Ardana Izimova, Class of 2024
Throughout my life at Penn, I’ve struggled with finding my true academic interests. However, Korean language classes remained a constant and significant part of my studies. Before coming to Penn, I had already studied Korean and achieved a comfortable level of proficiency. Yet, I wanted to continue engaging in lessons during my undergraduate career, so I decided to take a class to try it out. I not only fulfilled my language requirements but also discovered a welcoming and enriching experience that compelled me to take more classes. At some point, I decided to pursue a minor in Korean, but upon reaching my limit, my advisor suggested I major in East Asian Languages and Civilizations. I had never considered this path before, but I decided to give it a try and fell in love with it. I learned not only about the language but also about the rich culture and history behind it, deepening my appreciation for the language program. This year, I proudly graduated with two majors, one being East Asian Languages and Civilizations. For this, I have to express my gratitude to the Korean language program, which guided me towards this fulfilling path.
While I always dreamed of studying in Korea, I didn’t have the opportunity. However, the classes at Penn provided me with the cultural exposure I craved. The program allowed me to forge meaningful connections not only with my fellow students but also with my professors, who were always eager to offer guidance and support. One of my most cherished experiences at Penn was when our class decided to have a potluck picnic outside. It was a sweet occasion as we engaged in lively discussions outdoors and shared our favorite foods, with Professor Jang, who personally cooked 김치전 (kimchi pancake) and 해물전 (seafood pancake) for us! Moments like this made my learning experience truly unforgettable.
As I graduate from Penn, I can confidently say that the Korean language program was one of the most transformative aspects of my journey. It not only ignited my academic interest and expanded my knowledge but also introduced me to a wonderful community that embraced me, for which I will always be grateful. The skills, cultural understanding, and language proficiency I gained through the program have equipped me well for my future aspirations. I hope to have the opportunity to live in Korea and pursue a master’s program, where I can apply all the invaluable lessons I’ve learned in the classroom. The Korean language program at Penn has been a pivotal part of my personal and academic growth, and I’m excited about the doors it has opened for my future endeavors. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any student seeking not just language proficiency but also a vibrant community and a life-changing experience.
Yune Kim, Class of 2023
My initial motivation for choosing the Korean program stemmed from two main objectives: to further develop my language skills and to feel more connected to my Korean heritage. With these two simple goals in mind, my journey with the Korean Language Program. Little did I know, however, how much this first class would shape the rest of my experience at Penn.
In my first Korean class, I remember becoming extremely invested in learning more about Korean language and culture, and I could notice the rapid progress I was making, which felt extremely rewarding. As a Design major, however, my newfound passion for Korean language and culture left me wondering how I could bridge the gap between my interests.
Luckily, I soon found an answer. After I had completed my first Korean course, my professor asked if I wanted to help with a project she had been working on, and I took it on without hesitation. Throughout the rest of my college career, I became heavily involved in the development of the You Speak Korean! textbook series, creating all of the illustrations as well as assisting in the building of the websites. Through this process, I found myself not only growing closer to my Korean heritage but also improving as a designer, epitomizing the interdisciplinary experience I was seeking at Penn. I also loved that I was able to interact with all of the Korean professors and other students workers who were all united by our passion for Korean education.
For students considering the Korean program at Penn, I would highly recommend it. I have never met a kinder, more attentive group of professors who genuinely care about the success of their students, and language classes are a great opportunity to build community with people that you otherwise might not have met. To me, Korean classes were so much more than learning the language, and it has presented me exciting opportunities that I would have never imagined to have.
Gem Fox, Class of 2023
When I first started learning Korean, I never knew that East Asian Languages & Civilizations would be my major. I started learning purely because I enjoyed it. Out of all my classes my first semester at Penn, Korean was by far my favorite. Stumbling over new words and phrases in a foreign language allowed us to overcome the awkwardness of online classes and get to know each other in a fun way. I realized that is one of the benefits of learning a new language: connecting with other people.
As I kept learning Korean, I realized that this was one of my main interests in pursuing learning a foreign language. Learning a language exposes you to different ways of thinking, cultural aspects, and social norms. It also allows you to experience new things, like studying abroad.
My study abroad experience at Yonsei in fall 2022 was one of the most memorable experiences of college. It was my first time travelling overseas and something I really wanted to achieve for myself during college. Being immersed in the language was a lot of fun and helped me improve quickly, but ultimately being immersed in a different society than the one I had grown up in was a surprisingly valuable and special experience to me.