seoul babo

grad student in seoul | 24 | chasing dreams & studying kor-eng translation - interpretation ☆彡

[seoul-babo]

I would like to study translation and interpretation in Korea someday like your post stated though I'm just beginning my journey with Korean as a freshman in college. How did you become fluent in Korean? What did you study in college and how did you get to where you are now? I'm curious and would like to try and figure out my way and path.

I did all of my learning through classes. I took Korean classes at my university in the States for 3 years, and for 1 year in Seoul. I attented the language programs at Sogang University (3 months) and Yonsei University (9 months.)

My major was film/screenwriting, so my language studies were completely unrelated to that, but a fun hobby that I later decided to pursue as a career. My first year learning, I watched a lot of Korean TV shows without subtitles (~2 hours day) and I think that really helped my pronunciation. Studying in Seoul gave me the biggest boost by far, just hearing and using the language on a daily basis.

I got a scholarship from my US university to study in Korea, so my first recommendation would be to see if your school has any exchange programs, grants, or scholarships that could get you here, or to consider taking a gap year and coming on your own if your financial/personal circumstances allow. I’ve talked about this before if you search my learning korean tag, but utilizing websites like Talk to Me in Korean, iTalki, HiNative, Memrise, DuoLingo (the Korean course is not up yet, but on the way) and Naver English Dictionary; reading articles online from Korean news sources like Chosun and Joongang; and listening to podcasts (Korean app 팟방) can help you in your journey. Best of luck to you.

[seoul-babo]

which uni you studying in?

Chung-Ang University, under their Advanced Interpretation and Translation Program (AITP).

[seoul-babo]

Anyone fluent in Korean (minimum of TOPIK 5) and interested in pursuing grad school in Seoul? Specifically to study Korean-English translation and interpretation like I am.

My professor is eager to bring more foreign students into our program, and has asked me to recommend potential students for admission.

I’d be happy to answer your questions and introduce you to her if you’re passionate about pursuing your language studies as a career.

[seoul-babo]

is there translation and interpretation from korean to other languages? if yes like what?

The program I’m doing currently offers Korean to English, Russian, and Chinese. I heard of a Korean-Japanese program somewhere as well. I bet there are more, but I haven’t looked into them.

[seoul-babo]

did you study bachelor degree in korea?

No, I did my bachelor’s degree in the States.

[seoul-babo]

Hi Babo!! Since your last post i have been so worry hoping you and your family are okay!! I know its a rough time but i miss your posts and your beautiful photos of seoul!! Are you back in seoul?? Wish you positive vibes 💕

Thank you kindly for the well wishes. Yes, I’m back in Seoul and starting classes again next week.

[seoul-babo]

grief, healing & going home

It’s been a while since I checked in.

I really didn’t think I’d be visiting home for at least another year, being that money is tight on a student budget, but somehow there’s an e-ticket in my inbox and the realization that I’ll be on a plane a week and a half from now.

This has been a tough semester, and not just in terms of workload. My brother passed away. And grieving away from home, away from family, has been agonizing. Unexpected as it may be, I’m going to use this trip as a much needed opportunity to spend some time with the people I love. See my aunt and my grandmother, who recently had heart surgery. Take care of my parents. Heal.

I’ll be back to Seoul in August, hopefully able to start my next semester with a clearer head and lighter heart.

[seoul-babo]

cherry blossom showers

[seoul-babo]

my professor recommended me for a freelance translation gig at a big korean company, but the deadline is in 2 weeks and it’s also conveniently midterms week rn and i guess i’m not sleeping for the foreseeable future

but also my dream is kind of working????

[seoul-babo]

books to feed the mind; cake to feed the soul 📔🍰

[seoul-babo]

seoul in bloom

[seoul-babo]

Hi again ! I'm the previous anon about living alone, do you live in a student thing appartement/campus ? 😄 #A

Nope, I found my own place about 25 min away from campus, and I take the bus to school~

[seoul-babo]

mandu? don’t mind if I du

[seoul-babo]

Hi hi ! I was wondering do you live in a appart by yourself ? 😄

Yep, I live alone unless you count my cat, Taro~

[seoul-babo]

How is your pokemon catching going? Is the hype really big in Korea?

I’m still in deep, despite having no free time to really play anymore, other than my morning bus rides. 

I feel like the hype was really short-lived here, sadly. The first few weeks, you would see so many people outside with their phones and back-up batteries, playing in the freezing cold, but now I rarely run into other players. :|

[seoul-babo]

What do you take your pictures with?? They're so pretty~

I just use my phone! I have an iPhone 6+

[piecesofmyseoul-deactivated2019]

Do you think 28-30 is too old to be a grad/master degree student (in seoul)? lmao idk i have low self-esteem about this, it's taking me forever to finish uni. D':

Not at all! I know of a few people in their late 20s/early 30s who are in grad school here! Late is better than never~ I don’t think it’s something to be self conscious about at all. Just do you!

[seoul-babo]

I’m 24 and I’m the second youngest in my department. Most of the female students in my class are around 27-29, and the men are 30+. It’s totally normal!