Korean culture classes taught at Korean universities and campus culture

The new school year begins next week here in Korea.

It’s an especially exciting month for freshmen at universities, who are preparing for a new chapter in their lives.

Today, we invite David Tizzard, Professor of Korean Studies at Seoul Women's University (and Hanyang University) to talk about Korean culture classes as well as culture on the university campuses here in Korea.

Welcome Professor Tizzard!

Q1) Most universities in Korea will be kicking off their new school year or semester on March 4th. Are you excited to meet your new students? (How are you getting yourself ready to meet them?)

Q2) Professor Tizzard, you mainly teach about Korean culture. With the Korean wave or hallyu sweeping across the world, do you feel like the interest in Korean culture classes has increased?

Q2-1) What class do you teach this semester and how have your classes so far been received by students? (How about the response from foreign students?)

Q2-2) What in particular do you want your students to take away from your class?

Q2-3) It must be a unique experience to be teaching about Korean culture as a foreigner, right?

3) Let’s now talk about the culture that freshmen experience at university. Anything that stands out for you?

4) Compared to the past, I feel like there is a closer relationship between professors and students. What do you do to make yourself more approachable to new students?

5) We’ve been seeing an increase in international students studying at Korean universities these days. Is there any activity or experience that should be on their to-do-list on Korean university campuses?