International Standard Korean Language Training Workshop: An Opportunity to Learn Korean with International Standards Right Here in Vietnam

On June 20, 2009, the Center for Korean Language and Korean Studies (HSK) of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities held its launch ceremony and introduced its internationally standardized Korean language courses. This was also an opportunity for students, teachers, and young people interested in the Korean language and culture to exchange ideas, discuss their aspirations, and share learning experiences with many experts and managers in this field.

Attending the seminar were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Gia Lam - Vice Rector of the University, Director of HSK; Prof. Mai Ngoc Chu - Head of the Department of Oriental Studies, Deputy Director of HSK; Dr. Lam Quang Dong - Head of the Foreign Languages ​​Department; Dr. Le Dang Hoan - a lecturer with extensive experience in teaching Korean. Also present were representatives from Sangmyung University, Korealang Company (Korea), and the Vietnam-Korea Cultural Exchange Center.

In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Pham Gia Lam introduced HSK, emphasizing its ability to provide Korean language training opportunities at all levels, with international standard quality but at an affordable and convenient cost for Vietnamese learners.

HSK was established in 2007 with the desire to develop the learning of Korean language and culture in Vietnam. The center's main tasks include coordinating with internal and external organizations to compile Korean language curricula and textbooks for training; organizing short-term courses and issuing international Korean language proficiency certificates (KPL), as well as other courses related to Korean language and culture for Vietnamese people; liaising with Korean studies research institutions in Vietnam, Korea, and abroad to conduct research, translation, and publication; and organizing extracurricular activities and academic exchanges related to Korean studies. Based on close cooperation with Sangmyung University – one of Korea's leading universities – and Korealang – a company with extensive experience in educational management in Korea – HSK aims to offer Korean language courses at various levels and meeting international standards. Currently, HSK offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses for various levels, including conversational Korean, Korean for studying abroad, and business Korean. In addition, HSK can advise on and organize customized training programs for organizations and businesses. Our teachers are native speakers from Sangmyung University. Certificates of completion at all levels are awarded by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Sangmyung University.

Next, Professor Cho Hang Pok, representing Sangmyung University, introduced the training curriculum and benefits for students. Currently, the comprehensive Korean language textbook for Vietnamese learners at the beginner level, compiled by experts from Sangmyung University, has been piloted and has yielded positive results. The intermediate-level textbook is still being completed and will be put into use in the next academic year. This is one of the most professional Korean language textbooks currently available specifically for Vietnamese students. During the course, students with good academic results will receive scholarships, training support, and opportunities to find employment in Korea.

At the seminar, students exchanged ideas with experts on various issues related to the specific content of each course, received advice on courses suitable to their individual needs, and gained other information about studying abroad and scholarships in South Korea.