Four Korean university and graduate students have successfully completed their training program at the King Sejong Institute of the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil, marking an important milestone in Korea's global language education initiative. The trainees - Bobae Kum, Ajeong Kil, Jiyun Yun, and Minhyeok Park - were selected as prospective Korean language teachers and cultural interns through a competitive program announced by the Sejong Foundation and Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The program represents a significant expansion of Korea's international educational outreach, with 94 Korean students selected nationwide to serve at 49 King Sejong Institutes across 33 countries worldwide. Minister Choi Hwi-young's ministry announced the selection on August 21, highlighting the government's commitment to promoting Korean language and culture globally through direct educational exchange.
During their time at the Brazilian institute, the four trainees gained hands-on teaching experience by actively participating in regular classes and directly engaging with local students eager to learn Korean. The comprehensive program allowed them to apply their academic training in real classroom settings, providing invaluable practical experience that will serve as the foundation for their future careers as Korean language educators.
The training curriculum included multiple components designed to develop well-rounded teaching skills. Participants observed established classes to understand effective teaching methodologies, conducted mock teaching sessions to practice their instructional techniques, and participated in various cultural activities that helped them better understand how to integrate cultural education with language instruction. These diverse experiences provided them with a clearer perspective on their professional development and future career paths in international education.
Director Cheul Hong Kim of the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil emphasized the program's broader significance for Korea's cultural diplomacy efforts. "We hope this program at the King Sejong Institute in Brazil has been a valuable opportunity for the prospective teachers to learn and experience classroom practice," Kim stated. "We also expect this experience to serve as a foundation for them to share the Korean language more widely across the world."
The participants themselves expressed deep appreciation for their transformative experience in Brazil, highlighting both the personal and professional growth they achieved. "It was a joy to teach and interact with such warm and welcoming students," the trainees shared. "With the support of excellent local teachers, we were able to conduct classes ourselves, which will be an invaluable experience for our growth as future Korean language educators." Their positive feedback underscores the program's effectiveness in preparing the next generation of Korean language teachers for international service.
The successful completion of this program demonstrates the growing global interest in Korean language and culture, while also showcasing Korea's systematic approach to meeting this demand through well-trained educators. As these newly trained teachers return to Korea, they carry with them not only enhanced teaching skills but also a deeper understanding of cross-cultural communication that will benefit future students worldwide.
