Finally someone said it! I am still surprised at how people think its possibile to reach graduate level fluency in any language from 0 with only 1 year of language school, especially for native speakers of languages that are completely unrelated to Korean I dont think its a realistic goal.
I think KGSP and a lot of schools make it seem like it's possible because they graduate people who started from 0 every year so people don't have a clear idea of what that experience was actually like for those students. I feel like people really need to take the responsibility to invest more time into learning Korean before they come. I have never met anyone that regretted studying too much. Again, these programs should not be allowing students that speak at a low intermediate level to enter in the first place but they do it for money, prestige, and to have more free graduate student labor available. I even know of one case where a student studied Korean for a total of one semester and then her PhD advisor forced her to come to school before she was ready. She understands almost nothing and is absolutely miserable. The school really shouldn't have allowed it to happen.
The KLIs also only hold on to students for one hear before sending them into the trenches. I feel like a minimum of 3 semesters with the last semester focusing specifically on major-related vocab and college writing/reading would be more realistic.
@@sarahsseoulsearch I met more than a few STEM grads during my exchange in Korea and they seemed to be adapting fairly well with basic language skills, but for social sciences I totally agree language requirements should be much higher than topik 3. I guess these days especially outside of Seoul, universities are struggling to attract even local students, thus I dont think this system is going to change any soon....Too bad for those who actually go there to invest on their education.
Yeah ToT I just hope more realistic information becomes available so people at least know what they are getting themselves intonso they can prepare lol. Hence this video
Sarah is 100% correct. I went to my language study with a Korean TOPIK level in the high 2, almost level 3 range. I am roughly a low level 5 now. My major is mostly in English, but the few classes in Korean I will do are intimidating and I do not plan to take more than 1 per semester. Certainly I am not the best / fastest language learner, but carefully consider if you could handle graduate school in your home country, and then imagine the struggles of doing it in a foreign country. Not impossible at all, but as Sarah said, take the time to properly prepare.
What are you studying? Your major was saying that the lessons will be English/Korean or 100% English? I like the Counseling psychology major in KU and it says is English/Korean, I don't know how much % it's in English and Korean. There is also Counseling which is in 100% English but I want psychology more. Unfortunately, I couldn't find psychology in 100% English in any of the Universities.
Hi, I assumed all my classes would be in Korean and prepared as such. If it says its in English and Korean, there is a high possibility that if will mostly just be Korean.
@@mysuvlakibulgogi4135 I was told my major (International Relations [not GSIS]) would be roughly 80% English and 20% Korean when I asked some professors in my department. I recommend reaching out and asking questions if you are interested and especially as Sarah mentioned in the video, perhaps seeking out current students to get a real sense of what it is like. Notably things are a little weird due to the COVID 19 situation so it may take a bit more work or time to hear back from departments or professors.
Thank you for providing your insights. I feel like a lot of people needed to hear this before applying to a grad school in Korea. Guys, take some time to work on your Korean 1-2 years before so you will be more prepared !
Dear Sarah I don't know from where to start and how to thank you, but thanks a TON for making this video. You don't know and people might not realize but you are a savior. You set yourself out from all those guys who are advising students to do this and that for gks and post fancy posts about SK but never tell them the actual truth or reality. This video is so so important for all the aspirants to watch and understand before they waste their crucial min 3 years of their life. Regarding language barrier I felt the same thing and thus backed out from applying. Perhaps I'll get better in Korean and then apply. Thanks again for showcasing the reality and sharing your experience. Wishing you all the love and best in life. 🎈✨❤
I just discovered this video from a GKS facebook group! This is a very much needed content for future GKS applicants, i get surprised every time seeing people applying to programs taught in 100% Korean with zero knowledge on the language/country itself. People really shouldnt underestimate korean language by applying to study there with zero korean knowledge, at least make some effort to learn the language & the country itself. I'm a fan of korean entertainment, their history & economic development for years so naturally i thought my korean vocabs are better for a non-native speaker. I thought im already at the intermediate level of korean language, but when i did TOPIK practice, i was surprised there are still a number of words i never came across, and that was just TOPIK practice for beginner level😂 I hope more content creators will talk about this more, and not just show only the good side of studying there. So that more people will be more aware bout this. Thankyou for this video! I wonder about the dropping out rate, is that a lot among GKS/other scholarship applicants? Also not sure if you've done this, but i hope you'll make a video for korean universities' grade scoring method, bcs heard there are quite a few method for it or is it just one. P/s: anyway love your content, looking forward to binge watch your contents this weekend!😊
Although I completely agree with most of your points in some level, I do believe a TOPIK 3-4 is what it takes to communicate in a "living" in korea situation. Solve basic problems. So a bit above the elementary school level. But yes, not even near what you want to a academic study. A good solution for this would be enrollment in the universities with GSIS programs. Either way, I love how you went straight to the root of the problem a lot of students go through when going for grad studies in Korea. Even undergrad. Congrats for the video.
Honestly, this is really good information that a lot of people need to hear. My past self included. I'm also reminded of a personal pet-peeve regarding content creators on YouTUBE implying that they learned Korean in 6 months. This kind of statement is super misleading and gives other people who aspire to learn the language a really skewed idea of how learning the language will look or even how long it will take them to achieve true fluency. Survival phrases are not equivalent to fluency. As someone who has been learning the language since 2015, has studied abroad, has had Korean friends who I only speak Korean with, and have also done the Korean program for the Critical Language Scholarship, I still do not have fluency and I sure could not take graduate-level classes in the language. I always love your videos, Sarah. Hope you're doing well despite everything going on ~
Thanks so much for your comment! Yes, this also irritates me as well lol. If someone is natively fluent in Japanese before studying Korean then I can somewhat buy it since there are so many grammatical and vocab similarities and being able to read hanja are basically a cheat code for unlocking Korean vocab, though verbally 'fluent in 6 months' even in that case would still definitely not be the norm. I feel like a lot of K-vlogging channels (lookbooks, studygrams, daily routines, international couples, language learning etc.) very much romanticize life here and skim over the more difficult parts... But life here isn't all iced americanos, cute sweaters, 27-step daily routines, couple rings and neat handwriting... Those things definitely exist and make the hard parts more bearable (thank god lol), but some problems can't be covered with a pastel filter haha. Most "Korean Korean" youtube channels are like this also so it's a hard problem to fix. I feel like the channels about Korea from 7 or 8 years ago when I first came here were more realistic, but these days everything is very ~ a e s t h e t i c ~ and I think it gives people unrealistic expectations about Korea and themselves. I'm not sure if that's due to the sudden explosion of Korean popular culture, the commercialization of TH-cam itself, or what haha. Then people come and either have bad experiences or pretend their life is like that too lol. Maybe a lucky few really live that way but I haven't met any lol Anyway thanks for coming to my TED talk lol I should be doing homework rn but instead I'm writing essays in the comments lol ToT I wish you the best of luck in your Korean journey and would love to meet you if you come while I am here :) Send me a DM on Insta and I'll give you my Kakao
Bahahahahaha I figured you could ;) but I have always tried to to keep my channel PG so most swear words are automatically blocked in comments (I thought that included my own but apparently not lol) im not if I have ever used a curse word on my channel even though I swear all the time IRL lol
Wow! This is such an eye opener! I’m planning to apply for GKS but this vlog made me realize that I really should improve my Korean Language skills especially that I am planning to apply for a PhD degree.
I really appreciate you sharing your honest opinion of what level of Korean is needed for graduate school. I remember reading a blog a few years ago and they said the same thing. She said that anything less than TOPIK 6 isn't good enough. She was saying that both her and her friend had TOPIK 6 and were still struggling because they didn't know the academic words/phrasing needed for their coursework. In fact, my italki teacher has been telling me the same thing for about a year now 😂 I remember the first time I told her I wanted to go to grad school over there she said, "oh, you NEED TOPIK 6 because even TOPIK 6 is 부족해." I scored TOPIK 4 in November and am hoping to participate in KU's academic Korean language program for a few semester's before going to graduate school. I read that this particular program is meant for students who want to complete high education programs in Korea, so students are taught how to write reports, give presentations, participate in discussions, etc. I really hope their program is as good as I'm hoping it is haha May I ask what you thought of Yonsei's program?? I heard they have an academic Korean language program too, but I haven't found anyone who's participated in it...
I've heard good things about KU! I have no clue why they don't just teach those things at regular KLI lol I asked my teacher to show us how to write an academic paper and she looked at me like I was insane and said it was too hard for some of the students in our class... as if it wouldn't be harder to do the exact same thing with zero practice in grad school where grades count for credit and our work is being measured against native speakers 🙃
@@sarahsseoulsearch That's reassuring to hear! If somehow, someway KU doesn't teach me what I'm hoping to learn, I'll continue classes with my italki teacher haha It'll be a little upsetting considering that I'd already in Korean class hours a day, but I'll do what I have to haha I'm surprised she looked to taken aback haha I feel like that's a reasonable request considering you were a KGS scholar and she would have known that LOL
@@NataliaGarza Hey! I studied in KU and even their regular Korean program is really rigorous at level 5 and 6, they basically make you do a lot of class presentations in various topics. And my friends who were in the academic programs swear that they are really rigorous but the upside of it is that all of them ended up being really good in Korean. Hope this information helps!
Thank you so much for this, Sarah! Right now I’m almost finishing my undergratuate in Brazil and I’ve been thinking for so long whether I give it a shot or not to GKS scholarship (and I just have Topik 2 🤣). Going to Korea to study has been a dream for so long that made really hard to give up on this idea, but after this, never felt so sure about what will be better for me. You are amazing and I hope you keep showing the facts cause people nowadays really need to hear this!!! Thank you thank you thank you ❤️
사라님 저는 한국인인데도 국어가 어려워요ㅎㅎㅎ한글이 한자에서 파생된 단어가 많아서 한국인들도 한자 열심히 공부하지 않으면 깊이있는 인문학수업 듣고 아웃풋하기 쉽지 않아요 ㅠㅠㅠ서울대 대학원생이면 대부분이 우리나라에서 날고기는 강남에서 사교육으로 무장한(armed) 엘리트 학생들인데 외국인이 한국생들과 경쟁다는게 말이 안되는거죠..?그리고 한국학생들은 경쟁심이 강해서 외국인이라고 봐주지 않아요 SKY castle 봐봐요ㅠㅠㅠ😪😪😪😪·사라님의 도전자체만으로도 정말 대단한거에요👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@sarahsseoulsearch 지피지기면 백전백승이라는 속담이 있잖아요. 사라님은 한문도 공부하고 정말 동양에 대한 학구열이 대단한것 같습니다.👍👍사라님은 미래에 동서양 학문을 겸비한 훌륭한 사람이 되어 인류 평화와 화해에 기여했으면 좋겠습니다. 모든 사람이 "우리것이 최고라고 외칠때" 사라님 같이 동서양을 모두 공부한 사람이 귀중한 존재가 될거라고 확실해요!!!!!!동양의 "중용 "의 미덕을 겸비한 훌륭한 사람이 되길 바래용👍🏻👍🏻
This is the best video I have seen about studying in Korea, I worked at the Korean Cultural Center in Mexico City and I had the possibility of talking with many students from Korean universities and everyone told me the same, it is better to choose a program in English.
So true! Thank you for sharing this. This is why I'm considering an English program even though I went to language school for a year and have topik 5...
I'll probably never go to Korean Graduate school, but this video seems like solid advice. I know from teaching Chinese students that a lot of Chinese in the US have similar problems that you describe for foreigners in Korea.
I came from Facebook. Thank you for the advices, few people detail and expose the harsh side of studying in Korea. What you said about taking full Korean lessons, I see that is absolutely true comparing the experience of a foreigner (same country as me) who can't understand properly the classes and is overwhelmed by the amount of books written in Korean, so her major program is almost ruined (even tho the is about TOPIK 3)
I am set to graduate next year. Coincidentally, I also did Political Science at a Korean university. For sure the first semester was a pain and our university had only one class in English. I had a tough time
SNU is like HARVARD in Korea. It's not easy even korean to study in snu graduate school. I also experienced same frustration in US Graduate school. I respect you as a pioneer for foreigners who want to study in Korea.
I also want to note that SNU is the top university in korea and only the top percentage of koreans get in. So the coursework is bound to be challenging. But I do agree with everything you said. Studying a masters is hard in your own language so doing it in one you're only a beginner or even just intermediate in is gonna be continous uphill battle. I suggest to all students to look at the universities primary language of instruction but also the course list so they can gauge what level of coursework is required. I have studied korean for 4 years and will be applying to graduate programs in korea for data analytics/data science. I'm far from fluent but I'm confident ^^
Hi, can you please tell me which universities are you thinking of for data science/ data analytics? I'm also interested in this field. I'll really appreciate if you reply.
Thank you so much. I went to SK in 2019 to improve my korean and now I want to go again but only for 1 semester. Maybe in 2022-2 or 2023-1 I will practise more before going
So what if you try applying for 100% English taught programs. Will you still be facing Korean proficiency issues? Though i had my doubts that they wont teach Korean correctly. I have read so many Koreans finding Korean thier own mother tongue hard, when they give language exams especially. But if someone can asnwer my question...please do? Youll probably save my life. Because im thinking of applying for GKS 😅. Tmr is the deadline😅😅
안녕하세요? 저같은 경우에는 대학원을 입학하는 것이 아니라 외국인전형으로 언어학과 1학년을 들어가려는 건데 한국어 수준이 3급이상 정도면 똑같이 어려워할 거라고 생각하시나요? 또, 대학교의 웹사이트를 확인하고 보니 한 6개월동안 일단 한국어 어학당으로 보내고, 교육을 다 받고선 교양뿐만 아니라 실제 전공 수업도 들을 수 있게 해 주신대요. 사라님 어떻게 보시는지를 알려주셨으면 위로가 되겠고 감사하겠습니다. 이탈리아에서 영상을 빠짐없이 재미있게 봅니다~
서울대학교에서 한국학생들과 동일한 조건에서 한국어로하는 강의에서 경쟁한다는건 거의 불가능 수준 입니다,. 한국어 능통해도 힘든 일인데...ㅋㅋㅋ 그런데 전공에따라 적응하기 쉬운곳도 잇을 것같네요. 배우는 학문자체가 서양에서 온것이라.. 그래도 강의를 따라 잡기는 너무 힘들겁니다.
Hey! Thanks. Some really good thoughts. I taught English in Korea for 3 years before and am not taking Korean courses (2 semesters) and hoping to get a TOPIK 5 or 6. I'm in 5급 at the SNU Korean program right now and am hoping to get a Master's degree in English Education so I can work at an international School. I'm not sure how many classes will be in English, but it seems like Korea University doesn't actually require you to have any Korean level at all? Also I met some people at SNU today that are doing grad programs and don't know any Korean. I was quite surprised. They must be offering some majors just in English or something? Anyways, I thought your insights were really good. Thanks for sharing! To be honest I don't really like how SNU seems to treat people (at least online relations) I've already had a a few bad experiences. So I kind of hope to go to Korea University.
사라 씨, 너무 감사합니다!! This video is very informative and inspiring too. Could you please tell me what’s the 한글 for that word/presentation format that you mentioned? I googled it but couldn’t find it at all T.T
thank you so so much for sharing your thoughts and experience with Korean grad school, it's really helpful also because it's pretty hard to find honest opinion and information on the matter! what is it called the word doc/summery paper korean students use to prepare? does it work like that even for business/econ majors? i mean, after each class students are given readings to summarise and eventually present it during the next class?? is it valued as part of the exam score? also, what do you feel like about competition among students? they are supposed to be very stressed and competitive during high school but it seems they can relax and take it easy at university.. isnt it the case for grad school? one more questions, in order to pass exams it's not about studying/memorizing many books but it's more about writing these presentations each time?
Hey Sarah, I've been watching you for many years and have had similar experiences! I'm really thinking about going to grad school in Korea next Fall or Spring and would GREATLY appreciate it if you (or anyone else) could answer a few questions I have - 1. Are you on the GKS scholarship or are you paying out of pocket? (sorry if you've answered this in a past video) 2. Do you think programs that claim to be 100% taught in English are legit? I'm looking at Yeonsei's MBA, which claims to have all classes taught in English. I got the same Bachlor's degree that you did, but I instead mostly studied Chinese and Japanese, and a bit of Swahili. I can read Hangeul and know some VERY basic Korean, but not even close to conversational. So, even though the GKS offers a year of intensive Korean classes, I agree that it's not nearly enough to prepare students for graduate school work in Korean. 3. Do you think it's logical for a global studies major to go to grad school for global business? (I know it's not what you're studying, I'd just like someone's opinion, especially since we got the same undergrad major) I know you're busy right now, but I'd love to hear any feedback from you!
Hi, I am on KGS. The 100% english programs usually are taught 100% in english especially at Yonsei. Global business sounds like a great option for you, but if its an MBA make sure it's accredited in your country:)
Ur stressing out because 1. Your a perfectionist 2. Your young. This type of experience will serve you well in the future. I've been in your shoes. It might not be about the subjects you learn at school but the experience& challenges you're facing now thatll prove useful Lateron in life . Good luck!
I watched this vlog again 😅 I totally agree with you Sarah. Korean universities must not accept students with zero Korean language skills. Student applicants must have at least TOPIK Level 3 upon application and study for 1 year.
Hi! thanks for your insight the information was really useful yet, I have a doubt you have said that it is not likely for a student to finish the career in the stipulated time (which in your case is 2 years), but can you as a GKS scholar take more time that the stipulated?. For example I want to apply to the scholarship as a Undergraduate student, but in order to really enjoy the experience and truly learn i want to take more than 4 years to complete it, can I really do that? Thanks for sharing your experience!
Yeah I got my bachelors in computer science and global studies but there is no way I'm getting a comp sci masters at a Korean university... I studied abroad for a semester at KU and my one CS course was by far my hardest. It was even supposed to be in English, but sometimes the professor would forget to translate when he answered a question a student asked in Korean, or his English would be awkward or slightly difficult to understand (and when you are going to a class on cybersecurity early in the morning when your brain is not fully awake, you want your professor to be as easily understood as possible) Meanwhile their International Studies department is all in English and I'd rather get a graduate degree in that anyway! And that was my other major. Although I will say I think even the Korean students were struggling in that class lol. When he curved the grade at the end I went from an F to a B+! None of us really learned anything though I think
I took a TOPIK in 2019 and got a 5. I do not study Korean regularly much anymore. I am going to do a semester at Yonsei next semester. I don't know how much Korean I will learn there.. I was considering maybe after my undergraduate degree doing grad school in South Korea.. It looks like if that is a possibility, I have a lot of work to do.. Lmao...
@@sarahsseoulsearch I’m interested in doing the Global MBA program and I was wondering if it’s a good program to pursue. I’m trying to decide my next steps. So a bit about me. I have my BA and MA in Korean Studies. My MA program wasn’t a good one and I was unable to get into a Korean Studies Ph.D. program. I wanted to teach Korean Studies at college. Currently I’m teaching English in South Korea. Basically I’ve emailed professors from US Ph.D.programs and they say I’d need to do another masters in Korean studies if I want a PH.D and some even said that I may not want a Ph.D. because of the toxic environment. I don’t have money to get a masters, so whatever I do I need a scholarship. So yeah. I was looking at what I should do next. One of my options is an MBA program. I know there’s pros and cons to getting an MBA in Korea vs the US, so I was looking for opinions. Also even though I’ve studied Korean for 5-6 years I’m not fluent I’m still only high beginner low intermediate. So if you have any advice at all or know someone who I can contact, I would greatly appreciate it.
Hi, great video and thank you for the info. I'm actually looking to get into korean universities for gmba program and their websites say that it's taught in english as well so will i still need to take the TOPIK exam? Also which course are you studying rn? if you don't mind telling 😊
Thank you so much for educational advices and tips, i would like to ask about scholarship by professors in their lab, is it worth applying and whether they are willing to teach us in English or mostly prefer teaching and doing research in Korean ? Thank you advance !
Sarah, thank you!! this video was Soooo important for me! I am 30 and want to enter Grad school in Korea. Nowhere i could find any information about if it is really possible to study in Korean language even after TOPIK 4-5. I have one question: after graduating an english major and Topik 4-5 is it still possible to get a job in Korea?
I went to UCLA and now I’m at Columbia for my masters getting a PhD at SNU seems a bit easy from what I went through in the states. I’m also Korean and I know it’s highly regarded there but damn I was doing my research and people have said the exams are just memorization from previous years 😩 + you can get a PhD within 3 years compared to 6? Bruh I’m going back home to the motherland for my PhD lol
@@offickdkdkkdkdkdkek Of course! What I meant is that struggling through the more rigorous US curriculum is going to be worth it in the long run if your goal is to become an excellent scholar. I don't recommend coming here for your PhD. Also, it's technically possible in Korea to graduate in 3 years with your PhD (this is the case in many European countries as well), but I don't know anyone in my department who has done it successfully. Despite the lower average rigor and publication rate compared to the US, people generally seem to take a long time to graduate; 6 semesters is not atypical for my program, and it's only a master's degree. I've never met anyone who finished the program in fewer than 5 semesters.
Thanks for good video. Would u mind if i have a question about admission of SNU graduate school, plz? Do u think, On language, Applicant of Topik 3~4 can get admission of SNU graduate school in International admission 1? I'm told that at least Topik 5 is recommended for getting admission. Still, i cannot believe it. Could u share ur opinion on this please? btw Happy new year!
Can I ask a question? so In Grad school , for master program under college of medicine (like system medicine , public health) Are paper , exam answer sheet , research paper also written in Korean language? Or in english?
Hey Sarah. Thank you so much for providing your insights. I have been learning Korean for almost 2 years now, I don't have topik yet, unfortunately. I am thinking of applying to a major which is 100% Korean. But I am really scared. Should not even expect few classes in English per semester?
Hi, it really depends but that might not be a possibility. Some schools say they offer classes in English but in reality only have one every other semester or something. It's always better to over-prepare. Especially if it says its 100% Korean, it's best to assume that it will be 100% Korean.
Hi , i have question i hope i could get some kind of replay from you, do you think if someone self study home in 3-5 hours korean up to 10-12 month can success in some mature level of korean to apply afterward to the korean university? Btw i love this video, thank for your support to other students.
Hi, I think it's possible to get to a decent level but tbh, it's highly unlikely that you will be prepared to enter college level courses after just a year of self study even assuming you do everything perfectly. Spending a year and a half in full time language school in Korea or at the defense language institute is probably the fastest way to achieve that level of proficiency from zero (assuming you are a hardworking student), and even then you will need to work on speaking and writing outside of class. Even then, you will probably keep learning new things and making mistakes for life (Tbh I still do and I've been in and out of Korea for nearly a decade). That being said, it is NOT impossible to learn Korean to a high level and I do not want to dissuade you whatsoever - just know that if you are in this, you are in it for the long haul. So try to enjoy the process of studying as much as you can, because you're going to have to do it a LOT for a long time if you want to set yourself up for academic success in Korea! Also remember that mistakes are your friend - if you are making mistakes, it means you are learning! If you can do everything perfectly then you need to increase your difficulty level so you can challenge yourself more and work those language learning muscles!
@@sarahsseoulsearch Thank you for your advices, it help me a lot to think and prepare myself in this situation, im from norway and want to take an undergraduage bachelor degree in psychology in korea, im kinda nervous because im aware of the situation about the korean system have a negative eyelook towards foreginers, but in same time i've been in korea before, lived in a short time (half year) and i can say it was my best half year in my life, but yes i do worry for my future if i do a degree in korea, so i do think a lot about doing it or not.
I got accepted in global mba for yonsei and doing research I am also considering applying to schools in Japan and Singapore for grad school mba and see if I get accepted but not sure if I want pass up on going to yonsei. The tuition is a little more compared to other countries
Hi Sarah, will there be a chance where I would have to take a Korean subject here and there even though it was mentioned as a full English course when I apply? Thank you for making this video!
Are you sure? I was searching for an MBA program in the Business school of SNU and in the description, they say there are full English curriculum for English speakers students? Plus I don't know Korean at all.
It depends on the program. If the entire program is 100% English with no exceptions its probably fine. If it's "mixed" I feel like the safest option is assuming it will mostly be Korean.
Hello ! I am in my last degree of Korean international relations in my homecountry and I did one year as an exchange student in a korean university (not snu) I had the Topik 3 before entering college. So I was thinking to do my master in Korea at snu in international relations but if we take only class in English in graduate programs were not gonna face this kinds of problems ? or all of class in graduate school are in Korean ? thank you very much :)
Hi Sarah, thank you for all of the help thus far! Does SNU GSIS Graduate Program provide students the opportunity to do the language program first? Is this considered alongside the application for admission to the University or would I have to do it separately? Like, if I apply to start GSIS spring 2023 then would I have to do the language learning before that? Or could I start the language learning program in Spring 2023 and then progress to regular coursework?
I think you could do the SNU language program but I have heard it isn't all that great. What is your goal for learning Korean? Is it more important to you to br able to read/write/speak/understand etc? Also the GSIS does have classes in English and Korean language classes. I have heard that the GSIS Korean classes suck though so I can't really recommend them
you did good I promise. It's not easy to learn a foreign language, even more to understand it like a native speaker, and like you said as soon as possible. I'm still struggle with my English even after dozens of years 😂😅. Well maybe because never practicing it. BTW the video you posted when you arrived in Korea a while ago actually 7 years ago?, really?, :O, never realise it's a while while back then. And also congratulation on your graduation, I know it's a bit late sorry for that but better late than never right.
@@sarahsseoulsearch maybe because I'm using vpn perhaps. I wrote the original comment on another phone, jailbreak android phone. Use vpn to bypass speed limit. I broke that phone countless time 😂😅. I mean not the hardware but software. Exploring hidden root engine have a price I guess
In GKS they mention few majors which will be taken completely in English, is there any chance that I have to take Korean classes after going there even though it wasn't mentioned before?
Hello! I am genuinely curious how Graduate School is. Do you still have quizzes? Do you still take midterm/finals exams too? And also, is the thesis written fully in Korean or in English? Thank you so much
Hi - I finished my degree last month so hopefully, my answers are helpful. I never had to take any quizzes, but I have heard of people in other programs doing tests and quizzes. I didn't take any midterms or final exams; there were only term papers. Thesis language depends on your school, though most will allow you to write it in English even if the program is in Korean because most academic scholarship worldwide is in English also. I ended up writing mine in English, though I might translate it someday. Tbh, I was going through some stuff and was extremely burnt out so I just needed to do what it took to graduate ToT
Hi Sarah, I want to ask for your advice and help, I'm planning to study the Korean language in Korea at the beginning of 2023, and I want to guarantee getting admitted at one of 5 top Korean universities to apply for a my country scholarship. I've already applied for the master degree - Srping 2023 - international student track of Korea & Yonsei Univ. and the results of both universities was "not accepted. I've notarized all the required documents, but I need your advice on my own personal statement if it is okay for you I will send it by email. If you can help me please inform me, and any suggestions from you can help, thanks a lot.
Hello Sarah, I found the TEMEP program and the dept office let me know that the entire program can be completed in English. Yet I dont fully trust it. The websites of SNU are also not the greatest. Do you know the best place to contact ex-SNU students for expriences?
Hi, there are programs that really are in English. At the end of the video I mentioned GSIS, or graduate schools of international studies, which most major universities have. These programs are almost always entirely in English.
Hello Sarah !!!... What do you consider Is the price per semester at SNU in the engineering deparment...??.. i was searching and found around 7k usd .. Is that true .. ??? Please give me some help thank youuuu
Hi! I'm planning to take a Master's in Political Science. Is it rare to find sample materials related to that Degree? I'm currently taking my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science btw.
Hi, just go to a bookstore and find a translation of an english textbook into Korean (there are a lot). Then memorize the glossary in the back and make your way through th3 content
I ma literally dying to go to korea but i m just 15 y n my family will never allow me to go there n one que. sis. that did u studied in korean there when u were in university
Does this advice also applies to those who want to take an undergraduate? I want to apply for SNU undergraduate degree majoring design and i was informed that they will give me a language classes within the university
Hi, yes they often give language classes but these are often of poor quality. I would get a Topik 4 or above before coming and then work on getting a 6 before enrolling in a korean language program
I want to know how the evaluation system works in Korean university how many exams we need to take to complete a sub will you please provide info about it
Can I ask how can one prepare themselves for graduate school in korea? What would I need to do? And what is GIS?? I'm currently doing my undergraduate degree in psychology I will be graduating in October 2023 and I'm planning on doing my masters in clinical psychology and psyd in korea. Would the GIS include social sciences? Or is it for persons studying things like international relations and such?
Gsis typically only includes international relations type majors. May I ask why you want to study psychology in Korea? Do you want to live in Korea and also have a separate desire to study psychology, or is there something else here?
If you are trying to treat mental illness as your profession, I honestly cannot recommend coming here for your masters. If you are from the anglosphere or europe, you most likely would not be able to use your degree at home and you would also face extreme competition for jobs here and be at a disadvantage. If you are from an English speaking country, you would most likely be better off getting your degree there, coming here afterwards and then working at a clinic that specializes in helping foreigners. Realistically, most Koreans would not pick a counselor who isn't a native Korean speaker or someone who grew up here, so a lot of psychology clinics would hesitate to hire a foreigner. Unfortunately, discrimination based on ethnicity, nationality gender religion etc is still legal in Korea so I feel like you would have a very difficult and frustrating time for little reward. Perhaps I am wrong, but I wanted to tell you what could happen based on talking to hundreds of kgsp and other foreign students here :/
@@sarahsseoulsearch well I love SK and I do want to live there but psychology is my passion. Also I know that mental health was and is somewhat still a bit taboo over there and I have a strong desire to also help persons overcome that. So I think that studying this in Korea would give me a better opportunity to understand mental health as it is in Korea. I know there would be a cultural difference in this aspect so I figured since I would love to live there one day and work in that field it would be better for me to study there. This way I can understand that difference and also know how to connect better with natives and truly understand the dynamic of the issues they are facing not just as a psychologist but as a foreigner so as to not impose my own cultural understanding on such issues to them. Especially if it's something family wise or job wise etc.
@@sarahsseoulsearch thank you for the insight. Truthfully speaking I'm aware of what you have mentioned and I have been researching extensively to see how I can make this possible. I'm from the Caribbean, I live Ina Caribbean Island. English is my native language but I do know the troubles I could possibly face if I do infact do my masters degree in Korea and honestly it scares me and it won't be my only option of course but I feel like it's a chance that I should take despite the odds being against me. I recently found another youtuber from the Phillipines who is doing his masters in SK currently in psychology so it was a bit refreshing for me to see that. But thank you for the feedback it was very VERY appreciated. I will definitely consider my options and try to figure out the best route. I have already considered completing my degrees in maybe the UK but for some reason I can't just completely give up and by pass trying to do it in SK as well. I'm also currently learning Korean have been for almost a year now.
May I know how is it for undergraduate students, I mean for the one's who apply after their high school...... is there any english classes for busines/commerce students? I hope u will reply cuz I really need to know this please!
Hi sarah i just saw your this video i would love to know if you could help me or refer someone who is in professional graduate business school ( GBSSNU) as am applying for master
I applied for GKS 2021 Then did u mean that we can’t finish our master program in 2 years id we had 3 full credits and we will have to take another year without scholarship’s allowance !!
Hi, at least in my department people usually only take 2 classes at a time (which sounds like not a lot of work but professors basically assign readings and homework under the assumption that your courseload is approximately equivalent to 2 classes). Most Koreans in my program need 5 or 6 semesters to graduate. I get funding from KGSP for 4 of those semesters, so for the 5th semester, I will have to fund myself. However, since I will most likely be writing my thesis during that semester, I only have to pay a few hundred dollars to stay enrolled. I could even go back home during that semester if I wanted to.
Same advice, except I would be even more strict about learning Korean. I know a girl from China who came to SNU because she was told there would be classes in English when there is literally only one (Middle Eastern politics, which has absolutely nothing to do with her research). She is having a really difficult time.
![How Much Do Foreigners In Korea Make? [Seoul] | Street Interview](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nfrgOeb1AHY/mqdefault.jpg)
Finally someone said it! I am still surprised at how people think its possibile to reach graduate level fluency in any language from 0 with only 1 year of language school, especially for native speakers of languages that are completely unrelated to Korean I dont think its a realistic goal.
I think KGSP and a lot of schools make it seem like it's possible because they graduate people who started from 0 every year so people don't have a clear idea of what that experience was actually like for those students. I feel like people really need to take the responsibility to invest more time into learning Korean before they come. I have never met anyone that regretted studying too much.
Again, these programs should not be allowing students that speak at a low intermediate level to enter in the first place but they do it for money, prestige, and to have more free graduate student labor available. I even know of one case where a student studied Korean for a total of one semester and then her PhD advisor forced her to come to school before she was ready. She understands almost nothing and is absolutely miserable. The school really shouldn't have allowed it to happen.
The KLIs also only hold on to students for one hear before sending them into the trenches. I feel like a minimum of 3 semesters with the last semester focusing specifically on major-related vocab and college writing/reading would be more realistic.
@@sarahsseoulsearch I met more than a few STEM grads during my exchange in Korea and they seemed to be adapting fairly well with basic language skills, but for social sciences I totally agree language requirements should be much higher than topik 3. I guess these days especially outside of Seoul, universities are struggling to attract even local students, thus I dont think this system is going to change any soon....Too bad for those who actually go there to invest on their education.
Yeah ToT I just hope more realistic information becomes available so people at least know what they are getting themselves intonso they can prepare lol. Hence this video
Sarah is 100% correct.
I went to my language study with a Korean TOPIK level in the high 2, almost level 3 range. I am roughly a low level 5 now. My major is mostly in English, but the few classes in Korean I will do are intimidating and I do not plan to take more than 1 per semester. Certainly I am not the best / fastest language learner, but carefully consider if you could handle graduate school in your home country, and then imagine the struggles of doing it in a foreign country. Not impossible at all, but as Sarah said, take the time to properly prepare.
What are you studying? Your major was saying that the lessons will be English/Korean or 100% English? I like the Counseling psychology major in KU and it says is English/Korean, I don't know how much % it's in English and Korean. There is also Counseling which is in 100% English but I want psychology more. Unfortunately, I couldn't find psychology in 100% English in any of the Universities.
Hi, I assumed all my classes would be in Korean and prepared as such. If it says its in English and Korean, there is a high possibility that if will mostly just be Korean.
Also my major is political science.
@@sarahsseoulsearch yes I know usually it's mostly in Korean 😥 okk thank you so much for this video !!
@@mysuvlakibulgogi4135 I was told my major (International Relations [not GSIS]) would be roughly 80% English and 20% Korean when I asked some professors in my department. I recommend reaching out and asking questions if you are interested and especially as Sarah mentioned in the video, perhaps seeking out current students to get a real sense of what it is like. Notably things are a little weird due to the COVID 19 situation so it may take a bit more work or time to hear back from departments or professors.
Thank you for providing your insights. I feel like a lot of people needed to hear this before applying to a grad school in Korea. Guys, take some time to work on your Korean 1-2 years before so you will be more prepared !
Sarah dropping the hard hitting facts. Happy to see more content from one of the most underrated vloggers
I appreciate your appreciation!
@@sarahsseoulsearch i appreciate you appreciating my appreciation
Dear Sarah
I don't know from where to start and how to thank you, but thanks a TON for making this video. You don't know and people might not realize but you are a savior. You set yourself out from all those guys who are advising students to do this and that for gks and post fancy posts about SK but never tell them the actual truth or reality. This video is so so important for all the aspirants to watch and understand before they waste their crucial min 3 years of their life. Regarding language barrier I felt the same thing and thus backed out from applying. Perhaps I'll get better in Korean and then apply.
Thanks again for showcasing the reality and sharing your experience. Wishing you all the love and best in life. 🎈✨❤
I just discovered this video from a GKS facebook group! This is a very much needed content for future GKS applicants, i get surprised every time seeing people applying to programs taught in 100% Korean with zero knowledge on the language/country itself. People really shouldnt underestimate korean language by applying to study there with zero korean knowledge, at least make some effort to learn the language & the country itself.
I'm a fan of korean entertainment, their history & economic development for years so naturally i thought my korean vocabs are better for a non-native speaker. I thought im already at the intermediate level of korean language, but when i did TOPIK practice, i was surprised there are still a number of words i never came across, and that was just TOPIK practice for beginner level😂
I hope more content creators will talk about this more, and not just show only the good side of studying there. So that more people will be more aware bout this. Thankyou for this video!
I wonder about the dropping out rate, is that a lot among GKS/other scholarship applicants? Also not sure if you've done this, but i hope you'll make a video for korean universities' grade scoring method, bcs heard there are quite a few method for it or is it just one.
P/s: anyway love your content, looking forward to binge watch your contents this weekend!😊
Although I completely agree with most of your points in some level, I do believe a TOPIK 3-4 is what it takes to communicate in a "living" in korea situation. Solve basic problems. So a bit above the elementary school level. But yes, not even near what you want to a academic study. A good solution for this would be enrollment in the universities with GSIS programs. Either way, I love how you went straight to the root of the problem a lot of students go through when going for grad studies in Korea. Even undergrad. Congrats for the video.
TOPIK 3 or 4 is usually enough for everyday life, assuming your speaking abilities are also approximately at that level. Thanks for watching
What is GSIS program?
Honestly, this is really good information that a lot of people need to hear. My past self included.
I'm also reminded of a personal pet-peeve regarding content creators on YouTUBE implying that they learned Korean in 6 months. This kind of statement is super misleading and gives other people who aspire to learn the language a really skewed idea of how learning the language will look or even how long it will take them to achieve true fluency. Survival phrases are not equivalent to fluency. As someone who has been learning the language since 2015, has studied abroad, has had Korean friends who I only speak Korean with, and have also done the Korean program for the Critical Language Scholarship, I still do not have fluency and I sure could not take graduate-level classes in the language.
I always love your videos, Sarah. Hope you're doing well despite everything going on ~
Thanks so much for your comment! Yes, this also irritates me as well lol. If someone is natively fluent in Japanese before studying Korean then I can somewhat buy it since there are so many grammatical and vocab similarities and being able to read hanja are basically a cheat code for unlocking Korean vocab, though verbally 'fluent in 6 months' even in that case would still definitely not be the norm.
I feel like a lot of K-vlogging channels (lookbooks, studygrams, daily routines, international couples, language learning etc.) very much romanticize life here and skim over the more difficult parts... But life here isn't all iced americanos, cute sweaters, 27-step daily routines, couple rings and neat handwriting... Those things definitely exist and make the hard parts more bearable (thank god lol), but some problems can't be covered with a pastel filter haha.
Most "Korean Korean" youtube channels are like this also so it's a hard problem to fix. I feel like the channels about Korea from 7 or 8 years ago when I first came here were more realistic, but these days everything is very ~ a e s t h e t i c ~ and I think it gives people unrealistic expectations about Korea and themselves. I'm not sure if that's due to the sudden explosion of Korean popular culture, the commercialization of TH-cam itself, or what haha. Then people come and either have bad experiences or pretend their life is like that too lol. Maybe a lucky few really live that way but I haven't met any lol
Anyway thanks for coming to my TED talk lol I should be doing homework rn but instead I'm writing essays in the comments lol ToT I wish you the best of luck in your Korean journey and would love to meet you if you come while I am here :) Send me a DM on Insta and I'll give you my Kakao
@@sarahsseoulsearch nooo say it aint so, i must believe everything to be pastel and aesthetic D:
@Jerry113 i hate to be the bearer of bad news but your dreams are cotton-candy flavored bullshit 😬😬
@@sarahsseoulsearch i saw the inb4 edit. i can take it lolol!
Bahahahahaha I figured you could ;) but I have always tried to to keep my channel PG so most swear words are automatically blocked in comments (I thought that included my own but apparently not lol) im not if I have ever used a curse word on my channel even though I swear all the time IRL lol
Wow! This is such an eye opener! I’m planning to apply for GKS but this vlog made me realize that I really should improve my Korean Language skills especially that I am planning to apply for a PhD degree.
I really appreciate you sharing your honest opinion of what level of Korean is needed for graduate school. I remember reading a blog a few years ago and they said the same thing. She said that anything less than TOPIK 6 isn't good enough. She was saying that both her and her friend had TOPIK 6 and were still struggling because they didn't know the academic words/phrasing needed for their coursework. In fact, my italki teacher has been telling me the same thing for about a year now 😂 I remember the first time I told her I wanted to go to grad school over there she said, "oh, you NEED TOPIK 6 because even TOPIK 6 is 부족해."
I scored TOPIK 4 in November and am hoping to participate in KU's academic Korean language program for a few semester's before going to graduate school. I read that this particular program is meant for students who want to complete high education programs in Korea, so students are taught how to write reports, give presentations, participate in discussions, etc. I really hope their program is as good as I'm hoping it is haha
May I ask what you thought of Yonsei's program?? I heard they have an academic Korean language program too, but I haven't found anyone who's participated in it...
I've heard good things about KU! I have no clue why they don't just teach those things at regular KLI lol I asked my teacher to show us how to write an academic paper and she looked at me like I was insane and said it was too hard for some of the students in our class... as if it wouldn't be harder to do the exact same thing with zero practice in grad school where grades count for credit and our work is being measured against native speakers 🙃
@@sarahsseoulsearch That's reassuring to hear! If somehow, someway KU doesn't teach me what I'm hoping to learn, I'll continue classes with my italki teacher haha It'll be a little upsetting considering that I'd already in Korean class hours a day, but I'll do what I have to haha
I'm surprised she looked to taken aback haha I feel like that's a reasonable request considering you were a KGS scholar and she would have known that LOL
Most KLIs teach people to pass the TOPIK and not much else. I really hope your experience at KU is different!
@@sarahsseoulsearch Me too haha
@@NataliaGarza Hey! I studied in KU and even their regular Korean program is really rigorous at level 5 and 6, they basically make you do a lot of class presentations in various topics. And my friends who were in the academic programs swear that they are really rigorous but the upside of it is that all of them ended up being really good in Korean. Hope this information helps!
Thank you so much for this, Sarah!
Right now I’m almost finishing my undergratuate in Brazil and I’ve been thinking for so long whether I give it a shot or not to GKS scholarship (and I just have Topik 2 🤣).
Going to Korea to study has been a dream for so long that made really hard to give up on this idea, but after this, never felt so sure about what will be better for me.
You are amazing and I hope you keep showing the facts cause people nowadays really need to hear this!!!
Thank you thank you thank you ❤️
Really approeciate this. Beeng looking into Global Korea Scholarship and this is really helpful.
사라님 저는 한국인인데도 국어가 어려워요ㅎㅎㅎ한글이 한자에서 파생된 단어가 많아서 한국인들도 한자 열심히 공부하지 않으면 깊이있는 인문학수업 듣고 아웃풋하기 쉽지 않아요 ㅠㅠㅠ서울대 대학원생이면 대부분이 우리나라에서 날고기는 강남에서 사교육으로 무장한(armed) 엘리트 학생들인데 외국인이 한국생들과 경쟁다는게 말이 안되는거죠..?그리고 한국학생들은 경쟁심이 강해서 외국인이라고 봐주지 않아요 SKY castle 봐봐요ㅠㅠㅠ😪😪😪😪·사라님의 도전자체만으로도 정말 대단한거에요👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
저는 다행히 중국어 부전공했기 때문에 한자를 어느 정도 알아볼 수 있어요 >< 중국어 공부 안했으면 훨씬 힘들었을 것 같아요
그리고 스카이 캐슬 보고 왔습니다 ㅎㅎ 저는 보통 한국드라마 많이 안 보는데 그거 진짜 재미있었네요 ㅎ
@@sarahsseoulsearch 지피지기면 백전백승이라는 속담이 있잖아요. 사라님은 한문도 공부하고 정말 동양에 대한 학구열이 대단한것 같습니다.👍👍사라님은 미래에 동서양 학문을 겸비한 훌륭한 사람이 되어 인류 평화와 화해에 기여했으면 좋겠습니다. 모든 사람이 "우리것이 최고라고 외칠때" 사라님 같이 동서양을 모두 공부한 사람이 귀중한 존재가 될거라고 확실해요!!!!!!동양의 "중용 "의 미덕을 겸비한 훌륭한 사람이 되길 바래용👍🏻👍🏻
This is the best video I have seen about studying in Korea, I worked at the Korean Cultural Center in Mexico City and I had the possibility of talking with many students from Korean universities and everyone told me the same, it is better to choose a program in English.
So true! Thank you for sharing this. This is why I'm considering an English program even though I went to language school for a year and have topik 5...
I'll probably never go to Korean Graduate school, but this video seems like solid advice. I know from teaching Chinese students that a lot of Chinese in the US have similar problems that you describe for foreigners in Korea.
I came from Facebook.
Thank you for the advices, few people detail and expose the harsh side of studying in Korea.
What you said about taking full Korean lessons, I see that is absolutely true comparing the experience of a foreigner (same country as me) who can't understand properly the classes and is overwhelmed by the amount of books written in Korean, so her major program is almost ruined (even tho the is about TOPIK 3)
I just want to help people know what is coming so they can prepare >
you're a real boss. thanks . I like people who are willing to be real in a loving way. All the best to you!
I am set to graduate next year. Coincidentally, I also did Political Science at a Korean university. For sure the first semester was a pain and our university had only one class in English. I had a tough time
Congratulations on almost finishing ♡
Hello, I have a couple of questions regarding your expierence do you have time to disucss :D ? As I am planning to go for the same route
What was your TOPIK level??
@@user-es9lr8so8e level 6. But now done with undergrad and doing masters
어썸코리아에서 젤 기다리는 분이신데.....플리즈 컴백.....ㅠㅠ
SNU is like HARVARD in Korea.
It's not easy even korean to study in snu graduate school. I also experienced same frustration in US Graduate school.
I respect you as a pioneer for foreigners who want to study in Korea.
Thank you!!
@@tmpguy9776 i really appreciate that ToT
I also want to note that SNU is the top university in korea and only the top percentage of koreans get in. So the coursework is bound to be challenging.
But I do agree with everything you said. Studying a masters is hard in your own language so doing it in one you're only a beginner or even just intermediate in is gonna be continous uphill battle.
I suggest to all students to look at the universities primary language of instruction but also the course list so they can gauge what level of coursework is required.
I have studied korean for 4 years and will be applying to graduate programs in korea for data analytics/data science. I'm far from fluent but I'm confident ^^
Good luck!
I currently go to SNU!
Hi, can you please tell me which universities are you thinking of for data science/ data analytics? I'm also interested in this field. I'll really appreciate if you reply.
Hi, could you reply if you got into data science programme?
That is very scary TRUTH !!!!!!!! I am very shocked!!!!!!!
Thank you for your video and effort! I find it really helpful.
Thank you for sharing... No one share it.. and others takes wrong decision out of fantacy
Thank you so much. I went to SK in 2019 to improve my korean and now I want to go again but only for 1 semester. Maybe in 2022-2 or 2023-1 I will practise more before going
So what if you try applying for 100% English taught programs. Will you still be facing Korean proficiency issues? Though i had my doubts that they wont teach Korean correctly. I have read so many Koreans finding Korean thier own mother tongue hard, when they give language exams especially.
But if someone can asnwer my question...please do? Youll probably save my life. Because im thinking of applying for GKS 😅. Tmr is the deadline😅😅
thank you so much for this. You just opened my eyes❤️
This is so insightful! Thank you.
Girl you just gained a subscriber. I am so thankful to you for giving us the truth! Hope to see more of these!
Thank you so much for this very informational video!
안녕하세요?
저같은 경우에는 대학원을 입학하는 것이 아니라 외국인전형으로 언어학과 1학년을 들어가려는 건데 한국어 수준이 3급이상 정도면 똑같이 어려워할 거라고 생각하시나요? 또, 대학교의 웹사이트를 확인하고 보니 한 6개월동안 일단 한국어 어학당으로 보내고, 교육을 다 받고선 교양뿐만 아니라 실제 전공 수업도 들을 수 있게 해 주신대요.
사라님 어떻게 보시는지를 알려주셨으면 위로가 되겠고 감사하겠습니다.
이탈리아에서 영상을 빠짐없이 재미있게 봅니다~
이거 무슨 대학교입니까? 그리고 감사합니다!
More vlogs like this please, Ex: About a life of a foreign student in a PhD degree
서울대학교에서 한국학생들과 동일한 조건에서 한국어로하는 강의에서 경쟁한다는건 거의 불가능 수준 입니다,. 한국어 능통해도 힘든 일인데...ㅋㅋㅋ
그런데 전공에따라 적응하기 쉬운곳도 잇을 것같네요. 배우는 학문자체가 서양에서 온것이라.. 그래도 강의를 따라 잡기는 너무 힘들겁니다.
최선을 다 하고 있습니다 >
Hey! Thanks. Some really good thoughts. I taught English in Korea for 3 years before and am not taking Korean courses (2 semesters) and hoping to get a TOPIK 5 or 6. I'm in 5급 at the SNU Korean program right now and am hoping to get a Master's degree in English Education so I can work at an international School. I'm not sure how many classes will be in English, but it seems like Korea University doesn't actually require you to have any Korean level at all? Also I met some people at SNU today that are doing grad programs and don't know any Korean. I was quite surprised. They must be offering some majors just in English or something? Anyways, I thought your insights were really good. Thanks for sharing! To be honest I don't really like how SNU seems to treat people (at least online relations) I've already had a a few bad experiences. So I kind of hope to go to Korea University.
사라 씨, 너무 감사합니다!! This video is very informative and inspiring too. Could you please tell me what’s the 한글 for that word/presentation format that you mentioned? I googled it but couldn’t find it at all T.T
발제문 ^^
thank you so so much for sharing your thoughts and experience with Korean grad school, it's really helpful also because it's pretty hard to find honest opinion and information on the matter!
what is it called the word doc/summery paper korean students use to prepare? does it work like that even for business/econ majors? i mean, after each class students are given readings to summarise and eventually present it during the next class?? is it valued as part of the exam score?
also, what do you feel like about competition among students? they are supposed to be very stressed and competitive during high school but it seems they can relax and take it easy at university.. isnt it the case for grad school?
one more questions, in order to pass exams it's not about studying/memorizing many books but it's more about writing these presentations each time?
I have a question it's okay to enroll in graduate school and study in English at Seoul university or not ?
Hey Sarah, I've been watching you for many years and have had similar experiences! I'm really thinking about going to grad school in Korea next Fall or Spring and would GREATLY appreciate it if you (or anyone else) could answer a few questions I have -
1. Are you on the GKS scholarship or are you paying out of pocket? (sorry if you've answered this in a past video)
2. Do you think programs that claim to be 100% taught in English are legit? I'm looking at Yeonsei's MBA, which claims to have all classes taught in English. I got the same Bachlor's degree that you did, but I instead mostly studied Chinese and Japanese, and a bit of Swahili. I can read Hangeul and know some VERY basic Korean, but not even close to conversational. So, even though the GKS offers a year of intensive Korean classes, I agree that it's not nearly enough to prepare students for graduate school work in Korean.
3. Do you think it's logical for a global studies major to go to grad school for global business? (I know it's not what you're studying, I'd just like someone's opinion, especially since we got the same undergrad major)
I know you're busy right now, but I'd love to hear any feedback from you!
Hi, I am on KGS. The 100% english programs usually are taught 100% in english especially at Yonsei. Global business sounds like a great option for you, but if its an MBA make sure it's accredited in your country:)
@@sarahsseoulsearch Oh ok, that makes me feel better. I'll look more into it, but I'm pretty sure it's accredited in the U.S.
非常謝謝你的反饋！:)
사라님 요즘 어떻게 지내세요🥳🥳 넘넘 근황이 궁금해요👍..한국말도 너무 완벽하고 늘 긍정적인 에너지🥳🥳🤴를 받았는데 잘 지내죠 ㅠㅠ???코로나때문에 한국사람도 힘든데 날씨도 덥고 사람님 걱정되네요??
Ur stressing out because 1. Your a perfectionist 2. Your young. This type of experience will serve you well in the future. I've been in your shoes. It might not be about the subjects you learn at school but the experience& challenges you're facing now thatll prove useful Lateron in life . Good luck!
Thank you for the encouragement >
@@sarahsseoulsearch no problem :P hehe
I watched this vlog again 😅 I totally agree with you Sarah. Korean universities must not accept students with zero Korean language skills. Student applicants must have at least TOPIK Level 3 upon application and study for 1 year.
Hi! thanks for your insight the information was really useful yet, I have a doubt you have said that it is not likely for a student to finish the career in the stipulated time (which in your case is 2 years), but can you as a GKS scholar take more time that the stipulated?.
For example I want to apply to the scholarship as a Undergraduate student, but in order to really enjoy the experience and truly learn i want to take more than 4 years to complete it, can I really do that?
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I like the hair color, looks good on you. 🥰
Isn't your program (International Relations/Political Science) in English?
Nope, mine was in Korean. You might be thinking of the GSIS which offers coursework in English.
thanks for your information. that mean a lot for mee
Yeah I got my bachelors in computer science and global studies but there is no way I'm getting a comp sci masters at a Korean university... I studied abroad for a semester at KU and my one CS course was by far my hardest. It was even supposed to be in English, but sometimes the professor would forget to translate when he answered a question a student asked in Korean, or his English would be awkward or slightly difficult to understand (and when you are going to a class on cybersecurity early in the morning when your brain is not fully awake, you want your professor to be as easily understood as possible)
Meanwhile their International Studies department is all in English and I'd rather get a graduate degree in that anyway! And that was my other major.
Although I will say I think even the Korean students were struggling in that class lol. When he curved the grade at the end I went from an F to a B+! None of us really learned anything though I think
Yeah the metric for success seems to be how stressed out a person is rather than the quality of their work 0.o
I took a TOPIK in 2019 and got a 5. I do not study Korean regularly much anymore. I am going to do a semester at Yonsei next semester. I don't know how much Korean I will learn there.. I was considering maybe after my undergraduate degree doing grad school in South Korea.. It looks like if that is a possibility, I have a lot of work to do.. Lmao...
Hey I was wondering if you’ve heard anything about Yonsei’s Global MBA program?
I have. What are you curious about?
@@sarahsseoulsearch I’m interested in doing the Global MBA program and I was wondering if it’s a good program to pursue. I’m trying to decide my next steps. So a bit about me. I have my BA and MA in Korean Studies. My MA program wasn’t a good one and I was unable to get into a Korean Studies Ph.D. program. I wanted to teach Korean Studies at college. Currently I’m teaching English in South Korea. Basically I’ve emailed professors from US Ph.D.programs and they say I’d need to do another masters in Korean studies if I want a PH.D and some even said that I may not want a Ph.D. because of the toxic environment. I don’t have money to get a masters, so whatever I do I need a scholarship. So yeah. I was looking at what I should do next. One of my options is an MBA program. I know there’s pros and cons to getting an MBA in Korea vs the US, so I was looking for opinions. Also even though I’ve studied Korean for 5-6 years I’m not fluent I’m still only high beginner low intermediate. So if you have any advice at all or know someone who I can contact, I would greatly appreciate it.
Hi, great video and thank you for the info. I'm actually looking to get into korean universities for gmba program and their websites say that it's taught in english as well so will i still need to take the TOPIK exam? Also which course are you studying rn? if you don't mind telling 😊
Thank you so much for educational advices and tips, i would like to ask about scholarship by professors in their lab, is it worth applying and whether they are willing to teach us in English or mostly prefer teaching and doing research in Korean ? Thank you advance !
Sarah, thank you!! this video was Soooo important for me! I am 30 and want to enter Grad school in Korea. Nowhere i could find any information about if it is really possible to study in Korean language even after TOPIK 4-5. I have one question: after graduating an english major and Topik 4-5 is it still possible to get a job in Korea?
I went to UCLA and now I’m at Columbia for my masters getting a PhD at SNU seems a bit easy from what I went through in the states. I’m also Korean and I know it’s highly regarded there but damn I was doing my research and people have said the exams are just memorization from previous years 😩 + you can get a PhD within 3 years compared to 6? Bruh I’m going back home to the motherland for my PhD lol
What you're doing is worth it if you actually want to learn how to do research lol
@@sarahsseoulsearch I learned to love research during grad school that’s why I want to pursue a PhD lol
@@offickdkdkkdkdkdkek Of course! What I meant is that struggling through the more rigorous US curriculum is going to be worth it in the long run if your goal is to become an excellent scholar. I don't recommend coming here for your PhD. Also, it's technically possible in Korea to graduate in 3 years with your PhD (this is the case in many European countries as well), but I don't know anyone in my department who has done it successfully. Despite the lower average rigor and publication rate compared to the US, people generally seem to take a long time to graduate; 6 semesters is not atypical for my program, and it's only a master's degree. I've never met anyone who finished the program in fewer than 5 semesters.
맥사라 너무 이뿌당~~~~^^ 나의 영어실력은......20~30%만 알아들음 ㅜㅜ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
Hey i learned korean and looking forward for studying undergrad in Korea 🇰🇷 btw I'm from 🇮🇳
Thanks for good video. Would u mind if i have a question about admission of SNU graduate school, plz? Do u think, On language, Applicant of Topik 3~4 can get admission of SNU graduate school in International admission 1? I'm told that at least Topik 5 is recommended for getting admission. Still, i cannot believe it. Could u share ur opinion on this please? btw Happy new year!
Thank you so much ❤️
Can I ask a question? so In Grad school , for master program under college of medicine (like system medicine , public health) Are paper , exam answer sheet , research paper also written in Korean language? Or in english?
Hey Sarah. Thank you so much for providing your insights. I have been learning Korean for almost 2 years now, I don't have topik yet, unfortunately. I am thinking of applying to a major which is 100% Korean. But I am really scared. Should not even expect few classes in English per semester?
Hi, it really depends but that might not be a possibility. Some schools say they offer classes in English but in reality only have one every other semester or something. It's always better to over-prepare. Especially if it says its 100% Korean, it's best to assume that it will be 100% Korean.
@@sarahsseoulsearch Thank you so much
Hi , i have question i hope i could get some kind of replay from you, do you think if someone self study home in 3-5 hours korean up to 10-12 month can success in some mature level of korean to apply afterward to the korean university? Btw i love this video, thank for your support to other students.
Hi, I think it's possible to get to a decent level but tbh, it's highly unlikely that you will be prepared to enter college level courses after just a year of self study even assuming you do everything perfectly. Spending a year and a half in full time language school in Korea or at the defense language institute is probably the fastest way to achieve that level of proficiency from zero (assuming you are a hardworking student), and even then you will need to work on speaking and writing outside of class. Even then, you will probably keep learning new things and making mistakes for life (Tbh I still do and I've been in and out of Korea for nearly a decade).
That being said, it is NOT impossible to learn Korean to a high level and I do not want to dissuade you whatsoever - just know that if you are in this, you are in it for the long haul. So try to enjoy the process of studying as much as you can, because you're going to have to do it a LOT for a long time if you want to set yourself up for academic success in Korea! Also remember that mistakes are your friend - if you are making mistakes, it means you are learning! If you can do everything perfectly then you need to increase your difficulty level so you can challenge yourself more and work those language learning muscles!
@@sarahsseoulsearch Thank you for your advices, it help me a lot to think and prepare myself in this situation, im from norway and want to take an undergraduage bachelor degree in psychology in korea, im kinda nervous because im aware of the situation about the korean system have a negative eyelook towards foreginers, but in same time i've been in korea before, lived in a short time (half year) and i can say it was my best half year in my life, but yes i do worry for my future if i do a degree in korea, so i do think a lot about doing it or not.
Hi Sarah, could you write the name of the academic thing you mention at 7:18 please~
발제문 :)
I got accepted in global mba for yonsei and doing research I am also considering applying to schools in Japan and Singapore for grad school mba and see if I get accepted but not sure if I want pass up on going to yonsei. The tuition is a little more compared to other countries
Okay do I still need to know Korean when I apply if I’m just gonna take courses taught in English only ??
잘 계셨어요?
Hi Sarah, will there be a chance where I would have to take a Korean subject here and there even though it was mentioned as a full English course when I apply? Thank you for making this video!
Don't worry.. have faith in God 🤗
Are you sure? I was searching for an MBA program in the Business school of SNU and in the description, they say there are full English curriculum for English speakers students? Plus I don't know Korean at all.
It depends on the program. If the entire program is 100% English with no exceptions its probably fine. If it's "mixed" I feel like the safest option is assuming it will mostly be Korean.
@@sarahsseoulsearch thanks for your video & replay was really helpful
Hello ! I am in my last degree of Korean international relations in my homecountry and I did one year as an exchange student in a korean university (not snu) I had the Topik 3 before entering college. So I was thinking to do my master in Korea at snu in international relations but if we take only class in English in graduate programs were not gonna face this kinds of problems ? or all of class in graduate school are in Korean ? thank you very much :)
Hi Sarah, thank you for all of the help thus far! Does SNU GSIS Graduate Program provide students the opportunity to do the language program first? Is this considered alongside the application for admission to the University or would I have to do it separately? Like, if I apply to start GSIS spring 2023 then would I have to do the language learning before that? Or could I start the language learning program in Spring 2023 and then progress to regular coursework?
I think you could do the SNU language program but I have heard it isn't all that great. What is your goal for learning Korean? Is it more important to you to br able to read/write/speak/understand etc?
Also the GSIS does have classes in English and Korean language classes. I have heard that the GSIS Korean classes suck though so I can't really recommend them
you did good I promise. It's not easy to learn a foreign language, even more to understand it like a native speaker, and like you said as soon as possible. I'm still struggle with my English even after dozens of years 😂😅. Well maybe because never practicing it.
BTW the video you posted when you arrived in Korea a while ago actually 7 years ago?, really?, :O, never realise it's a while while back then. And also congratulation on your graduation, I know it's a bit late sorry for that but better late than never right.
Bahahhaa thank you! And I still have about a year and a half until graduation:)
@@sarahsseoulsearch so where is my original comment at?, I can't find it 😂
Ahhh i don't know!!! I promise if I somehow deleted it it wasn't on purpose!
My channel also filters certain keywords so its possible it waa automatically hidden
@@sarahsseoulsearch maybe because I'm using vpn perhaps. I wrote the original comment on another phone, jailbreak android phone. Use vpn to bypass speed limit. I broke that phone countless time 😂😅. I mean not the hardware but software. Exploring hidden root engine have a price I guess
In GKS they mention few majors which will be taken completely in English, is there any chance that I have to take Korean classes after going there even though it wasn't mentioned before?
Probably not. But the best way to guarantee that is to go to a GSIS or graduate school of international studies.
Hello! I am genuinely curious how Graduate School is. Do you still have quizzes? Do you still take midterm/finals exams too? And also, is the thesis written fully in Korean or in English? Thank you so much
Hi - I finished my degree last month so hopefully, my answers are helpful. I never had to take any quizzes, but I have heard of people in other programs doing tests and quizzes. I didn't take any midterms or final exams; there were only term papers. Thesis language depends on your school, though most will allow you to write it in English even if the program is in Korean because most academic scholarship worldwide is in English also. I ended up writing mine in English, though I might translate it someday. Tbh, I was going through some stuff and was extremely burnt out so I just needed to do what it took to graduate ToT
have u opted for english lectures ? do they teach or use most of the words in korean ?
Hi Sarah, I want to ask for your advice and help, I'm planning to study the Korean language in Korea at the beginning of 2023, and I want to guarantee getting admitted at one of 5 top Korean universities to apply for a my country scholarship. I've already applied for the master degree - Srping 2023 - international student track of Korea & Yonsei Univ. and the results of both universities was "not accepted. I've notarized all the required documents, but I need your advice on my own personal statement if it is okay for you I will send it by email. If you can help me please inform me, and any suggestions from you can help, thanks a lot.
What do you mean by don't take full credit classes? Could you explain
Hello Sarah, I found the TEMEP program and the dept office let me know that the entire program can be completed in English. Yet I dont fully trust it. The websites of SNU are also not the greatest. Do you know the best place to contact ex-SNU students for expriences?
Probably Instagram - try searching for hashtags like #temep etc. and see if you can find people that did your proram in the past.
I want to complete a PhD in management, can you mention the universities that do not have age requirements and lower costs, thank you
Hey Sarah i have a question? Is there any grad programs in English ? Or are they just a mix if they say they are in English fully?
Hi, there are programs that really are in English. At the end of the video I mentioned GSIS, or graduate schools of international studies, which most major universities have. These programs are almost always entirely in English.
If an international student apply robotics Engineering in seoul national University do they have to give an exam....???
Hello Sarah !!!... What do you consider Is the price per semester at SNU in the engineering deparment...??.. i was searching and found around 7k usd .. Is that true .. ??? Please give me some help thank youuuu
Hi! I'm planning to take a Master's in Political Science. Is it rare to find sample materials related to that Degree? I'm currently taking my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science btw.
Hi, just go to a bookstore and find a translation of an english textbook into Korean (there are a lot). Then memorize the glossary in the back and make your way through th3 content
I ma literally dying to go to korea but i m just 15 y n my family will never allow me to go there n one que. sis. that did u studied in korean there when u were in university
Hi, I did a gap year here after high school then went back to the US for college. I also took Korean classes there and then minored in Mandarin.
@@sarahsseoulsearch oh greatt i just hve the problem that i think my parents won't aloow me to go n study there btw have a great day
Does this advice also applies to those who want to take an undergraduate?
I want to apply for SNU undergraduate degree majoring design and i was informed that they will give me a language classes within the university
Hi, yes they often give language classes but these are often of poor quality. I would get a Topik 4 or above before coming and then work on getting a 6 before enrolling in a korean language program
May I ask what major are u in? Bcs my major is science related and I think in SNU it's all in english
I want to know how the evaluation system works in Korean university how many exams we need to take to complete a sub will you please provide info about it
I didn't take any exams except 종합시험. I only had essays. This is different in every program, though.
Does all of this apply to undergraduate school as well?
How did you get the scholarship from SNU?
Can I ask how can one prepare themselves for graduate school in korea? What would I need to do? And what is GIS?? I'm currently doing my undergraduate degree in psychology I will be graduating in October 2023 and I'm planning on doing my masters in clinical psychology and psyd in korea. Would the GIS include social sciences? Or is it for persons studying things like international relations and such?
Gsis typically only includes international relations type majors. May I ask why you want to study psychology in Korea? Do you want to live in Korea and also have a separate desire to study psychology, or is there something else here?
If you are trying to treat mental illness as your profession, I honestly cannot recommend coming here for your masters. If you are from the anglosphere or europe, you most likely would not be able to use your degree at home and you would also face extreme competition for jobs here and be at a disadvantage. If you are from an English speaking country, you would most likely be better off getting your degree there, coming here afterwards and then working at a clinic that specializes in helping foreigners. Realistically, most Koreans would not pick a counselor who isn't a native Korean speaker or someone who grew up here, so a lot of psychology clinics would hesitate to hire a foreigner. Unfortunately, discrimination based on ethnicity, nationality gender religion etc is still legal in Korea so I feel like you would have a very difficult and frustrating time for little reward. Perhaps I am wrong, but I wanted to tell you what could happen based on talking to hundreds of kgsp and other foreign students here :/
@@sarahsseoulsearch well I love SK and I do want to live there but psychology is my passion. Also I know that mental health was and is somewhat still a bit taboo over there and I have a strong desire to also help persons overcome that. So I think that studying this in Korea would give me a better opportunity to understand mental health as it is in Korea. I know there would be a cultural difference in this aspect so I figured since I would love to live there one day and work in that field it would be better for me to study there. This way I can understand that difference and also know how to connect better with natives and truly understand the dynamic of the issues they are facing not just as a psychologist but as a foreigner so as to not impose my own cultural understanding on such issues to them. Especially if it's something family wise or job wise etc.
@@sarahsseoulsearch thank you for the insight. Truthfully speaking I'm aware of what you have mentioned and I have been researching extensively to see how I can make this possible. I'm from the Caribbean, I live Ina Caribbean Island. English is my native language but I do know the troubles I could possibly face if I do infact do my masters degree in Korea and honestly it scares me and it won't be my only option of course but I feel like it's a chance that I should take despite the odds being against me. I recently found another youtuber from the Phillipines who is doing his masters in SK currently in psychology so it was a bit refreshing for me to see that. But thank you for the feedback it was very VERY appreciated. I will definitely consider my options and try to figure out the best route. I have already considered completing my degrees in maybe the UK but for some reason I can't just completely give up and by pass trying to do it in SK as well. I'm also currently learning Korean have been for almost a year now.
Nice to meet you
May I know how is it for undergraduate students, I mean for the one's who apply after their high school...... is there any english classes for busines/commerce students? I hope u will reply cuz I really need to know this please!
Korea University has a business program in English.
@@sarahsseoulsearch is it only a program ? Or is it like a class ?
I mean how many years will that program be ?
맥사라님 요즘 잘지내십니까? 근황이 궁금해서... ^^
Sis,do u make KGSP videos tooo?????
Is there any scholarship available to get admission in SNU for master's in medicine for international students?
Hi sarah i just saw your this video i would love to know if you could help me or refer someone who is in professional graduate business school ( GBSSNU) as am applying for master
I applied for GKS 2021
Then did u mean that we can’t finish our master program in 2 years id we had 3 full credits and we will have to take another year without scholarship’s allowance !!
Hi, at least in my department people usually only take 2 classes at a time (which sounds like not a lot of work but professors basically assign readings and homework under the assumption that your courseload is approximately equivalent to 2 classes). Most Koreans in my program need 5 or 6 semesters to graduate. I get funding from KGSP for 4 of those semesters, so for the 5th semester, I will have to fund myself. However, since I will most likely be writing my thesis during that semester, I only have to pay a few hundred dollars to stay enrolled. I could even go back home during that semester if I wanted to.
@@sarahsseoulsearch It’s my first time to hearthat .. ㅠㅠ
U r really helpful Thanks alot ~~
What about the PhD program in Political science , do u have any idea???
Same advice, except I would be even more strict about learning Korean. I know a girl from China who came to SNU because she was told there would be classes in English when there is literally only one (Middle Eastern politics, which has absolutely nothing to do with her research). She is having a really difficult time.
@@sarahsseoulsearch Thank you, I understand 🤗🤗
Doesn’t it have a English program
Use theory to critically analyze content, & produce original scholarship
I am not sure you afford to read this comment. BTW cheers up and hope you achieve all the things what you wanted to do.
Sarah, you look very nervious and unhappy. What happened ?
I've just been helping some foreign students and I feel secondhand stress for them ToT