Dongyang Mirae University and Sookmyung Women's University
Chosen as the First Seoul-type Korean Language Preparatory Schools
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced on the 23rd that it will operate the 'Seoul-type Korean Language Preparatory School' from this year for multicultural students (students with migrant backgrounds) who have difficulties in Korean communication.
According to the Office of Education, over the past 10 years, the number of students born in Korea has decreased by 15.24%, while the number of students from foreign families has increased by 17.26%. In particular, the number of multicultural middle and high school students increased by 173.70%, which is higher than the 85.74% increase rate among elementary school students.
Reflecting this, the Office of Education plans to prioritize multicultural middle and high school students this year and next year to operate the Seoul-type Korean Language Preparatory School.
The Seoul-type Korean Language Preparatory School is an accredited alternative education entrusted institution, where both attendance and educational content at the preparatory school are directly reflected in the students' regular schools. Dongyang Mirae University and Sookmyung Women's University were selected as the first Seoul-type Korean Language Preparatory Schools. It was explained that the selection comprehensively considered the educational environment and expertise, the concentration of multicultural students near the institution, students' accessibility to and from school, and facility safety.
The Office of Education will invest 300 million won this year to provide intensive Korean language education here, and will offer customized education that can enhance the potential of multicultural students through arts and physical education and career mentoring. Professional instructors holding Korean language teacher qualification certificates will be in charge of intensive Korean immersion education. Small classes of no more than 15 students will be organized to provide level-based learning, and there is an advantage in efficiently utilizing various human resources and infrastructure within the universities.
Jung Geun-sik, Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, said, "Although the number of multicultural students who face difficulties not only in learning but also in friendships and adapting to school life due to language problems has been continuously increasing, the 'Seoul-type Korean Language Preparatory School' starting this year will be a strong support for multicultural students and all members of schools in densely populated areas. We will continuously monitor and strive to make this happen."
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