🌏 Why I Became a Certified Korean Teacher: A 436-Day italki Journey
Beyond Language: My 436 Days
as an italki Korean Tutor
Time flies when you are sharing your passion. ✨
Since November 28, 2024, I have been teaching Korean on italki. As of today, it has been 436 days. During this time, I’ve conducted 396 lessons—averaging nearly one lesson every single day! 📅
I’ve met 83 students from 24 different countries, mostly from English-speaking regions like the US, UK, Australia, and Singapore. "거의 하루에 1회씩 수업을 하며 24개국 학생들을 만났다는 것은 저에게도 큰 경이로움이었습니다." 🌏
1. Diverse Purposes, Tailored Lessons 🎯
Every student has a unique story. Some study for a short trip to Seoul, others for university entrance. I've also met long-term expats who felt like 이방인 (I-bang-in: stranger/outsider) because they only spoke English, and Korean-Americans seeking their roots.
"각기 다른 이유와 목적에 따라 최대한 그들의 입장에서 도움이 되도록 노력해왔습니다." 👋
My lessons have become more structured through this 목마름 (Mok-ma-reum: thirst/strong desire) to help others.
2. Returning to "School" at 50: Level 2 License 🎓
In 2026, I decided to take a step further. I’ve started online courses for the Official Korean Language Instructor License.
Quick Guide: License Levels
- Level 3: Training course + state exam.
- Level 2: Degree or equivalent credits. (Brian's Challenge! 🚀)
- Level 1: The master level, requires years of experience as Level 2.
Studying after 30 years feels like being a college student again. "한국인이라도 수업 내용은 전문적이라 어렵지만, 제가 자격을 얻는다면 학생들에게 분명 도움이 될 것이라 믿습니다." 📚
3. More than a Language Teacher: A Mentor 💼
I bring 20 years of real-world business experience to our classroom. 💼
"단순한 언어 전달을 넘어, 사회생활을 시작하는 분들을 위한 멘토로서의 인사이트를 나누고 싶습니다."
Even if some might think my extra efforts are 부질없는 (Bu-jil-eom-neun: futile/pointless), seeing a student find their voice in Korean makes it all worth it. ❤️
4. My Philosophy: When 1+1 becomes 100 💡
In life, 1+1 doesn't always equal 2.
"당장은 힘들지 모르지만, 이 노력을 통해 우리 학생들과의 관계가 10, 100 그 이상이 될 수 있었으면 좋겠습니다." 🤝
I will continue to share what I learn here. I hope this blog helps those who want to learn Korean but lack the financial means. 🕊️
Join My Journey on italki 🧑🏫
Experience a lesson that combines professional business insight
with a passionate heart for the Korean language.
Deep Dive into Brian's Philosophy ⚓:
