The Korean language is enjoying vast popularity these days, not just thanks to the still-strong K-craze, but also due to the status of South Korea as a robust economic and educational hub. Spoken by about 80 million people worldwide, Korean is amongst the top 30 most-spoken languages in the world.
These few reasons are enough for many people to pick up learning the Korean language, leading to a boom in demand and availability of Korean classes in Singapore and worldwide. With so many Korean language schools in Singapore, it’s likely that you may be stumped when deciding which Korean course to enrol yourself in.
Well, you won’t have to fret any longer! Here are some factors you should consider before deciding, and hopefully they will give you a good idea of which course you should go for.
What is your goal?
Before signing up for any classes, ask yourself why you want to learn this language. Are you learning it for your own interests, or do you wish to get a job in a Korean company in future? Do you just want to be able to watch Korean dramas without subtitles, or be able to get into a Korean university? Your goals will motivate you on your learning journey, and determine the best route you should take.
For example, if you want to study or work in Korea, it is wise to aim for a certification like TOPIK, a standardised Korean proficiency test. Having clear goals will also help your teacher better cater the lessons to your objectives.
How do you like to learn?
Having many choices of Korean language courses is not entirely a bad thing. It means you get a variety of options! Different classes cater to different types of learners, so you can pick the one that suits your learning preferences best. For example, some lessons are more interactive and involve a lot of in-class role-play.
On the other hand, there are also plenty of online Korean courses that you can consume at your own pace through video lessons and podcasts. Knowing what you want and what the different courses offer will help you find the ideal fit for your learning aims.
How much time can you commit?
It’s no surprise that language learning takes time and commitment. Usually, the more time you spend on studying and practising, the faster you will improve. However, if you are busy with work or school, investing a lot of time into studying Korean can be unrealistic.
Set your own expectations of how much time you can and are willing to set aside each week. Some intense classes can have up to 3 classes each week, while most take about 1 to 2 hours per week. Also, don’t forget to factor in time you need to practise and study by yourself at home! Plus, with the convenience of online Korean courses, you can easily find a class that can fit into your schedule!
How much can you spend on lessons?
Another practical factor to consider, budget can indeed be the final make-or-break when selecting a language course to attend. As with most things, more expensive classes are usually more well-reputed and reliable. However, you can also find many good course providers offering decent rates if you know where to look!
Remember, language courses will be a mid- to long-term commitment, if you want to learn the language seriously. Make sure you allocate your budget accordingly for a few months – or years! – of classes.
When you go through this list of considerations, you’ll find that narrowing down your choice of Korean language courses will feel much easier. If you’ve found the ideal course for your needs, we wish you all the best in your Korean language learning journey!