Working with Korean
- Learn Korean (Welcome)
- About the Program
- About Korea
- Study Korean
- Where to Study Korean
- Exchange
- Work in Korea
- People and Culture
"Korea is a major trading partner of Australia and I found that as a young graduate, the fact that I could speak Korean really differentiated me from other students."
Matthew McKenzie,
Graduate of Korean,
works in International Trade.
South Korea is the eighth largest economy in the world and country of immense strategic importance, making Korean is an important trade and diplomatic language. Yet there are currently very few Australians who speak Korean. Employers in private corporations, Government organisations and virtually any institution with an international dimension are always seeking Korean-speaking graduates.
Language skills are great because they complement other areas of expertise perfectly. You may think that having a qualification in business, law, commerce, science, management, teaching, media or another area of research is enough. Yet a language will make you stand out from the crowd. In a world that is increasingly interconnected and competitive, learning Korean can lead to many rewarding careers that will really expand your personal and professional horizons.
"Before I started, I had no idea that there was such a big market for students coming to Australia to study English."
Jennifer Moulden,
Korean Graduate, Employed with KOKOS, International
You've probably heard of Samsung , Hyundae, LG and Dawoo. These are just some of the multinationals that symbolise Korea's vast economic power. Korea rose out of ruin left by the Korean war to become one of Asia's "tiger economies". It is a key global player in manufacturing cars and high-tech goods. More recently, it has become a mecca for e-commerce with one of the highest per-capitia connection rates in the world. There are also numerous opportunities for Australian and other international companies that export to the significant Korean market. Knowledge of a foreign language and culture such as Korean is the perfect accompaniment to your business and trade expertise.
In recognition of the fact that Korean is central to Australia's future in the Asia-Pacific region, Governments through the National Policy on Languages have encouraged Korean along with other 'key Asian languages', to be given priority status in schools. This has created opportunities for graduates of Korean to work as Korean teachers in Australian schools. So if you plan to do an education course, why not complement it with Korean language training.
"My company has a lot of dealings in Korea and it is great to have an understanding of the language and cultural context when working with Korean companies."
Matthew McKenzie, Graduate of Korean, works in international trade.
Koreans also form one of fastest growing groups of International Students studying in Australia. Knowledge of Korean can lead to one of many jobs dealing with International Students either overseas or in Australia. Jobs exist in student services, university Administration and marketing.
To be relavent in the global economy many all companies and organisations are looking to internatlonalise their services. One of the best ways they can achieve this, is by employing people with language skills and cultural understanding.
Given Korea's standing in the world, Korean language skills can be an important asset in any of the following jobs and areas: Journalism, Media, Business Management, Marketing, Analysist, E-commerce, Information Technology, Corporate Law, Teaching, Research, Diplomatic Positions, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Defence, International Law, Translating, and Interpreting.