Korean Concentration

Fatimah Sultan

How did you choose your degree program ? 

I chose Korean as my major because my interest in the Korean language and culture grew greatly during my time studying the language while studying in Korea. The incredible support of the GMU Korean department faculty has always made learning Korean enjoyable and fascinating. I chose linguistics so I can get a deeper and more advanced understanding of how language works. 

My favorite class at Mason was the Webtoon-Based Korean Drama course (KORE 321). This course felt like the perfect combination of material necessary for a language learner. I improved my Korean through a fun and engaging curriculum and with the help of my native Korean speakers’ classmates studying at Fairfax from Mason Korea. 

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career? 

My favorite professor so far at Mason has been Professor Jihye Moon. She is a dedicated and supportive instructor. Her unwavering support and encouragement were a huge reason that I was able to accomplish so much during my undergraduate years and grew my love and interest in learning about Korea. 

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals? 

I am most excited to graduate in May and look to pursue more opportunities related to the Korean language and culture. I would like to take the TOPIK exam, return to Korea primarily for a career or to Yonsei University as a graduate student. I am considering working for the government with Korean relations, being a Korean translator or interpreter, or even teaching Korean or English. 

I have been lucky enough to attain many great experiences and obtain wonderful opportunities within the Korean field during my time at Mason. I've studied in Korea three times, been interviewed on a Yonhap News documentary, represented the GMU Korean department on a CHSS student highlight, and been a 1st and 2nd place winner at the Korean Learner's Short Film Festival. In 2022. With the support and encouragement of the Korean department faculty, I had the honor of winning the grand prize and the gold prize at the speech contest which landed me a scholarship to study at one of the top 3 universities in South Korea: Korea University. An excerpt of my speech was published in the Korea Times which was an immensely rewarding outcome. 

What does learning a new language and culture mean to you?  

Learning a new language and culture is a gateway to understanding the lives and backgrounds of others. We can bridge the gap created by language barriers and become more culturally aware and knowledgeable citizens of the world. We can understand a culture’s history, struggles, and beauty by being able to interact with its people in their own language which creates a more loving and understanding connection between everyone. 

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? 

In my free time, I enjoy studying languages on my own and making TikTok videos where I share tips and advice for learning Korean with other Korean learners. Anytime I am on campus, I enjoy attending Korean related events.