It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is to get a job. The competition among graduates has become fierce. According to research conducted by Statistics Korea (Korean National Statistical Office), average period of a person getting a job after graduating or quitting school is 11 months. So, you can say that a Person spends about a year before he or she gets a job. The Korean labor marker is getting competitive.
Those who seek employment show various attempts to prove that they are better than any others. Since the competition is a terrific struggle, they use unexpectedly various methods to verify themselves as great human resources. They always seek for certifications from officially recognized organizations or companies. You can easily feel their attempts when you visit our university library during the break. Although summer school was over few week ago, there are many people studying in the library. Most of them are preparing for certification exams and English language exams such as TOEIC(Test of English for International Communication), or TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language). Many sighed. "I'm trying my best to get higher score but I'm afraid it could be no use. I am considering about studying abroad for the language test."
The number of long-term travelers has been increasing. Many of them go abroad for studying language; especially English. Not long ago, the majority of students studying abroad had the purpose of learning foreign culture through a direct experience. However, these days, their major aim is to prepare for getting a job. Lee Jee-sook, a 23-year-o1d university student, said, "Studying in a foreign country was thought to be burden to my parents since university tuition fees are skyrocketing and the
A Story of A Who Went to a Big City
A wanted to improve English communication ability and experience Western culture as well. He thought studying in a big city in Australia for six months would meet all his needs. After the hardship of living in a foreign country, he could communicate somehow but not well. The reason was clear. He socialized with many foreign students who had the same purpose of studying abroad. After class ended, he partied with foreign students. All he learned was how to enjoy the night. Ar the end, he had done nothing, only to waste money and time in six months.
There are many stories about Korean students hanging out with other Korean students. Their English skills never get better. For this reason, B planned to go to a small city where no Korean would choose to live. However, there was also a problem. She missed Korean and suffered from homesickness.
Right after class, C always went to the library or his room to study English. He reviewed again and again to make sure whether he understands everything. At the end, he realized that he could not speak a word in front of foreigners. What he did was studying on the desk. In other words, he didn't have to go abroad.
What is the Problem?
Although many people plan to go foreign countries to study language, studying abroad is such a big decision especially from a financial perspective. It would be very depressing to notice that you have learned nothing, including language itself. These stories of failure seem to have obvious problems. Let’s explore typical problems.
First of all, one studied in a town in which many Korean live. Of course, it is more comfortable to communicate with Koreans. Therefore. one speaks in Korean more then English without noticing. This affects one's study of English. Also, there is a Korean community in each school in which many Koreans study. They also have some know- how of how to excel in the class and how to get a good grade. Eventually, that all one is left with is trick.
In addition, Problems arising from sharing the house may be detrimental to studying English. Since there will be a big spent during the preparation, one seeks for a low-priced house. Especially, home-stay programs are very popular because they are cheap and if successful, one can kill two birds with one stone: one can save money and practice English in daily life. However, it is not easy to live in this ideal way.
Financial problems can also disrupt studying. Studying abroad requires you to spend a large sum of money. So you may look for some ways to save money. But, there are reasons for cheap price. It would be nice to spend less and gain more, but in reality, there is no such thing. You must hold your eyes wide open, if you don't want to have any money trouble.
How to Not Fail
1. Study English beforehand. Mastering middle-school English curriculum first. It would be helpful to study basic expressions for your conversational English.
2. Grammar is also important. Grammar is prerequisite when you write an essay. Practice composition by keeping a diary.
3. Checking your pronunciations by ‘shadowing’(Shadowing is a method of practicing English by repeat pronouncing the movie or any other spoken English.)
4. Do nor study how to argue m English but how to appeal your opinion to others. The reason for studying abroad is quite clear. It is a great way co widen one's perspective and upgrade one's language skills as well. 6Above all, financial and mental readiness is required. Set your goal clearly before you start.
so-hi@cnu.ac.kr