Tan Lip Chew A0098701B

For a period of 3 weeks from 30th June 2013 to 20th July 2013, a group of 64 of us attended the

summer programme at Korean Language Institute(KLI) at Yonsei University, Seoul. It was my first trip

to South Korea and all the anticipations were definitely worth the wait. We started off the

programme with a placement test. Initially I was a little disappointed to know that we are going to

learn grammar points that we had learnt in LAK1201 and LAK2201 again. However, this was quickly

forgotten as the teachers were excellent and classes were interesting. The daily four hours lessons

gave me many opportunities to practice speaking to our teacher and classmates. Speaking has

always and is still my weakest component in my journey of learning Korean. I am glad that we had to

talk about what we did the day before at the start of each lesson. We also had to write a diary entry

daily. It was mind boggling as my roommate, Bryan and I had to think very hard to write something

substantial every night. Nevertheless, it was a good experience having to write in Korean daily and

this has definitely improved my writing.

Besides the mundane lessons daily, we had singing classes once a week after lessons. It was not the

type of lessons where we are taught vocal techniques. Rather, the teachers chose representative

songs such as Arirang, and explained the meaning of the lyrics to us. It was a break from kpop music

and was refreshing and interesting.

We had a pottery making class too. It was my first time experiencing making a wind chime. Although

the end product was not very aesthetically pleasing, it was a piece whereby I will be reminded of

whenever the wind blows.

The initial and end product. It was amazing and fascinating how Korean pottery are being made.

If I have to choose the best weekend in the three weeks, it will definitely be the one spent with the

home stay family. My home stay family were very welcoming and took great care of me. Although it

was a only a short 24 hours, I could feel the warmth the family brought me.

We had ginseng chicken for lunch on 초복(the first hottest day during summer). It was by far the

best ginseng chicken soup that I have eaten. My home stay family brought me to Korean Folk Village

and introduced and explained the lifestyles of people in the past. It was an eye opener to see things

such as a gigantic urn used to store sauces and clothing made from straws. I couldn’t be more than

thankful when we had to part. I was glad that they enjoyed the snacks I brought from Singapore for

them.

Each of us were assigned with a Korean buddy whereby we had language exchange and through this,

helping us with speaking more confidently in the language. My buddy was a friendly and outgoing

person. I am very grateful that despite her lessons and exams, she forked out a lot of time to bring

around Seoul. We visited historical sites such as Gyeongbokgong, Insadong. It was interesting and at

the same time funny how my buddy hadn't been to some of these places and both of us are

fascinated being tourists. Through meeting my buddy, we spoke a lot in Korean rather than in

English. Although my buddy is fluent in English, she took the effort to speak mainly in Korean in

order for me to improve. One memorable experience was making a traditional jewelry box.

Cooking class and traditional instrument class were also remarkable. The spicy chicken and wrap that

we learnt to make was easy to prepare and delicious. Our traditional instrument teacher was full of

vital and keen in teaching. Although both classes were only 2 hours, I enjoyed my time learning.

Definitely, these 3 weeks would not have been so fun filling and exciting without friends. I've made

new friends having the same interests as me. Especially with my roommate and classmate, Bryan,

we had much fun and joy in this short summer.

My journey in learning Korean language since August 2012 till now has been a fulfilling and enriching

one. I feel glad that not only has my language ability improved, I met friends of the same interest as

me. This trip to Yonsei University has not only broaden my knowledge on the language, it has also

triggered my interest in learning more about the culture and history of Korea.

Here are some little tips for others that want to join the immersion programme in the future.

• Step out of one's comfort zone and interact with others. • Never be shy about own's ability to converse in the language. • Bring along more 7D dried mangoes, it is really well loved in Korea!