BY: Tameesha Matthews
Montgomery community? Well, look no further than Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership’s (A-KEEP) annual Community KSL Class.
A-KEEP’s Community KSL, or Korean as a Second Language, class is the perfect opportunity for non- Korean speakers and beginner Korean speakers to learn fundamental skills to build a solid foundation in speaking the Korean language. These classes are taught by native Koreans and advanced Korean language learners. This year’s classes will be held every Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the LEAD Academy building beginning October 1. The class is $130 per student. This price includes a $20 non-refundable administration fee and tuition of only $10 per class, which covers a portion of the cost of class materials, Korean restaurant field trip, Korean food, and graduation materials.
This year, the organization has added a new intermediate class level. “For the students that have attended Community KSL class, some have had advanced knowledge of the Korean language through self-study or having attended classes before. This time around, students with an advanced knowledge of the language will not have to feel left out. There’s a class for them, too,” Christa Springs, the Program Coordinator said. “We are also implementing a new way to have one-on-one video tutoring with our volunteer teachers so students can have more ways to practice. As for what else to expect, they will have to join us to find out and be pleasantly surprised”.
According to Business Insider, the most commonly spoken language in Alabama, excluding English and Spanish, is Korean due to the success of Korean manufacturing companies like Hyundai. Also, many Korean students move to Alabama to further their education. “Our hope is that the number of people interested in this program continues to grow just like the amount of Korean presence throughout Montgomery,” Ms. Springs said. She also continued to mention her hopes for Auburn at Montgomery’s student attendance; “If the amount of people that showed interest in Community KSL at AUM’s Annual Part-time Job Fair is any indication, there are definitely more people looking to learn. With that in mind, we do our best to offer a multimedia approach to the class, with vocal recordings and homework to keep students learning throughout the week”.
With the beginning of the semester in full swing, it is true that many new and returning students are looking to get involved. Whether it’s to expand their social lives, further their education, or become familiar with the community on and off campus, these students are looking to escape the humdrum of their everyday lives. If this sounds like you, and you are interested in taking on this opportunity, please visit www.akeep.org/community-KSL. Registration is now open and will close on September 24.