Alumni Stories

Testmonial

In this inspirational series our alumni share, in their own words, stories of overcoming challenges, setting up pioneering projects, and bringing about positive change in the world.

N.B.

I was first introduced to the Korean Language Flagship program during my search for universities that offered Korean major programs. What attracted me most was that not only was it the first of its kind, but also, when compared to other programs, it appeared to be the most well-established. I wanted to join because I felt that the Flagship would give me the best support system to achieve fluency and my degree. In addition, the internship portion was something I was really excited about-no other university offered anything similar to it. My entire family and my friends have been very supportive, and sometimes when I talk to them about the Flagship program, they’re amazed. Flagship has been an incredible experience for me. As a new transfer student, my first semester here was very nerve-wracking, especially because it had been a long time since I had attended a four-year university. Through the attentiveness, patience, and understanding of my teachers and the friends I’ve made in this program, my confidence, while still not where I want it to be, has increased since starting the Flagship program. My tutor has been great as well. I’ve learned a lot from her, and as a result, I think my speaking confidence has gotten higher. If there’s any advice that I’d like to give, it would be to not be afraid to make mistakes, because you will make them time and time again. What’s important is to learn from them, lean on the support from fellow cohorts, and never be afraid to ask the teachers for more help when you feel you need it.

M.R.

What attracted me to the Korean Language Flagship is the number of resources and support the program offers. At first when I had told my parents about the program they thought it was a very good program and had wished I had joined the program earlier. Being in...

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M.M.

but after deciding to change my major to Korean, a subject I was passionate about, I wanted to find the best place to study. I did a lot of research, and finally I found the Korean Language Flagship at UHM. It is the best Korean program in the United States....

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J.M.

I never imagined I’d one day give a presentation on the collapse of the Berlin wall and how it symbolized the end of the Cold War and affected Europe all in Korean. The presentation required more work and preparation than all the homework from my 6 other classes...

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K.H.S.

The presentations have allowed me to learn and utilize a variety of useful expressions that are found in the textbook. The topics we present on are diverse and are all connected to different cultural aspects of Korea. Through the detailed guidelines given in the...

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E.V.

Through the presentation experiences, not only have I had the chance to develop more professional Korean skills, but have also gained a lot of confidence in speaking Korean and even giving presentations in other classes as well.  With every new assignment, there...

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