Unlock secrets of foreign languages at HUFS

School president asks students to learn from challenging spirit of Don Quixote

By Han Sang-hee

Mastering a foreign language is never an easy endeavor. Without earnest effort and true determination to speak the words and phrases of that second language one may be trapped with just bilingual dreams.

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) aims to break the barriers of learning another language by encouraging the eager that they don’t have to be gifted in order to do so.

Since taking the helm of the school in 2006, HUFS President Park Chul has spearheaded various campaigns for improvement. The most evident development is taking place at the school itself, with construction of a new underground stadium and school gate under way. Reelected to the school president post in November, 2009, Park has more up his sleeve than upgrading the facilities of the school.

More than basic ABCs

Park himself is fluent in Spanish: he studied Spanish literature and is an avid fan and scholar of Cervantes’ works, especially the famous tale of Don Quixote. Through the warm smile yet seriousness apparent frequently throughout the interview held at his office last week, it was understood that the president was someone who stood firm with his opinions, just like the stubborn yet dreamer Don Quixote.

In academic terms, his firm foundation is based on his own experiences as both a student and scholar at HUFS. It was evident that he was eager to foster the same, if not better, opportunities to current and future HUFS students.

“In the past, if one could speak one foreign language, that was enough. But now, not only do you have to learn more than one, but you have to be able to communicate and really know your stuff,” Park said, flipping through newspapers that covered his desk.

Not only does the president read English dailies, he also checks the Spanish news on the Internet from time to time.

The need for individuals who can speak languages other than their mother tongue as well as English is rising every year, thus the need for a reliable institute that can fill this need is just as pressing.

HUFS runs 32 departments that teach 45 foreign languages, and is the third largest foreign language university in the world, following one in Paris (93 languages) and another in Russia (53 languages). However similar the goals of such schools may be, HUFS is a private institute, unlike many of the other schools.

“The government must support schools like HUFS. Our students are chosen as some of the most important assets in the country, becoming diplomats and business leaders,” Park said.

The president believes that learning and studying a foreign language only in the classroom is meaningless. To him, it’s not enough for the student to master all the aspects that encompass a language that’s not your mother tongue.

“You have to see the world directly with your own eyes,” he said.

In order to make that happen, HUFS is running various programs that support students to experience life outside the borders of Korea. The school has links to 385 universities and education institutes in 76 different countries and is planning to go further.

“When a student learns a foreign language, it’s only a matter of time before he or she will want to live somewhere where that language is spoken. They want to use and experience what they have learned. We have to set our priorities on how to make students truly global citizens,” Park said.

But before packing one’s bag just yet, it’s crucial to realize the need. English is already the international language, so what’s the big fuss over learning another foreign language when you can already communicate with others?

“The core is the depth. If you don’t know the language, you can still survive by using your hands, but it’s a whole new level to know the local language,” he said.

Once you understand the local language, the walls start crumbling down, opening an entirely different arena that eventually allows more personal and distinct experiences.

“It’s the best and easiest way to truly learn the essence of another language and culture.”

Park said that middle and high schools need to put a greater emphasis on teaching foreign languages other than English.

“To do so, not only the schools but the government and the entire society should realize the importance of a range of foreign languages for true globalization,” Park said.

True Don Quixote spirit

As the head of a truly international community, Park started various programs for not only HUFS students, but also for fellow countries with which sister relationships were formed over the years. It was the first school to organize a U.N. UPEACE Campus, which was a project led by the United Nations University of Peace, a master’s and doctoral degree program organized by the U.N.

Students enrolled in the program will gain degrees from HUFS and the U.N. University of Peace after studying in Korea and Costa Rica.

“A total of 14 graduates have started their careers in various international organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG),” said Park.

The HUFS European Union Center launched this March is also aiming to bridge Korea with the EU, the largest economy in the world.

“HUFS is currently teaching most of the languages used in the 27 EU member countries and attempt to satisfy students who have shown an interest in the EU. We are certain that through the EU Center, HUFS will be able to create experts in various fields and promote further study of the EU to a higher level,” Park said.

Along with international programs and projects, the president also stressed the importance of the mental health of students, especially both foreign and local students who have decided to live at dormitories.

In order to help students adjust to the school environment and also bring a bit of HUFS’ unique culture to the everyday lives of the students, the school arranged rooms to be shared by one Korean and the other foreign.

“It’s surprising how fast both of them learn each other’s culture this way. It’s practically a lesson in itself,” Park said.

When asked about the recent crisis at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Park took a moment to answer.

“It’s hard to ignore the fact that competition is inevitable between schools and students. But it does seem that the current system that focuses on only results should be complemented. Striking a balance of results and the process to reach those results is important,” he said.

Park, however, said that KAIST should tackle its problems by boosting communication among students, professors and school administration.

He said he knows that recently university students have had difficulty landing jobs and are suffering from high tuition fees.

However, Park asked them to approach all the problems with a long-term prospective.

“As Don Quixote would say, don’t give up and run from your dreams. Schools should be able to assist students follow their dreams. If you just focus on the present, you lose the ability to look ahead and hope for the better. We must nourish them with proper vision, hope and dreams,” Park said.