 Name: Candice Ruiz
Country of Residence: United States
Citizenship: American
Profession: Preschool
Education Background: University Student
Brief Work History: Hotel sales, marketing
Language Spoken: Spanish, English
Hobbies: Movies
Is this your first time in Korea?
Yes
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
To better understand the Korean movies I watch.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
The class is a little hard but speaking to people on the streets and friends makes remembering what I’ve learnt a lot easier.
How do you like Seoul?
I love it and the people. It is a lot of walking but sometimes I forget that time exists here.
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
The people. They are so respectful and the service here is the best!!
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
I am way more open to the ways of others.
How did you like your lodging house?
It is a lot better than I expected. My landlord lady was nice and there is good privacy. Had no problems. It was also in a perfect area, Shinchon.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
Meeting new people that I became close with instantly. I loved every excursion.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
The cheap prices of everything.
Will you come to Seoul again?
There is a high chance.
Please tell us your experience with a language exchange partner. Did the language exchange program help you improve Korean skills?
I absolutely loved her. She was so nice and when she taught me Korean, I understood it way better. We actually became friends on a personal level.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Bring an umbrella, a lot of money, many clothes and all you need to learn first is: ‘Gamsahamnida (Thank You!).
 Name: Michael Lee
Country of Residence: USA
Citizenship: USA
Profession: Student
Education Background: College
Language Spoken: English
Hobbies: Running
Is this your first time in Korea?
Yes.
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
I was interested in Korean language.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
I find my studies interesting.
How do you like Seoul?
I like Seoul very much.
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
There is so much to do. There are so many sightseeing places to see.
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
I have seen Korean culture. I understand more of the culture. It has made me more aware of different manners.
How did you like your Host Family?
I liked it very much!
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
Seoul Tower, Baseball game, riding the subway..
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
The kind people in Seoul.
Will you come to Seoul again?
Yes!!
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Bring good walking shoes. If you visit Korea in July, bring shorts.
Name: Amy Mecozzi
Country of Residence: US
Citizenship: US
Profession: Medicine
Education Background: BA, MD, MBA
Brief Work History: Associate Consultant, Bain & Co, 1998-2000; Sr. Product Manager, Convio, 2000-2002; Emergency Medicine Resident, Advocate Christ Hospital; 2007-present
Language Spoken: English, Spanish
Hobbies: Cooking, traveling, cross-country skiing, sewing
Is this your first time in Korea?
Yes
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
In order to communicate better with my boyfriend's (Korean-American) parents.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
Great!
How do you like Seoul?
Great!
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
Jjimjilbang (Korean Sauna)!! It was one of my favorites!!
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
The food, the shopping, tourist places, the traffic?-the other students in the program!
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
Yes, it was eye opening to learn about a different culture. There were many things I really loved about Korea and Koreans and I hope I can take some of these habits and practices back with me to the US - especially cooking and sharing the wonderful Korean cuisine as well as the passion and warmth of the Koreans I met.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
The visit to the traditional Korean Village was quite memorable and fun - learning to drum and making handicraft paper boxes. Just one of the great days in Seoul.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/Korea?
The food!
Will you come to Seoul again?
Yes?-I hope that I will come often and continue my Korean language studies each time I visit.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Bring a towel with you and start a stairmaster workout before you get here, because there are stairs everywhere!
Name : Diane Tai
Country of Residence : Shanghai, China
Citizenship : Taiwan
Profession : Student
Education Background : High School Student
Language Spoken : English & Chinese
Hobbies : Reading, Eating, Watching movies
Is this your first time in Korea?
No, third time visit.
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
Because I would like to work for Samsung in the future as my career and I really like the Korean culture, music, places and people.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
I really had a wonderful time of staying in Korea for one month. Although I really wish that this could have lasted longer. I also found myself having a big improvement in Korean language.
How do you like Seoul?
Seoul is perhaps my favorite city; so romantic, crowded and full of convenience.
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
Jjimjilbang (Korean Sauna)!! It was one of my favorites!!
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
I have learnt to become more independent and of course have had a big expansion on my knowledge of the Korean language.
How did you like your accommodation?
Staying with a host family was a very good idea. I had a fun time communicating with them and they are all very nice!!
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
Visiting different museums and palaces was quite amazing. Jjimjilbang was also an unforgettable experience.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
That it is very convenient!!
Will you come to Seoul again?
Yes, most definitely!!
Please tell us your experience with a language exchange partner. Did the language exchange program help you improve our Korean language skills?
I really had a great time with my exchange partner. She is a wonderful sister. We met up frequently and talked about cultural differences. I helped her with reading English and she helped me to understand more about the Korean language and culture!!
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
1. Do not bring too many clothes from where you come from because you might go back with overloaded luggage.
2. Must try all the Korean food.
Name: Benjamin Lee
Country of Residence: US
Citizenship: US
Profession: Financial Analyst
Education Background: BS in Finance
Brief Work History: First Job out of college
Language Spoken: English
Hobbies: Golf
Is this your first time in Korea?
No
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
I really wanted to become a more fluent Korean speaker.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
Class was very helpful in helping me improve my speaking and grammar.
How do you like Seoul?
Seoul is an amazing place with so many cultural and fun places to see.
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
Seoul has so many people to meet, and each with there own interesting story.
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
Of course! It has opened my eyes to what living abroad has to offer. You can meet new people while understanding a new culture.
How did you like your accommodation?
It was a great. My host family was so kind to me, and cared about my well-being
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
TLate night drinking experiences with so many local Koreans and other foreigners.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/Korea?
The great food and alcohol selection!
Will you come to Seoul again?
No doubt in my mind that I will.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Be prepared to try new foods and live outside of your comfort zone. The result is worth it.
 Name: William Mao
Country of Residence: United States
Citizenship: American
Profession: Student
Educational Background: 2nd year of college
Languages Spoken: English / Chinese
Is this your first time in Korea?
Yes it is.
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
I like Korean people, Korean movies and TV shows. I wanted to learn to understand them.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
It's awesome. The people I met in my class are wonderful and the teachers are helpful and understanding.
How do you like Seoul?
Other than the weird weather I love it. Seoul has many places to visit from historical to the wonderful night life. Way to many places for only 1 month of stay.
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
The night life! It's always crowded at night till the early mornings. It's so much more lively than a night in LA and secondly is the food. Korean food is awesome too.
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
To me I think Korea has to be the most memorable event in my life. I had to learn how to use the subways and taxis but I met people who have changed the way I am and it's very sad at the end of the trip when you have to say goodbye to everyone. Korea is one of those memories you’ll always remember!
How did you like your accommodation?
My studio residence was nice. It was small and cozy. It had internet, cable TV, shower/bathroom and a kitchen on the same floor. I didn’t spend a lot of time in my room but over all it was nice.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/Korea?
My favorites have to be going to Everland and Lotte World, the boat ride on the river, the sauna and of course the clubs and bars.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/Korea?
My favorite thing in Korea has to be the food. I liked Korean food when I came to Korea, but now I like it even more and I’m going to miss it.
Will you come to Seoul again?
Of course now that I’ve experienced Korea I want to come back more often and I would like to experience a winter in Korea.
Please tell us your experience with a language exchange partner. Did the language exchange program help you improve Korean skills?
Yes it did and my language partner was quite interesting, it’s a good way to meet new people. I met with her whenever I had free time and we talked and visit different places.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Korea is a fun place to go to and it's full of surprises. I didn’t think it would be fun at all but I was wrong, it has been a blast!
 Name: Janine Renee Cephas
Country of Residence: USA
Citizenship: American
Profession: Student
Education Background: College
Brief Work History: United States Navy
Language Spoken: English, Japanese
Hobbies: Reading, Drawing
Is this your first time in Korea?
No, I have been to Pohang (Southern part of Korea) 3 times while I was in the Navy.
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
I love to learn about different culture and was interested in learning more about Korea.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
It was a little bit hard in the first week but it got easier as time went on.
How do you like Seoul?
I love it !!!
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
What I found most interesting was people here are really friendly and are willing to know as much about your culture just as you are willing to know about theirs.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
Meeting my friend, Seeing many places. My friend has introduced me to a lot of friends. He has taken me all sorts of exciting little places.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
The Food!!!
Will you come to Seoul again?
Yes!
Please tell us your experience with a language exchange partner. Did the language exchange program help you improve Korean skills?
Yes, it helped me out a lot. You gain more confidence to speak Korean.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Learn the Korean alphabet before you get here. Your classes will be a little bit easier one you conquer that!!
 Name: Kelvin Chao
Country of Residence: USA
Citizenship: American
Profession: Student
Education Background: High school graduate; Junior in College
Language Spoken: English, Mandarin
Hobbies: Norae Bang (Karaoke)
Is this your first time in Korea?
No, this is my third time.
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
I became interested through Korean music and even Korean dramas and movies. Also because I have Korean friends.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
Very Good! Classes are both fun and educational.
How do you like Seoul?
Seoul is a Fun place with lot of good food, tourist attractions and shopping places.
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
Many Norae Bangs (karaoke) and night clubs!
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
My Korean has definitely improved!!
How did you like your Host Family?
It was very good and my host family was very nice!
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
Seoul Tower, Norae bangs, Lotte World etc…
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
The food!
Will you come to Seoul again?
Yes!!
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Live with a host family so you can practice your Korean!!
 Name: Michelle Leung
Country of Residence: Canada
Citizenship: Canadian
Profession: University Student
Education Background: First Year University
Brief Work History: Receptionist (Part-time)
Language Spoken: Cantonese, Mandarin, English, French
Hobbies: Korean dramas, Badminton
Is this your first time in Korea?
Yes!
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
I was interested in the language from Korean dramas and wanted to lean another language for pursuing international career.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
They have been fairly useful and I have been able to put my knowledge to good use.
How do you like Seoul?
I love Seoul except for the rain!!
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
The night life!!
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
I became more independent and learnt to better manage my financial situations.
How did you like your lodging house?
It was very good, fairly clean and good food provided!!
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
All the excursion activities. Meeting everyone in the program and my Caliente Candice!! There are just too many to list!!
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
Most people are friendly. Easy and convenient transportation.
I like it all!!
Will you come to Seoul again?
Yes! Definitely!! Can’t wait!!!
Please tell us your experience with a language exchange partner. Did the language exchange program help you improve Korean skills?
Yes, Si Young and Suk Yong were really helpful & nice and showed us around Seoul well. They also introduced us to many other Korean friends.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Bring lot of Money to spend on the nightlife and shopping!
 Name: Austin Rho
Country of Residence: United States
Citizenship: American
Profession: Student
Education Background: High School degree (now in college)
Language Spoken: Spanish, Korean, English
Hobbies: Reading, watching Korean movies and dramas, video games, basketball.
Is this your first time in Korea?
No!
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
I wanted to be able to speak, read and write my native language like my other family members.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
Fairly effective and well. Not too difficult and enjoyable.
How do you like Seoul?
I love the city!!
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
The people.
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
It made me more independent and mature. I feel pretty much the same, though!
How did you like your lodging house?
Overall, it was fine. I had some occasional problems at start with air conditionings and internet but it was fine afterwards.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
Everland, clubbing, karaoke with friends were fun.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
Everyone speaks Korean and that allows me to practice my Korean.
Will you come to Seoul again?
Of course!!
Please tell us your experience with a language exchange partner. Did the language exchange program help you improve Korean skills?
Yes, I did! She knew a lot of English and was fluent in Korean. I was fluent in English and knew some Korean so we helped each other out.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Take advantage of your surroundings-speak Korean as much as possible and listen to others speak. Also do some of your homework if you can! It is more effective learning that way.
 Name: Mary Hammond
Country of Residence: USA
Citizenship: American
Profession: Student
Education Background: College
Brief Work History: Photographer, Sales
Language Spoken: English, Some Japanese, Some Korean
Hobbies: Photography
Is this your first time in Korea?
Yes
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
My mother is Korean so I would like to be able to communicate with her in her native language.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
Fun, Interesting and very hard!
How do you like Seoul?
I love Seoul! I would like to live here if I could.
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
The fact that it’s so safe and you can walk around at night with little worries.
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
I haven’t really been here long enough but it had given me a new appreciation for Korea and its language and culture.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
Everything was memorable.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
The feeling of safety.
Will you come to Seoul again?
Definitely!!
Please tell us your experience with a language exchange partner. Did the language exchange program help you improve Korean skills?
Yes, I really enjoyed speaking time with her.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
You have to be serious if you really want to learn to speak because it’s very hard!
Name: Esther Tak
Country of Residence: United States
Citizenship: United States
Profession: Attorney
Educational Back Ground: College, Law School
Brief Work History: Accountant for 3 years, Attorney for 2 years
Language Spoken: English
Hobbies: Knitting, reading, shopping, watching Korean Dramas
Is this your first time in Korea?
No, it is my second time.
Why did you decided to study Korean Language?
For personal education.
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
I have learned a lot that I will take back with me.
How do you like Seoul?
I had an awesome time!
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
The people, the food and the shopping!!
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
It has made me become more aware of my Korean heritage and culture.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul Korea?
I would say “SHOPPING”.
Will you come to Seoul again?
Yes, I will come back for sure.
Name: Lim Bee Hong
Country of Residence: Malaysia
Citizenship: Malaysian
Profession: Executive
Brief Work History: University, Internation Student Office
Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin, Malay, Cantonese, Korean
Hobbies: Swimming, shopping, currently watching Korean drama movies
Is this your first time in Korea?
Yes.
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
Because too many people learn Japanese. Korean Language is fun and not as difficult as what we all think. Korean culture, food and more…… I wish to know and learn =)
How are you finding your studies in Korea?
Too short. If possible I wish to extend my study and stay.
How do you like Seoul?
Public transport is very convenient. Do some internet searching of all the places that you wish to visit when you are in Seoul + with a subway map, you are able to go there by yourself. =)
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
Sauna. Culture shock! But it's a place that you can not miss.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/Korea?
Walking: For car owner like me, a month that I spend walking in Seoul is almost equal to a year that I walk in my own country (is a joke that I share with all my friends). But like I mentioned before, the well arrange of the public transport in Seoul makes it easy to bring you to anywhere you want to be.
Food: All vegetable! Ha ha... do not worry, WLE Seoul staffs will bring you for lots of nice local Korean food.
Coffee + sandwich: Special secret spread for sandwich + hot coffee in a cold morning (I was in Korean during November) is something that you must have. Moreover is less that 3000 won. Very economical.
Beautiful view: Remember to fully charge your digital camera and have enough memory. Do not need a professional photographer; you can take nice picture anywhere and anytime.
What is the thing you like the best about Seoul/Korea?
WLE-Seoul staffs! Without their care and hospitality, I might not able to enjoy as much as I wish or I can. Thank you ladies!!
Will you come to Seoul again?
Yes!
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Subway map is a must have paper. Is free. You can get it at all the subway station. Try street food. Is cheap and surprisingly delicious.
MyeongDong Department store is a best place for shopping (specially for Korean Language beginner) no bargain is needed and you're still able to enjoy a low price shopping. Ladies, don’t miss this place ok.
Name: Hamasaki Ayumi
Country of Residence: Japan
Citizenship: Japanese
Education Background: College Graduate
Brief Work History: Language School in Osaka
Hobbies: Watching movies, Playing sports, shopping
Is it your first time in Korea?
Yes, it is!
Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
I am interested in Korean movies and the movies I have seen gave me the motivation to come to Seoul and study Korean.
How did you finding your studies in Korea?
It was very interesting!! Of course learning the language was very hard but I was able to use the language I learned in my daily life and it was so great to see myself speaking Korean.
How do you like Seoul?
I like Seoul!!!
What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
I found a lot of interesting things in Korea like Korean sauna, DVD room where a few people (even one) can watch a movie etc… Most of all, I think Korean people are the most interesting. Koreans are so alive and enthusiastic. People are moving fast, walking fast, eating fast… The word ‘PallyPally (hurry up)’ is one of the first words I learned and I found it very interesting.
How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
I don’t think I am changed but have a feeling that I have grown up with the experience in Korea. I gained confidence to go overseas and from now on I would like to make more and more chances to go out and see the world.
Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/Korea?
All my experiences with Korean food are good and memorable. Also the time I had with Korean friends is so precious.
What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
Korean food, especially I liked the Korean street food that is cheap but very tasty.
Will you come to Seoul again?
Yes, definitely!!!
What advice/ tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
You will probably find most stuff you need at the local markets but if you are planning to come in winter, make sure that you bring the warmest winter jacket you have. Korean winter is very very cold!!
Also it might be a good idea to have a cell phone if you are going to stay in Seoul longer than a month.
 Name: Kate Neil
Program Enrolled in: Korean Language for 4 weeks
Country of Residence: Australia
Citizenship: Australian
Profession: Teacher
Education Background: Bachelor of Teaching, Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics
Language(s) Spoken: English
Hobbies: Studying Language & Culture (at the moment Korean), watching movies
Is this your first time in Korea?
No, 4th time.
Why did you decide to study Korean?
I have been studying Korean for many years and I am continuing to do so. Also, Korean language is my passion.
How are you finding your studies in Seoul?
Enjoyable!!!
Have they been what you expected to be?
Yes.
How do you like Seoul?
I like Seoul! It’s a great city.
What do you find most interesting about Seoul?
The hustle and bustle of city life, the large population, the nightlife and social life.
How has your experience in Seoul changed you if it has?
It hasn’t really changed me.
What is the thing you like most about Seoul, Korea?
The atmosphere.
What is the thing you like least about Seoul, Korea?
Probably the dirty streets, due to rubbish and grubby looking footpaths. Also, the population is quite large.
Will you come to Seoul/ Korea again?
Yes.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Study hard and take every opportunity possible to practice Korean conversation.
 Name: Nishioka Yumi
Program: Korean Language
Citizenship: Japanese
Language(s) Spoken: Japanese, Korean
Is this your first time in Korea?
It is the second time to stay long in Korea.
Why did you decide to study Korean?
For study and work.
How are you finding your studies in Seoul?
Everything is well prepared and I am very satisfied with all cultural activities.
Have they been what you expected to be?
Busier than what I expected.
What do you find most interesting about Seoul?
Seeing concerts and traditional performances!
How has your experience in Seoul changed you if it has?
I was able to study Korean hard in Seoul and will be able to utilize my Korean skills for the job.
What is the thing you like most about Seoul, Korea?
There are so many places to go for fun and shopping and I have many chances to meet Koreans who study Japanese.
What is the thing you like least about Seoul, Korea?
Japanese food and books are too expensive!
Will you come to Seoul/ Korea again?
Yes, if it’s possible I would like to come back and see my friends and students in Korea.
What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
It will be better to study basic Korean in Japan. If you speak little Korean, it is a lot easier to make friends and to do the things you want to do.
Korean food is good! But you will miss Japanese food sometimes. So learn how to cook Japanese and prepare the ingredients. Japanese food in Korea will help you to get rid of being homesick.
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