The TaLK program is a Korean government scholarship program designed to strengthen public English education for Korean youth, particularly those in the rural parts of South Korea where the opportunity to meet a native English speaker is rare and educational resources are limited.
TaLK, which stands for Teach and Learn in Korea, invites and trains native English speakers and overseas Koreans from English speaking countries to come to Korea toteach practical English to after-school classes in rural elementary schools.
This program began under the direction of South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak in April of 2008 and continues under the guidance of the National Institute for International Education and the sponsorship of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Korea.
Since its inception, TaLK has awarded government scholarships and internships to over 1,800 participants providing them with valuable teaching experience and an opportunity to learn about Korean culture.
On May 2 a delegation of Korean representatives from TaLK visited De Anza College. They included the PR manager Dong Su Chung, the team director of MEST Hae Kyung Lee and the director of the US Liaison Office Youngshin Lee. They came to meet with the director of the Global Education Partnerships at De Anza John Swenson, Dean of Language Arts Thomas Ray and De Anza’s Vice President of Finance Dr. Letha JeanPierre.
The Korean delegation briefly spoke about TaLK espousing the benefits, eligibility and application process. A primary concern was how it can be implemented within De Anza.
De Anza, being situated in the south bay and home to one of the largest community of Korean and non-Korean international students, holds the most promise in becoming the regional center in which TaLK can coordinate efforts in branching out and attracting students from other colleges around the area.
Participants, known as TaLK Scholars, can be of any major, but must be a citizen of a country where the national language is English and must have completed two or more years of education at a college. The contract term can be six months to one year and scholars are compensated with a monthly allowance of 1.5 million Korean won (1,200 U.S. dollars), housing accommodations, round-trip airfare and traveler’s health insurance.
The TaLK Scholar is required to create a lesson plan with the help of a native Korean university student who will also aid in the communication between the scholar and the Korean elementary students.
There is a mandatory four week long preliminary orientation for which the TaLK Scholars and Korean university students will be briefed and trained on the duties and responsibilities of the teaching requirements and desired curriculum set forth by the Korean government.
Aside from the time spent in the classrooms teaching and creating lesson plans, time can otherwise be spent learning about Korean culture and traveling around the country through government sponsored programs.
Scholars enrich their global mind and cultural diversity by experiencing all that South Korea has to offer. Participants can learn about the food, music, people, language and the vibrant culture, while at the same time gaining valuable and rewarding experience teaching English abroad.
United States Liaison YoungShin Lee and Swensson will schedule an informational presentation or interview session which interested students may attend. For more information visit their website or contact Swensson at 408-864-8546.
Applications for placement in August are accepted until June 10 and for placement in February applications will be accepted from September until December.
TALK IT OUT – Korean Student Association president Jihae Lee and succeeding president Jaenin Choi speak to TaLK representatives. (Helen Koh/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
KOREA EXTENDS FRIENDSHIP – TaLK’s public relations manager Chung Dong Su relates important information regarding how potential TaLK Scholars will interact with their students. (Helen Koh/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
