4 siblings pursue same dream of teaching Korean
From left are Jung Nam-hyun, Da-woon, Nu-ri and Yu-jin at the Kyung Hee Cyber University campus in Seoul, May 28. Courtesy of Kyung Hee Cyber University
By Bahk Eun-ji
Four siblings are pursuing the same career path to become teachers teaching Korean language to foreigners. They are Jung Da-woon, Yu-jin, Nu-ri and Nam-hyun, who attended or are attending Kyung Hee Cyber University (KHCU).
They started pursuing the goal in 2014 when Nu-ri, the third sister, entered the school.
“I always wanted to have different experiences abroad, so I decided to begin studying a course in teaching the Korean language to foreigners at the university,” Nu-ri said.
Nu-ri recommended the teaching course at KHCU to her siblings, according to Da-woon, the eldest sister.
“I hesitated for a while, because I just couldn't imagine myself teaching somebody, especially foreigners,” Da-woon said.
But she changed her mind when she saw Nu-ri practicing her lecture a number of times at home during her last semester. Da-woon said she was encouraged by her younger sister's passion for teaching and decided to apply to the university.
Nam-hyun, the only brother, who entered the school this year, said he was also encouraged by his sisters as well as other soldiers during his military service.
“I saw my fellow soldiers studied foreign languages or other curricula for certificates in their spare time to prepare for life after leaving the army,” Nam-hyun said.
Although the course is provided online, Da-woon and Yu-jin also participate in various offline gatherings and study groups to enjoy school life.
Yu-jin said Nu-ri advised her to exchange experiences and information with other students, instead of just taking online lectures alone.
“I was stuck in a rut during my long work life. I thought my life was boring, but I found a kind of bright spot in my life by pursuing a dream, to become a teacher,” Yu-jin said.
Looking back on her days when she was reluctant to begin the course at KHCU, Yu-jin feels a little regret that she hadn't made the decision sooner.
“I would have been a Korean language teacher for foreigners by now if I had started the course immediately when Nu-ri suggested it. I strongly recommend to anyone who is considering this course not to hesitate,” she said.
Da-woon and Yu-jin have a goal to get teaching jobs like Nu-ri who has been teaching in Thailand after finishing the course.
“I have one more year to graduate. When I finish studying, Nu-ri will come back to Korea from Thailand. I wish we can work together in the same country at that time,” Da-woon said.