"I started learning Hangeul with ezSAM about 1+ years ago.
It is said that learning another language is not just about learning different words for the same things but about learning another way of thinking. It broadens your horizon with new insight into another culture and enriches your life by expanding your worldview.
I have come to experience this truth in my learning journey with ezSAM, especially after going on the cultural trip to Andong and Tongyeong organized by them. Not only did we learn new things about the Korean history and culture (the cultural preservation at Andong enabled us to appreciate how Koreans lived their lives in the past and we also saw the place where the famous Admiral Yi Sun Sin launched his fleet and claimed his famous victories at the Imjin wars) and taste and learn about aspects of Korean cuisine (for example we tasted yummy jimdak which I didn’t know originated in Andong before the trip), we also forged new friendships among people with a common interest in everything Korean, from kpop to kdramas to fangirling over kstars.
And I must not forget to say that Korea is simply beautiful in Autumn (제가 한국의 아름다운 단물이 드는 가을 제일 좋아해요!).
All in all, the study trip was more than an enjoyable travel to Korea. It also brought to the fore the full appreciation of my Korean language learning journey."
"I have studied Korean Language under ezSAM teacher Ms Seo Ji Yun for few years.
I first attended ezSAM free trial lesson and liked it. There was no sales talk, just a teacher (Ms Yom then) sincerely showing us the fun of learning Korean Language. The study center though small, was cozy and quiet. There is even a cupboard of books which you can buy then, but now can take for free. I like the environment. Ms Seo and Ms Yom can also speak English. I recently got to know another teacher who speak good Chinese too!!
When I first came to ezSAM, the intent was just to learn some Korean language so that I can understand Korean dramas better and hopefully able to read some books. But after studying here, I am inspired by Ms Seo to want to know even more about Korea, not just the language, but also the culture and history. I also have more desire to travel to different parts of Korea to see beautiful scenery.
Ms Seo is really a very kind, thoughtful and giving person. She also has a lot of passion in her teaching. She is always sharing with us different aspects of Korea, be it history, culture, dramas, politics, news, traditional games and even food. We don't just hear from her, but we experienced these together with her. Like making Kimchi, Gimbap, Tteokbokki Hotteok, Korean pancake, playing traditional games, watching Korean movies, going study trips, etc.
Ms Yom too, is a very helpful teacher. Though she is not teaching me directly, in my recent pre-placement oral tests for my Korea language study in Seoul, she spent time guiding me how to prepare for the oral tests.
One of the best things I like about ezSAM is their study tours. Every year, Ms Seo and Ms Yom, both co-founders of ezSAM, will organize 1 or 2 study trips to Korea. I always look forward to joining them whenever I can. The trips were always very well planned, very fruitful and fulfilling. We got to visit places with beautiful scenery, interesting and historical places, learned their history onsite, ate nice local traditions food, watched Korean plays, climbed Mt Hallasan, etc, etc, experiencing Korea culture in many different ways.
All these are made possible because both teachers are very committed in wanting their students to learn and experience the most of Korea in a fun and enjoyable way. It is through their selfless giving, generosity, sincerity and passions that make me want to continue my Korea language study. To the two of them who have invested so much of their time, effort and love in their teachings, the little I can do is to continue my study and repay them with good results hopefully.
I am very glad indeed I managed to score full marks in my first TOPIK I attempt and achieved grade 2. Really thanks to Ms Seo, who has inspired me a lot with her teachings and make my Korean language learning experience an interesting and enjoyable one. Thanks to ezSAM too, the center that made all these possible!"
"I had studied at ezSAM for around 4 years under Ms Seo Jiyun, who is an experienced and dedicated Korean Language teacher with years of experience teaching learners of all ages. Ms Seo is very approachable and readily answers any questions that I have to the best of her ability which greatly helps in my study of the language.
Lessons are taught following the syllabus of textbooks from universities in Korea, giving an overall education in all aspects of the language (writing, reading, listening and speaking). This is ideal for those who are serious in learning the language or who aim to go for exchange in universities in Korea.
ezSAM also stands out from the many Korean Language institutes in Singapore by teaching the language through Korean culture. In the 4 years, I participated in many cultural activities such as cooking Korean dishes, trying out Gayageum (a traditional Korean string instrument) and visiting Korea on study trips.
Ms Seo certainly has gone above and beyond in making Korean Language learning an enjoyment for me. Through her guidance, self-study, and interactions with Korean friends, I managed to achieve a pass in TOPIK II, Advanced Level 5. I intend to continue with my study of the language and hope to achieve Advanced Level 6 pass soon."
"I have been studying at ezSAM korean for slightly over a year and I have seen improvements in my Korean ability ever since I started attending. My Korean teacher is Ms Yeom Jujin, who is an experienced Korean Language teacher (over 10 years of experience).
Lessons are taught according to structured content in textbooks, where new grammar is taught progressively over the weeks. Lessons are carried out in a way that allows sufficient understanding and application of the grammar, even drawing out certain exceptional cases that need to be noted. At the same time, lessons are interesting and engaging, which makes learning fun!
All this combined with my own studying (reading newspaper articles on naver, practicing Korean with Korean friends), allowed me to accomplish a milestone feat in my Korean learning. In the November 2017 TOPIK II exam, I obtained a level 4 out of 6 (highest), exceeding my expectations.
This has encouraged me to further aim for a higher level, as I also know where my weaknesses lie and I am determined to obtain even better results next time."
"This is my first time to join the study trip to Korea with my classmates. I really appreciate the Teachers very much for taking their personal time to help us get immersed into the Korean culture and living in Korea.
The 9 days that I spent in Korea was the most enjoyable and memorable trip. It exceeded my expectations many times. I get to listen to and practice speaking the Korean language with the local people.
The Teachers helped us experience many Korean food, Hanok Village and the Mask Dance performance that we studied in our text books. We also had a deep understanding of the Mask Dance performance.
The best part of the trip was the friendship we made. Everyone was helpful and friendly and shared a common interest. The love of the Korean language and lifestyle. Most of all we all love taking photos with the red orange and yellow autumn leaves, climb the mountains, watch the sunset, ride the ski lifts, cable car and luge.
We also practiced our Korean language when we did our shopping or ordering food. Some of us shopped so much that we had to ship it back home. Learning Korean language first hand was a very valuable lesson and a rich experience that we cannot learn from the textbooks. ezSAM has made it possible with no extra cost. I highly recommend the courses as they provide classroom and practical lessons in Korea. The textbooks they use are written by Seoul National University. Some of us have been with the school for 4 years. A testimony to the dedication of the Teachers at ezSAM.
I’m a first time young grandmother of a two and half year old Korean-Singaporean boy, Minho. I’m confident that ezSAM can empower me to communicate and relate with Minho as he grows up in a few years time. Thank you ezSAM. Fighting ezSAM!
My teacher is really very good!! She is very expressive and is able to crack jokes, making the class very lively. She encourages me to learn Korean. If I am ever coming back to learn beginner basic 2, I would definitely like to be in her class. 🙂 I like her way of bringing Korean stuff and getting us to read - really good motivator!
Teacher is helpful, friendly and approachable. A good starting experience to learning the language. Emphasis on pronunciation in the first lessons are a good way to build strong foundation in the language.
The course was well organized and I enjoyed the lessons very much. The pace was just right and I feel that the use of pictures helped greatly in allowing students in learning vocabulary more efficiently. Looking forward to the Level 2 class.
Teachers are interactive, use interesting examples/materials. There is group interaction with classmates, which is fun and helpful. The weekly quiz, end of course test, help us to remember and give confidence to use the language.
Teacher's Day appreciation gift from the students!
The teacher is very very good. Learning material is very helpful. After only a few weeks I feel confident that I will be able to get a good understanding of the basics very soon.
The inaugural study tour to Gangwon-do stands testimony to ezsam's philosophy that learning korean is, beyond literacy skills, a cultural experience. Customary practices surrounding korean dining and drinking, and enacting Korean goodwill are what textbooks alone cannot efficiently impart.
Using language in authentic communicative situations is what classroom lessons cannot sufficiently accomplish. These I'm glad the study tour achieved. Throughout the trip, the principal lecturers (together with their unofficial teaching assistant, the bus captain) showed commitment to professionalism and care for the students.
May I congratulate Ms Seo and Ms Yom on the success of their inaugural study tour, and wish that future tours continue to enliven learning and invigorate minds.