Intermediate Korean, Suwon, South Korea, 2009

Department of Homeland Security, USCIS, Management and Program Analyst

Internet

After spending a year in China, I knew I wanted to broaden my regional knowledge and understanding of the Pacific Asian relationships. I knew studying the Korean language in Korea would give me the deeper, broader understanding I was seeking.

Studying Korean has contributed to my professional development, giving me a skill that not many others have in my office. Therefore, when certain assignments arise, I have the opportunity to partake on a level many of my co-workers cannot because they lack the language skills or cultural knowledge.

I utilize the language in my work currently, on special assignments and projects, and most recently hosted members of the Korean government.

Utilizing it in my workplace and on the job, daily, as well as in my personal life.

Nope, it fit exactly into my goals.

The cultural experiences were my favorite part, and studying language in conjunction with those experiences really deepened my understanding of Korean people, politics, and culture.

Koreans eat live octopus…and it is delicious!

The entire trip was so memorable it is so hard to pick just one memory!

(jagiya) means honey, or sweetheart and is my favorite word. I say it to my fiancé all the time!

I have moved every year or couple of years throughout my life and have honestly enjoyed every moment of it. I’ve lived on three continents and visited over 40 countries, but I can honestly say that Korean language and the country of Korea are two of my all-time favorite things. I cannot wait to go back. My fiancé is actually Korean and understanding his culture and language has definitely added to our relationship. I hope one day to be able to work in Seoul, continuing to broaden my language skills work experience. Because I have the CLS experience under my belt, I have no doubt I will succeed!