The King Sejong Institute Foundation has announced the deployment of 94 Korean university and graduate students to 49 Sejong Institutes across 33 countries worldwide. These students will serve as Korean-language teacher trainees and cultural interns, working to promote Korean language and culture to international audiences.
The program divides participants into two distinct groups: 44 students will work as prospective Korean language instructors, while 50 will take on roles as cultural interns. All participants are tasked with educational responsibilities, helping to teach the next generation of international learners who are eager to study Korean language and culture abroad.
The selection process for these positions was thorough and competitive. Candidates were chosen through university recommendations and comprehensive screening procedures to ensure quality representation. Once selected, all participants underwent mandatory pre-departure training in July, which covered essential topics including safety protocols, health guidelines, and other critical information needed for their overseas assignments.
Starting this week, the teacher trainees and cultural interns will begin their postings at Sejong Institutes around the world. Their assignments will last between one to three months, during which they will actively engage with overseas students who have shown interest in Korean language and culture while simultaneously promoting Korea on an international scale.
The prospective teachers will focus on developing their professional teaching skills through various hands-on activities. These include conducting class observations, preparing and delivering mock lessons, and actively participating in local cultural events. This comprehensive approach allows them to explore potential career paths while gaining valuable real-world teaching experience.
Meanwhile, cultural interns will gain practical experience by designing and leading specialized cultural programs that align with their individual areas of expertise. These programs cover a wide range of Korean cultural elements, including K-pop music and dance, traditional and modern Korean cuisine, and various traditional Korean crafts and arts.
"This overseas program serves a dual purpose," explained KSIF Secretary-General Choi Hyun-Seung. "It allows prospective teachers and cultural interns to develop their professional skills while simultaneously giving Sejong Institute learners the unique opportunity to interact directly with Korean university students and experience Korean language and culture in an entirely new and engaging way." The program represents a significant investment in cultural exchange and educational development for both Korean students and international learners of Korean culture.
