- Oct 26, 2024
My Journey to Teaching Korean: From a Childhood Dream to a Lifelong Passion
- Bianca Del Carmen
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Hello everyone! I wanted to share a bit about my journey with you, one that began when I was just 10 years old and has since transformed into a life I love in Korea.
A Summer Tradition in Korea
My connection to Korea started early. When I was 10, I began visiting Korea every summer to see my dad, who was working here. During those summers, I learned to read and write Korean—a skill that sparked a lifelong love for both the language and the culture. These experiences laid the foundation for my journey in Korean language learning and planted a seed that would keep growing.
Returning as a Teacher and Finding My Home
In my 20s, I returned to Korea to teach English, planning to stay only a couple of years. But one year led to the next, and now, 12 years later, Korea has truly become home. Here, I met my husband, a talented Korean chef who owned a Spanish restaurant in downtown Daegu. Our shared passion for good food and vibrant cultures brought us closer, and soon, I found myself leaving my English teaching job to work at the restaurant with him full-time.
Realizing My True Calling
While I loved being part of the restaurant, I kept coming back to teaching. At every opportunity while working at the restaurant I would always help friends learn a little bit more Korean. Seeing my friends have that “aha!” moment made teaching so worthwhile. That is when I knew teaching Korean was my true calling. This journey has allowed me to develop my own teaching methods that make learning Korean practical and accessible, no matter your Korean level.
Now, I’m thrilled to support you on your Korean learning journey, whether you’re here for a visit, planning a longer stay, or even raising a bilingual family in Korea. I understand the challenges of adapting to a new culture and trying to express yourself in a foreign language. From building a foundation in Korean to navigating the everyday nuances of language and culture, I’m here to help you make your experience in Korea smoother and more enjoyable.
A Lifelong Passion for Languages
My passion for language goes beyond Korean. I speak English, Spanish, Chinese, and a bit of German, and I proudly consider myself a polyglot. Language learning has been a constant source of joy and discovery for me, and nothing makes me happier than sharing that excitement with others.
Thank you for letting me be part of your journey, too! I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together as we dive into learning Korean.
I hope my story resonates with you and inspires you on your own path with Korean. Together, let’s make this journey fun, fulfilling, and full of those “aha” moments. Here’s to the language learning adventure ahead!