In this article, The SeoulTech introduces foreign language education programs conducted by the Office of International Affairs (OIA) that may benefit 2025 freshmen. The detailed program schedule is available on the OIA website and is subject to change depending on the circumstances of the Foreign Language Education Team.

 

Programs for General English Courses

Taking the Practical English Communication or Advanced Practical English Communication course is a general education requirement designed to develop global competency. It is a mandatory course for all students, generally recommended to take it in their first year. Among the two courses, Advanced Practical English Communication, which uses an absolute grading system, provides an advantage in earning higher grades. Additionally, some students may qualify for an exemption for these courses.

- English Proficiency Test for Freshmen

Freshmen take the English Placement Test before their first semester. The test is used for level placement in mandatory general education English course. Students are enrolled in either Practical English Communication or Advanced Practical English Communication, depending on whether they get their score in the top 10% or not.

- Exemption from Mandatory English Courses

The English exemption system allows students with a high level of English to bypass the mandatory English course. There are two ways to qualify for exemption from Advanced Practical English Communication or Practical English Communication. Students can register for them twice per semester. One is to submit a valid score only issued within 23 months from one of the following: TOEIC Speaking, OPIc Speaking, TOEFL iBT, or IELTS. The other is to take a free exemption test conducted in an interview format with a foreign professor from the OIA.

- Mock Tests for Foreign Language Proficiency Evaluation

If the cost of official language proficiency tests is a concern, mock tests of TOEIC, TOEIC Speaking and OPIc are available. These mock tests are significantly cheaper than official ones. It costs approximately 77% less than official tests. However, it is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis as seats are limited.

Mock TOEIC is held monthly with a participant limit of 100. Mock TOEIC Speaking and OPIc exams are held in June, July, September, and October and are limited to 20 students, making them more competitive.

 

Additional Language Education Programs

The OIA's Foreign Language Education Team offers several other extracurricular programs, including STEP Foreign Language Special Courses, IEP General English Conversation, Foreign Language Tutoring Program, and Language Clinic.

- STEP Foreign Language Special Courses ('MATE' in 2025)

This program is designed for freshmen, allowing them to take unlimited English courses of their choice for one year at a discounted tuition fee of 680,000 won. Available courses include TOEIC, TOEIC Speaking, OPIc, TOEFL, IELTS, and English conversation classes.

- IEP General English Conversation

This is an intensive English conversation program conducted by foreign professors. It runs in four-week cycles, with four sessions available during the regular semesters and two sessions during vacation periods. Enrolled students receive a 25% discount, reducing the tuition fee to 90,000 won.

- Foreign Language Tutoring Program (English, Japanese)

This program conducted every regular semester selects students with excellent foreign language skills of English and Japanese as tutors, who then assist their peers, called tutees. It covers language learning such as conversation, preparation for language subject exams or the official language proficiency tests, and mock interviews.

- Language Clinic (English, Korean)

This is a free program designed to improve language and academic skills in the fields of English and Korean through professional counseling with professors. It is conducted every regular semester. They offer personalized guidance and group consultations on writing, conversation, pronunciation, mock interviews, self-study and preparation for the official language proficiency tests.

 

Cultural Exchange Programs

Engaging with students from different countries and cultures is one of the best ways to learn a foreign language. The SeoulTech recommends two cultural exchange programs the OIA offers: International Coffee Hour and International Student Club.

- International Coffee Hour (ICH)

This program introduces the cultures of various countries, fostering interaction and friendships among students of diverse nationalities. It is held once each semester. Last year's 55th and 56th ICH featured themes like a cultural talent show, Korean traditions, and team-building games.

- International Student Club (ISC)

The ISC is a group that plans and manages various events, such as orientation and cultural trip programs, helping Korean and international students build friendships and exchange cultures and languages. Korean students also help international students­ including-exchange students, Korean language school attendees, and study abroad participants-adapt to life in Korea and on campus.

 

▲These programs are mostly open at the International Building.

 

Reporter,

Hyewon Kim happyhw2@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 김혜원

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• e-mail : happyhw2@seoultech.ac.kr