Struggling with language and uncertain futures: Foreign-born students grapple with Korean roots
In the heart of Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, lies the Seoul Global Youth Education Center, a facility established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and operated by the nonprofit Migrant Center Friend. This centre serves as a beacon for international students and immigrant youth aged 9 to 24 who arrived in Korea during their school years[1].
The centre offers a variety of programs designed to help these students adapt to Korean society and overcome language barriers. Key programs include Korean language classes, cultural adaptation activities, counseling and educational sessions for parents, and study support[1]. The centre aims to provide a nurturing environment where students can learn Korean, connect with Korean culture, and receive academic assistance tailored to their needs.
On an average day, the centre serves about 100 to 130 students, making it one of only a few such dedicated facilities in Seoul. It plays a critical role for immigrant youth who might lack access to school documentation from their home countries and may need to take equivalency exams to qualify for higher education[1].
In addition to language and cultural courses, the centre has hosted arts and crafts classes, including media and arts education programs, in partnership with youth organizations, enhancing creative skills and cultural expression[2][3].
The Seoul Global Youth Education Center seems to be experiencing growing need. Photos of students are available, taken by PARK SANG-MOON, showcasing the vibrant and diverse community within the centre. One such student, Hoang Yen Nhi, aged 14, can be seen attending a Korean class.
The centre also features a modal window, three audio options (audio_0, audio_1, and audio_2), and captions settings, although the purpose of these features remains unclear. Nonetheless, the captions are turned off by default, with audio_1 selected by default.
Student work is on display throughout the centre, showcasing the hard work and creativity of the students. The Seoul Global Youth Education Center acts as a comprehensive educational and social hub for international students living in western Seoul, focusing on language acquisition, cultural integration, academic support, and creative development.
[1] Seoul Metropolitan Government. (n.d.). Seoul Global Youth Education Center. Retrieved from https://english.seoul.go.kr/globalyouth/
[2] Migrant Center Friend. (n.d.). Seoul Global Youth Education Center. Retrieved from https://www.migrant.or.kr/
[3] Seoul Global Youth Education Center. (n.d.). Arts and Crafts Classes. Retrieved from https://english.seoul.go.kr/globalyouth/program/arts_crafts.php
The Seoul Global Youth Education Center, a facility run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, offers international students and immigrant youth a nurturing environment for learning Korean, connecting with Korean culture, and receiving academic support. In addition to language and cultural courses, the center hosts programs like arts and crafts classes, collaborating with youth organizations to enhance creative skills and cultural expression. The center plays a crucial role for students who may need assistance with school documentation and equivalency exams for higher education.
