Ewha Womans University Short-Term Language Program Impressions ✨
hsuan______
4 hours ago
This time I joined a beginner Korean class. Since I was starting from zero, the course began with learning Hangul. While teaching the alphabet, the teacher also introduced lots of useful vocabulary to help us gradually build a feel for the language. After that, we moved on to everyday topics that come up all the time, like self-introductions, introducing your school and family, dates, time, and numbers.
➡️Starting from the basics
Because we were in the 1A beginner class, the teacher deliberately spoke more slowly during lessons, and listened to our pronunciation one by one. They were very thorough about making sure everyone could keep up, and encouraged us to speak and practice. In class, listening, speaking, reading, and writing were evenly balanced. It was not just speaking practice, we also practiced writing short pieces. At the beginning, since everything was completely new, it honestly felt a bit difficult. But with daily review at home, plus the teacher repeatedly guiding us through practice in class, I gradually caught up. Even though the course was only three short weeks, I can now read Hangul, sound out street signs and simple sentences, and I am even more confident speaking Korean than before. It made me feel that as long as I keep learning, I will improve quickly.
➡️The cherry blossom path I passed on the way to school
Besides the language classes, the school also arranged Korean cultural experiences, like wearing hanbok, tea tasting, listening to historical introductions, and making a cup. It felt like going on a school field trip again, it was super fun and left me with wonderful memories from this program. The application process was also faster and more convenient than I expected. You just fill in basic personal details and upload proof of academic background to complete the application, the overall process is very time-saving and easy.
➡️Cultural class experience
Living in Korea for this month has been even more fulfilling and fun than I imagined. Outside of class, I planned lots of different activities, like going to concerts, musicals, and baseball games. I also tried all kinds of Korean food and bought lots of things I liked, every day was really happy. At first I worried that my Korean was not good and daily life might be inconvenient, but after actually living here, I found that English and Chinese are also used quite a lot. Plus, translation apps are very convenient, so there is no need to be too scared about everyday communication. The school is located in the city center with very convenient transportation, which made daily life and going out much easier.
➡️Went to a concert 🎵
➡️Went to an idol birthday cafe
As for accommodation, the school did not provide a dorm this term, so I chose to rent off-campus. The cost was a bit higher than a dorm or a goshiwon, but overall it was comfortable and convenient, and I could also choose a place with a kitchen. When I did not feel like eating out, I could buy ingredients like vegetables and instant noodles at the market and cook at home, it was a very special and worthwhile living experience.
For living expenses, the main monthly costs include housing, meals, transportation, and entertainment. For housing, if you choose a goshiwon, you can usually find a suitable room for around TWD 15,000 per month. Since I chose a small studio, the cost was a bit higher, averaging about TWD 1,000 per day. For meals, the average is about TWD 1,000 per day, depending on whether you eat out, cook for yourself, or go out for group meals. For transportation, you can buy a transportation card, which is very convenient to use and can also save quite a bit on transit costs. Entertainment expenses vary by personal plans, such as tickets for performances and exhibitions, amusement parks, and activity experiences. This month, I spent about TWD 15,000. Overall, as long as you plan your budget in advance, you can maintain a good quality of life in Korea while also enjoying lots of enriching experiences outside of class.
➡️My small studio apartment while living off-campus
➡️Super delicious pork cutlet
Overall, I think it is a great idea to make good use of the downtime when changing jobs or going through a life transition, and set aside some time to study and live in Korea. This experience was not only about learning the language, it also let me truly experience Korean culture, lifestyle, and the rhythm of life in a different city, it was genuinely so interesting. If you are thinking about doing something like this too, I would really recommend giving it a brave try, because this trip will bring you lots of fresh experiences and leave you with many wonderful memories.