The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) announced on the 21st that they will dispatch 94 domestic college students as Korean language pre-teachers and cultural interns to 49 King Sejong Institutes across 33 countries.
The number of dispatched personnel includes 44 Korean language pre-teachers and 50 cultural interns. They were selected after a recommendation and evaluation process conducted by universities since June. They also completed prior training necessary for local adaptation and safe overseas living last month.
The Korean language pre-teachers and cultural interns who completed the prior training will be dispatched to King Sejong Institutes around the world starting this month. They will interact with foreigners who love Korean language and culture for 1 to 3 months while promoting Korea.
Pre-teachers will enhance their expertise as Korean language teachers and explore their careers based on observing King Sejong Institute classes, conducting mock lessons, and participating in local cultural events. Cultural interns will directly plan and operate cultural courses utilizing their majors in K-pop, Korean cuisine, and crafts, gaining practical experience on the ground.
Choi Hyun-seung, the Secretary General of the foundation, noted, "For Korean language pre-teachers and cultural interns, this program will facilitate growth through overseas practice, while for learners at King Sejong Institute, it will offer an opportunity to interact with Korean college students and experience Korean language and culture from a different perspective." He added, "We will continue to support young talents in developing their expertise on the global stage."