FAQs for Potential Students
1. How much is the tuition?
The tuition varies slightly from semester to semester but in general it is approximately 4.3. million won per semester. For the first semester there is also an extra, one-time registration fee of approximately 900,000 won.
For the first semester both the tuition and the registration fee are paid together. They also need to be paid early, shortly after one has been informed of their acceptance into the program. For the other semesters, tuition fees are due shortly before classes begin.
2. Do I need to take a certificate before applying to the MA?
There have been major policy shifts in the MA of late regarding the certificate programs. Individuals interested in pursuing the TESOL MA with us are no longer required to do a certificate program (starting from spring 2015). Those who have taken one of the approved certificates can apply as transfer students. If accepted they can transfer credit worth one semester (up to 6 credits) and take an additional 24 credits in the MA. Those who have not taken an approved certificate at Sookmyung are also encouraged to apply. If accepted they simply complete 30 credits (5 semesters) in the MA. It is important to note that once accepted into MA students cannot take a certificate course (추가로 궁금한 사안은 조교실로 문의 )
(조교실 근무시간 - 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Mon, Thu) 번호 - (02) 2077 - 7760, 이메일 - tesolma@sookmyung.ac.kr)
People interested in the Sookmyung TESOL MA who are not sure whether they should take a certificate prior to the MA should consult with faculty or staff of the MA. We are happy to provide guidance in this important decision.
3. How should I prepare for the interview?
The interview is an important aspect of the application process, but it is not the only factor considered. Applicants should be concerned about being able to show their best selves. In the interview we are checking for many different factors simultaneously and it is best not to think about all these things. Focus on providing thoughtful answers to the questions. This is a semi-structured interview, which means that the questions are only partially predetermined. There are, however, topic areas that are generally covered and these generally include:
-Educational background
-Experience
-Motivation for graduate study
-Future plans
-Academic readiness
-Personality
Important to us as well is that the applicant really knows what she or he wants and also has taken the time to find out about the program. We often ask applicants to quantify what they have written in their statement of purpose with some specific information about the program. We are interested in applicants who are not only interested in getting a degree but also have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to improve themselves. Knowing how one plans to use the program shows a lot about how serious one is about future prospects.
Bearing these things in mind the most important way to prepare for the interview is to think carefully about one's goals and the program itself. Take time to get to know the different attributes of the program and be ready to take about them. Also, obviously, be able to take about yourself in a positive way. Since this is a semi-structured interview and nobody knows exactly what questions will be asked, it is not necessarily helpful to memorise stock answers for questions.
On the interview day it is best to try to relax and use the experience as a way of learning something. After the writing test, do go and eat something. Then go the waiting room and talk to the current MA students who are there as well as the other applicants. Just sitting there thinking about potential questions will make you nervous. Prepare for the interview in advance by considering carefully your goals and the role our program can play in helping you to further yourself. One the day relax, learn something, and try to show us the real you.
4. Is it OK to apply to the program even though my undergraduate major is not related to English or education?
TESOL is a very broad field. In the MA program we are proud of the diversity our students represent. This is diversity in origin as well as diversity in experience and future plans. Following this general idea of diversity the Sookmyung TESOL MA program accepts applications from people of diverse backgrounds provided they hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Of course we are also looking for students who have a genuine interest in learning about some aspect of TESOL. This is most typically an interest which has arisen out of classroom experience as a student and/or teacher, but it does not need to be so. It is also important to note that not all our students are current teachers. Within TESOL there are other areas that fit, such as people who work in the publishing industry, as materials designers, and researchers to name a few. We are happy to accept and nurture people of diverse backgrounds and aspirations. (영어 교육에 관심이 있다면 누구나 지원 가능)
5. What is the main merit of the program compared to others?
The main merit of the program varies according to people's goals and aspirations in studying with us. For some the main merit will be the international aspect of the program. We are international in our faculty, student body, as well as our approach to language and standards. Our goal is to provide a program that develop students who can compete on an international stage, and our graduates have done just that. For others the main merit is the fact that the program is conducted entirely in English, which means the students really get to develop their skills in unparalleled ways. Another positive difference is that we bring an international point of view on the Korean context. This does not mean devaluing the context or dictating solutions but letting the students an our experience interact with the local context with all its own intricate attributes.
For us in the program, we feel the diversity of our course offerings is something that truly sets us apart from virtually all other programs of this type anywhere in the world. The main purpose of this diversity to provide a program that centres on the students. In this program the students are responsible for creating their own experience. They do this by choosing from the wide range of options we provide. They choose their own classes and even the types of projects they would like to pursue in those classes. They also get to choose how they would like to culminate their experience in the program. All this results is a program that caters uniquely to student needs and goals.
6. Can I improve my language skills?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Since this is an English medium program and an academically rigorous one, students receive opportunities to develop their English language skills in all 4 areas. In fact, if they do not they will have trouble in the program. This applies to dominant users of English as well as those for whom English is an additional language. In the MA, students will be required to read extensively and intensively as well as write a variety of different kinds of assignments, all in the acceptable academic voice. Students will also need to be able to follow the class sessions and also interact with their professors and peers in real time on academic subjects. Based on all this, and of course with feedback and guidance from the professors and peers, it is natural that students improve their language skills and specifically in English. As this is really a CBI program focusing on content it is also clear that they also improve academic skills.
7. What kind of future can I get after graduation?
This is the hardest question for us to answer because it really does not depend entirely on us. The kinds of jobs one can get after graduation really depends on their credentials, experience, and determination in addition to the current social situation. Certainly non-Korean nationals have somewhat different prospects within Korea than those with Korean nationality and among non-Koreans people from core English-speaking countries have different opportunities than those originating in other places.
Of course the MA serves to increase one's credentials and renders one eligible for a wider variety of jobs at a higher level. There is also the eligibility to study further which also comes with successfully completing the MA. In the end, one's future is really up to the individual, but as a widely recognised program of excellence, the Sookmyung TESOL MA can play an important role in helping one achieve their goals both personal and professional.
The tuition varies slightly from semester to semester but in general it is approximately 4.3. million won per semester. For the first semester there is also an extra, one-time registration fee of approximately 900,000 won.
For the first semester both the tuition and the registration fee are paid together. They also need to be paid early, shortly after one has been informed of their acceptance into the program. For the other semesters, tuition fees are due shortly before classes begin.
2. Do I need to take a certificate before applying to the MA?
There have been major policy shifts in the MA of late regarding the certificate programs. Individuals interested in pursuing the TESOL MA with us are no longer required to do a certificate program (starting from spring 2015). Those who have taken one of the approved certificates can apply as transfer students. If accepted they can transfer credit worth one semester (up to 6 credits) and take an additional 24 credits in the MA. Those who have not taken an approved certificate at Sookmyung are also encouraged to apply. If accepted they simply complete 30 credits (5 semesters) in the MA. It is important to note that once accepted into MA students cannot take a certificate course (추가로 궁금한 사안은 조교실로 문의 )
(조교실 근무시간 - 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Mon, Thu) 번호 - (02) 2077 - 7760, 이메일 - tesolma@sookmyung.ac.kr)
People interested in the Sookmyung TESOL MA who are not sure whether they should take a certificate prior to the MA should consult with faculty or staff of the MA. We are happy to provide guidance in this important decision.
3. How should I prepare for the interview?
The interview is an important aspect of the application process, but it is not the only factor considered. Applicants should be concerned about being able to show their best selves. In the interview we are checking for many different factors simultaneously and it is best not to think about all these things. Focus on providing thoughtful answers to the questions. This is a semi-structured interview, which means that the questions are only partially predetermined. There are, however, topic areas that are generally covered and these generally include:
-Educational background
-Experience
-Motivation for graduate study
-Future plans
-Academic readiness
-Personality
Important to us as well is that the applicant really knows what she or he wants and also has taken the time to find out about the program. We often ask applicants to quantify what they have written in their statement of purpose with some specific information about the program. We are interested in applicants who are not only interested in getting a degree but also have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to improve themselves. Knowing how one plans to use the program shows a lot about how serious one is about future prospects.
Bearing these things in mind the most important way to prepare for the interview is to think carefully about one's goals and the program itself. Take time to get to know the different attributes of the program and be ready to take about them. Also, obviously, be able to take about yourself in a positive way. Since this is a semi-structured interview and nobody knows exactly what questions will be asked, it is not necessarily helpful to memorise stock answers for questions.
On the interview day it is best to try to relax and use the experience as a way of learning something. After the writing test, do go and eat something. Then go the waiting room and talk to the current MA students who are there as well as the other applicants. Just sitting there thinking about potential questions will make you nervous. Prepare for the interview in advance by considering carefully your goals and the role our program can play in helping you to further yourself. One the day relax, learn something, and try to show us the real you.
4. Is it OK to apply to the program even though my undergraduate major is not related to English or education?
TESOL is a very broad field. In the MA program we are proud of the diversity our students represent. This is diversity in origin as well as diversity in experience and future plans. Following this general idea of diversity the Sookmyung TESOL MA program accepts applications from people of diverse backgrounds provided they hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Of course we are also looking for students who have a genuine interest in learning about some aspect of TESOL. This is most typically an interest which has arisen out of classroom experience as a student and/or teacher, but it does not need to be so. It is also important to note that not all our students are current teachers. Within TESOL there are other areas that fit, such as people who work in the publishing industry, as materials designers, and researchers to name a few. We are happy to accept and nurture people of diverse backgrounds and aspirations. (영어 교육에 관심이 있다면 누구나 지원 가능)
5. What is the main merit of the program compared to others?
The main merit of the program varies according to people's goals and aspirations in studying with us. For some the main merit will be the international aspect of the program. We are international in our faculty, student body, as well as our approach to language and standards. Our goal is to provide a program that develop students who can compete on an international stage, and our graduates have done just that. For others the main merit is the fact that the program is conducted entirely in English, which means the students really get to develop their skills in unparalleled ways. Another positive difference is that we bring an international point of view on the Korean context. This does not mean devaluing the context or dictating solutions but letting the students an our experience interact with the local context with all its own intricate attributes.
For us in the program, we feel the diversity of our course offerings is something that truly sets us apart from virtually all other programs of this type anywhere in the world. The main purpose of this diversity to provide a program that centres on the students. In this program the students are responsible for creating their own experience. They do this by choosing from the wide range of options we provide. They choose their own classes and even the types of projects they would like to pursue in those classes. They also get to choose how they would like to culminate their experience in the program. All this results is a program that caters uniquely to student needs and goals.
6. Can I improve my language skills?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Since this is an English medium program and an academically rigorous one, students receive opportunities to develop their English language skills in all 4 areas. In fact, if they do not they will have trouble in the program. This applies to dominant users of English as well as those for whom English is an additional language. In the MA, students will be required to read extensively and intensively as well as write a variety of different kinds of assignments, all in the acceptable academic voice. Students will also need to be able to follow the class sessions and also interact with their professors and peers in real time on academic subjects. Based on all this, and of course with feedback and guidance from the professors and peers, it is natural that students improve their language skills and specifically in English. As this is really a CBI program focusing on content it is also clear that they also improve academic skills.
7. What kind of future can I get after graduation?
This is the hardest question for us to answer because it really does not depend entirely on us. The kinds of jobs one can get after graduation really depends on their credentials, experience, and determination in addition to the current social situation. Certainly non-Korean nationals have somewhat different prospects within Korea than those with Korean nationality and among non-Koreans people from core English-speaking countries have different opportunities than those originating in other places.
Of course the MA serves to increase one's credentials and renders one eligible for a wider variety of jobs at a higher level. There is also the eligibility to study further which also comes with successfully completing the MA. In the end, one's future is really up to the individual, but as a widely recognised program of excellence, the Sookmyung TESOL MA can play an important role in helping one achieve their goals both personal and professional.
