Understanding the Importance of English Education in South Korea and Exploring the Reasons Why South Korean Students Come to a University in the Midwest

Purpose of the Study 
The purpose of this thesis is to discover the perceptions South Korean students 
hold about the values of studying and learning English. Furthermore, the researcher will 
explore challenges Korean students encounter in terms of language acquisition both 
before they come to UNK and after they come to UNK. 

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This thesis will help U.S. higher education administrators, international educators, 
and staff and faculty members, who particularly want to closely interact with Korean 
students, know about the importance of English education in South Korea and find the 
reasons why South Korean students come to English-speaking countries. The subjects 
for this thesis will be found, and interviews conducted at UNK. Consequently, U.S. 
universities may profit from the valuable information about the South Korean students’ 
perspectives of learning and studying English and their motivations to come to the 
Midwestern universities. In addition, this thesis will guide the staff and the 
administrators who are working for the Offices of International Affairs and wish to build 
a new South Korean partnership and program with American universities and colleges. 
Research Questions 
The following research questions directed this study: 
1. What motivations make South Korean students decide to come to the United 
States? 
2. What kinds of challenges do Korean students struggle with in terms of 
studying and learning English in Korea and the United States?
3. What factors influence Korean students who choose to attend UNK?
4. What perceptions about studying English and valuing English do South 
Korean students have both before and after coming to UNK?
5. What concerns do South Korean students address in terms of studying English 
before and after coming to UNK? 

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6. How do the responses to the above questions differ based on gender and the 
duration of the study abroad program?