Navigating Language Barriers for Foreign Trainees in Korea
When considering a position in a Korean company as a foreign trainee, one crucial factor is understanding the local language. Many are under the misconception that attending an international school in Korea will suffice if they do not know the Korean language. However, the truth is that you will invariably need to immerse yourself in the local schooling system to truly become proficient in Korean.
The Role of International Schools in Korea
International schools in Korea predominantly use American English as their instructional language. This fact is often cited by those who believe that knowledge of English is sufficient for communication in a Korean setting. However, this is far from the reality.
Take, for example, the case of Mr. Kim Jong-un; it is highly unlikely that this high-ranking official needed to attend an international school in Switzerland to become fluent in English. In fact, it is more probable that he received education in his native language, supplemented by comprehensive English language training. The belief that any prominence of the United States President or any past leader had a better grasp of Korean is an overestimation at best.
A Korean Education Environment
Due to the critical importance of the native language in professional and daily life in Korea, many foreign trainees are required to attend Korean schools. Indeed, daily conversations and interactions will primarily be conducted in Korean. This is a significant shift from their previous environments and underscores the necessity of adapting to the local language culture.
Moreover, the language policy in workplaces is often strict, with English being allowed only within certain contexts. For instance, international clients might be served in English, but communication within the company typically remains in Korean. As such, foreign trainees who do not know the language would struggle to fully integrate into their roles or effectively navigate their work environment. Even potential interaction with foreign colleagues would be limited if proficiency in Korean is not achieved.
Financial Considerations
The cost of education in Korea can be prohibitive for many individuals. For instance, while my children and I resided in South Korea, we faced significant expenses related to schooling. These costs led us to consider online high school options from America. It was only the children of parents with substantial financial resources or those whose employers covered the costs who had access to international schools.
Even for those who cannot afford to send their children to international schools, the need to learn Korean language is paramount. Korean language conversation schools are available, but these are generally not subsidised by employers, making them financially inaccessible for many.
Alternatives and Employer Roles
For those seeking to improve their Korean language skills, there are alternatives such as Korean language conversation schools. However, employers rarely cover these expenses, leaving it to the individual to bear the financial burden. This makes the learn-to-speak plan a significant personal investment rather than an employer-provided perk.
Therefore, while international schools can be an option, they should not be relied upon as a sole solution for language proficiency. True fluency in Korean is necessary for success as a foreign trainee in Korea, and this means either attending a local school or dedicating personal resources to language learning.