Songkla University students from Thailand learn about Korea for 8 weeks such as Korean language, culture, economics, history, etc.
YU-Songkla University to operate regular ‘Short-term Korean language programs’
Expected to diversify nations for international students and expand number of Thai students
[July 4, 2018]
<<Songkla University students from Thailand visiting YU to learn about Korea>
Learning about Korea is becoming popular among Thai college students. Recently, 28 sophomores and juniors majoring in international studies from the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus from Thailand are coming to Korea to learn Korean and about Korea.
They selected YU to learn about Korea. After starting their studies at YU from Jun 15, they will learn about Korean including the Korean language, cultural experience, and field-learning programs for eight weeks until August 12. All expenses for this were paid by Songkla University.
The Thai students who came to YU major in Korean studies. They are learning not only the Korean language, but also about Korea’s culture, history and politics. They will complete the short-term Korean language education program during their summer vacation.
Suteephat, Sriphol, a junior at the Songkla University Department of International Studies who participated in this program said, “I majored in Korean studies because I was very interested in Korean culture such as K-pop. I am now not only interested in the Korean language and Korean culture, but also other fields such as Korean history and politics. During this program, I hope to improve my Korean skills and experience the diverse cultures of Korea through field-training.” Pemika Pereepas (sophomore) said, “I remember trying ttokboki and samgyetang at a Korean restaurant in Thailand and it was very good. I want to try various food cultures while in Korea.”
During their training period, the students will visit major attractions and industries of the Daegu and Gyeongbuk areas and Seoul such as Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Daegu National Science Museum, Seoul Cheonggyecheon, Lotte World 2, Ulsan Hyundai Motors, and Pohang POSCO to experience the culture and economy of Korea. They will also visit Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae and Andong Hahoe Village and experience the culture and history of Korea that they learned in their studies.
During the training, Thai students also take part in the Buddy Program with YU students. YU students will team up with Thai students and help them become familiar with Korean culture and adapt to the training as soon as possible. Thai students will use their leisure time such as weekends to spend time with Korean college students and experience Korean culture.
YU External Cooperation Office Director Heo Chang-deok said, “Though we had a few international students at our graduate school, we had none in undergraduate or language courses. We are planning to regularly operate short-term Korean language programs with Songkla University in Thailand starting with this exchange.” He added, “Through this training, it is expected that we will be able to diversify nations from which international students come from and attract more students from Thailand.”
