Korean learning program seen to bare biz prospects

Recognizing the growing number of Korean tourists here in Cebu, the Cebu Educational Development Foundation for Information Technology (Cedfit) now offers a learning program for those who want to read, write, and speak the Korean language to pave way for business prospects between Filipinos and Koreans.

"The ability to communicate in Korean or at least have a basic grasp of the language is becoming definitive advantage especially in the field of Information and Communication Technology," said Cedfit executive director Bonifacio Belen.

Cedfit's "Korean for Busy People" program is a two-month, 48 hours, beginners' Korean language offered at Cedfit's Training Facility center in Asia Town IT Park.

Among those that could benefit from learning the language are student-scholars and teachers aiming to study or teach at a Korean University.

Recently, 10 Cedfit members from the academe have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Kwangwoon University for teachers exchange and granting of students scholarships.

Businessmen dealing with Korean traders or counterparts and Filipino tourists to Korea as well as knowledge workers applying for a job in Korea are the other sectors that could find value in a Korean language course, Belen said.

"The global economy has greatly benefited from a strong Korean presence in various industries. In Cebu alone, it has been estimated that there are now 10,000 Korean residents and 5,000 annual tourists. Korean businesses continue to flourish in Cebu and contribute to the local economy," Belen added.

The course is highly beneficial to key players in various industries, most particularly in Tourism, IT and ESL (English as Second Language) teaching. Business owners, restaurant and hotel managers and ESL teachers are only some examples of those who would find the course definitely valuable.

“CEDF-IT has exerted great effort to provide the participants with a notable program, designed by Sylvia Song,” Belen said.

Song has taught English and other academic subjects at Jung Sung Academy in Seoul and has outstanding proficiency in both English and Hangeul.

With the continuous increase of Korean participation in Philippine business, now is the time to take advantage of a Korean language course designed especially for busy Filipinos.

Cedfit is a group composed of government and private institution players whose primary aim is develop the IT human resource in Cebu.

It is well represented by universities and colleges, which are involved into offering IT related courses, like University of Cebu, University of Southern Philippines (USP), among other private sector members. — Ehda M. Dagooc