. This course is designed for learners who want to study intensively and enter Korean universities or graduate schools, or for those who aim to work in Korean-related businesses.
• The regular course is operated in four semesters: spring, summer, fall, and winter, and learners can choose the suitable semester to start studying Korean. Learners are divided into levels 1 to 6 according to their Korean language proficiency and receive classes accordingly. Additionally, learners who have completed level 6 can study in a research class aimed at cultivating advanced Korean language skills in a specific field.

• Different schools have different regulations regarding morning and afternoon classes. If there is only one class, it usually takes place in the morning.
• In the regular course, learners not only study Korean language but also understand Korean culture through various cultural experiences, such as:
  • Traditional tea ceremony and learning traditional folk songs
  • Traditional games
  • Hanji crafts
  • Korean cuisine
  • DMZ tour
• At Seoul National University, elective classes include pronunciation, TOPIK preparation, and Chinese characters. Other universities have similar elective class structures.

Short-term Course

The short-term course, also known as an intensive training program, is a Korean language short-term course designed for adult learners who want to learn Korean intensively in a short period of time. The course lasts for three weeks and consists of 60 hours of intensive Korean language classes, aimed at improving Korean language proficiency in a short period of time. Korean language classes are comprehensive programs that improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Some schools divide the short-term course into three or six weeks.

Special Courses (based on Seoul National University. For special courses at other schools, please visit their websites)

• Evening Course:
  • This course is for adult learners who want to improve their everyday Korean language communication skills.
  • It is operated four times a year, with 10 weeks per semester, and offers classes from Level 1 to Level 6.
  • The program is for those who have already received a visa, and it is not possible to obtain a visa through this program.
  • There is also an online class available, which follows the same class time, textbook, and curriculum as the offline class.
  • Classes are held from 18:30 to 21:20. The cost is 660,000 won per semester.
• 13-Week Course:
  • The 13-week Korean language course is designed to meet the demands and needs of exchange students and general learners with visas.
  • The purpose of the course is to learn enough to use and apply the Korean language with a manageable amount of coursework.
  • The course is operated twice a year, in the spring and fall semesters, with a total of 117 hours of classes.
  • The program is for those who have already received a visa, and it is not possible to obtain a visa through this program.
  • Classes are held from 09:00 to 12:00. The cost is 1,150,000 won per semester.
• International Summer Course:
  • This program is for learners who have little to no knowledge of Korean or minimal Korean language proficiency and want to learn basic Korean pronunciation, grammar, and communication skills during the summer break.
  • Korean language classes are comprehensive programs that improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, with separate classes focused on each skill.
  • Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 16:00 to 18:00.
  • The cost is 1,200,000 won.
• Commissioned Education Course (Detailed information available via the website):
  • Malaysia program
  • Korean Language and Culture Training Course for Diplomats
  • Culture Partner Program
  • DLI Korean Language Intensive Training Program
  • Short-term Training Program at KAIST

Language Academy

While there may be subtle differences between language schools, the majority of their educational programs and curricula are similar. The educational program that I am introducing is based on Green Language Academy, so if you are interested in applying, please click the link below!

Green Language Academy Morning Class | More Details

Green Language Academy Afternoon Class | More Details

Curriculum

1. Regular program

The program starts every month, and there are a total of 13 levels. Students in the same level study together in classes determined by placement tests.

• Target: Foreigners and overseas Koreans who want to study Korean
• Class Size: 3~20 students
• Morning class
  • Class days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
  • Class time: 10:00~13:00
  • Learning hours: 16 sessions / 48 hours
  • Tuition fee: 490,000 won / month
• Afternoon class
  • Class days: Mon, Wed or Tue, Thu
  • Class time: 14:00~16:00
  • Learning hours: 8 sessions / 16 hours
  • Tuition fee: 260,000 won / month
• Evening class
  • Class days: Mon, Wed or Tue, Thu
  • Class time: 19:00~21:00
  • Learning hours: 8 sessions / 16 hours
  • Tuition fee: 260,000 won / month
• Saturday class
  • Class days: Saturday
  • Class time: 10:00 - 13:00 or 14:00 - 17:00
  • Learning hours: 4 sessions / 12 hours
  • Tuition fee: 220,000 won / 1 session

2. TOPIK class

This class is designed to help students pass levels 3 to 6 of the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).

• TOPIK Preparation Class
  • Target: Intermediate to advanced learners preparing for the TOPIK
  • Class size: 310 students
  • Intermediate class (Preparation for TOPIK levels 3 and 4)
    • Class days: Tue, Thu
    • Class time: 19:00 - 21:00
  • Learning hours: 8 sessions / 16 hours
  • Advanced class (Preparation for TOPIK levels 5 and 6)
    • Class days: Mon, Wed
    • Class time: 19:00~21:00
    • Learning hours: 8 sessions / 16 hours
  • Tuition fee: 260,000 won / month
• TOPIK Writing Class
  • Target: Advanced learners preparing for the TOPIK or those who want to improve their writing skills
  • Class size: 210 students
  • Class days: Mon, Wed
  • Class time: 18:0019:00
  • Learning hours: 8 sessions / 16 hours
  • Tuition fee: 180,000 won / month (including textbook fees)

3. Pronunciation class

This class is designed to improve pronunciation and speaking skills in specific fields.

• Pronunciation Correction Class
  • Target: Advanced learners
  • Class size: 310 students
  • Class schedule: Once a week, 19:0021:00 (4 sessions, 8 hours)
  • Class content:
    • Teaching vowels, consonants, and final consonants for one month each
    • Learning the principles of Korean pronunciation and practicing accurate pronunciation through repetition
    • Focusing on difficult pronunciations according to nationality
    • Practicing natural speaking like native Koreans
  • Tuition fee: 180,000 won / session
• Intensive Conversation Class
  • Target: Intermediate to advanced learners
  • Class size: 310 students
  • Class schedule: Mon, Wed or Tue, Thu 14:0016:00 (4 sessions, 8 hours)
  • Class content:
    • Free-style speaking class
    • Practicing speaking with current events, dramas, and novels as topics
    • Practicing speaking using learned grammar
    • Briefly summarizing grammar and vocabulary from the class
  • Tuition fee: 260,000 won / session

4. Private class

This class is conducted one-on-one with a teacher according to the student's requested content and schedule.

• Target:
  • Learners who want to efficiently learn in their native language
  • Learners with irregular study times
  • Learners who want to concentrate on areas they are not confident in
  • Learners who want to study with friends (only possible if they are at the same level in Korean)
• Class size: 1:1 or 1: multiple students
• Class schedule: Students can choose the date and time of the class (minimum of 1.5 hours per session)
• Class content:
  • Conversation: Intensive conversation, pronunciation correction
  • Job readiness: Writing job application forms and self-introductions, preparing for interviews
  • University entrance preparation: Preparation for TOPIK test, assistance with document writing, coaching for thesis writing
  • Corporate life: Business conversation, presentation practice
  • Life in Korea: Preparation for naturalization test
• Tuition fee:
  • 1:1 class - 45,000 won (1 hour / 1 person)
  • 1: multiple class - 32,000 won (1 hour / 1 person)

Today, we looked into the differences between language schools and language academies. Language schools have only group classes, so it seems like you can make more friends than in language academies. The biggest advantage of language schools is that you can experience university classes and use university facilities in advance. Language academies have individual classes, which is an advantage for focusing on skill improvement.

We hope you compare the two types of academies carefully and choose the one that suits you best to make a great start to your study abroad journey!

We hope that this was helpful! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at support@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!