As a recent graduate, I look back on my time studying with the professors of Korean Studies at Curtin Uni with deep appreciation. From the very beginning, it was clear that the lecturers were genuinely enthusiastic—not only about teaching Korean language, but about helping us truly understand Korean culture. They consistently passed on valuable knowledge, shared lived experiences, and encouraged us to improve, even if it was just slightly each time. That steady push to be better than before created a motivating and supportive learning atmosphere. 

What made the program especially meaningful was the human element. There are aspects of culture that can only truly be taught by people who have lived it—customs shaped by history, social nuances learned through experience, and phrases whose meaning goes far beyond a dictionary definition. Some expressions simply cannot be fully understood unless you grew up within that cultural context or have been guided through it by someone who has. While AI can offer explanations and translations, it can only approximate understanding. It may provide technically correct answers, but it cannot fully grasp the emotional weight, historical depth, or subtle social layers behind certain words and traditions. Learning directly from teachers who have inherited, experienced, and embodied that culture made a profound difference. In a time when many educational institutions are rapidly shifting toward AI-driven systems and automated delivery, often at the expense of human connection, the Korean studies course made sure to keep that human connection to deliver the messages that can only be explained through feeling. 

The lecturers were present, responsive, and personally invested in our growth. Their enthusiasm made the classroom feel alive, and their cultural insight gave depth to the language we were learning. Although my time with the team was relatively short, the synchronous learning opportunities—both in person and with online participants—were valuable. There was a genuine sense of shared progress, whether we were physically together or connected virtually. It demonstrated that technology can enhance access without replacing the importance of real human interaction. 

During my studies, I worked two jobs, one of which required me to travel across Australia and Asia. Because of this, the flexibility of online learning was essential. Being able to take classes remotely meant my education was not restricted by geography or work commitments. While I could not always attend live sessions due to scheduling conflicts, I greatly appreciated having access to recorded lectures, videos, and course materials. This allowed me to learn at my own pace and at times that suited my circumstances. In many ways, this approach worked better for me than strictly in-person or fixed-time online classes. When learning Korean, there is often a significant amount of information to absorb, and time can feel like it is working against you. Having the ability to pause, revisit content, and reflect helped deepen my understanding rather than rush it. Overall, I am grateful to the Korean Studies team at Curtin Uni for creating a program that combined enthusiasm, cultural authenticity, human connection, and flexible access. It allowed me to continue growing in Korean despite a demanding schedule and reminded me that meaningful education is not just about delivering information—it is about sharing lived experience and guiding students through understanding in a way that only people can.

Enrolling in Curtin University's Korean Studies program was one of the best decisions I ever made. It was the only university I found offering an online pathway, available both fully online and through OUA. I chose OUA because the four study periods gave me the flexibility to balance my studies around my work and living arrangements as international cabin crew. I could complete units from anywhere in Australia, or even overseas, without compromising the quality of my learning.

Curtin’s Korean Studies program is uniquely dedicated to building strong linguistic and cultural competencies in Korean. Through flexible tutorials, I have been able to practice my conversational skills and gradually build confidence in using the language in a fun, dynamic, and supportive environment. The course goes beyond grammar and vocabulary, incorporating analysis of Korean media texts, idioms, and onomatopoeia, helping me to develop a nuanced understanding of native language use, something rarely offered in traditional LOTE instruction at other Australian institutions.

I especially appreciated how unit material was live and responsive to real-world events. This made my learning relevant and engaging, allowing me to explore the forces that have shaped the Korean peninsula and gain a deeper understanding of contemporary cultural, social, and economic trends.

Curtin also prepares students to reach a high level of proficiency, equivalent to the National Institute of Korean Language’s Standard Curriculum Upper 3/Lower 4 on the TOPIK scale. The program supported me in preparing for the TOPIK test by encouraging diverse use of the language, from critical debate and media analysis to daily-life roleplays, helping me feel fully confident to take the test after completing the program.

In addition, Curtin offers study tours and internship programs in Korea, as well as a wide range of elective units. This flexibility allowed me to tailor my learning to complement my major, deepen my interests, and broaden my skill set in ways other providers cannot match. Thanks to Curtin’s Korean Studies program, I feel prepared not only to speak Korean confidently but also to engage meaningfully with Korea’s dynamic culture and understand its influence on international relations. The program combines academic excellence, cultural depth, and practical flexibility in a way unmatched elsewhere. I cannot recommend it enough and am grateful for the wonderful support and instruction I have received.