Testimonials
Julia
Group Class Student
Although I did grow up speaking Korean, I found myself struggling with speaking Korean in formal settings because I didn’t have a group to practice jondaemal (polite form) with! My vocabulary was limited to words I use in casual settings/daily so I struggled to express my full opinions in more complex topics like the news or health. But after taking Aerin’s classes, my Korean has definitely improved. Taking Aerin’s class was so easy to fit into my schedule, especially because it was virtual. The class is set at a good pace for gradual learning, and Aerin is always encouraging the class to ask questions. Aerin’s enthusiasm for teaching and connecting with her students is inspiring. She cultivates a welcoming environment for learning that all teachers should aim to do! Learning Korean with others is so fun and I highly recommend Aerin’s classes to anyone looking to not only improve their Korean but meet other Korean speakers.
Suni
1:1 Tutoring Student
In preparation for my trip to Korea, I engaged the language services of Aerin Park from Bridging Point. This will be my first trip to Korea since I left as an adopted infant. I am grateful to have met Aerin, as she was both an excellent teacher and empathetic to the emotions I might be experiencing as a Korean adoptee. The complexity of my feelings about adoption hindered me from learning Korean for over 50 years. Until recently, I had ignored my Korean roots, trying to fit into a white family. However, when I met Aerin, she immediately put me at ease with her smile and welcoming style. I was surprised at how simultaneously difficult and easy it was to learn Korean. Sound formulation was challenging, but Aerin precisely explained how to pronounce each sound with detailed instructions on oral movement and breathwork. She made the intonation part of the lessons entertaining – e.g., when pronouncing strong syllables, Aerin would laugh and enthusiastically tell me, “Say it like you’re mad!” Aerin was also pivotal in showing me that I am indeed Korean. Intertwined into phonetics and vocabulary were mini-Korean history lessons. I learned about the Han and Hung (an amalgam of world weariness, justice seeking, melancholy, and joyfulness infused into Koreans through generaƟons of historical trauma). Through these lessons, I learned that I am truly Korean. I even cried after a few of our sessions – in a good way. It was as though Aerin introduced me to my home. Learning about the Korean language and culture helped me to find peace with how my life has unfolded. I look forward to going to Korea and using the language skills that Aerin so dearly and compassionately taught me.
Belle
Group Class Student
Aerin's class was a great place for me to practice my Korean conversational skills and learn about Korean culture. Aerin made the class fun by preparing various topics that are beyond textbook lessons that I can connect to in my daily life and used modern and realistic examples. As someone who is always afraid to make mistakes, I felt comfortable in Aerin's class because they were encouraged and to learn from them. Her lessons were structured, yet flexible as she always made room for when conversations lead to new topics. I had fun being her student and would recommend her class if you are looking for a safe space to learn Korean.
Cadi
1:1 Tutoring Student
Before I started taking Korean classes with Aerin, I had been self teaching for about a year or so. But I found it very difficult to continue to study it consistently and what to do when I encountered things that confused me, as videos and lessons online could only help me so much. But when I started lessons with Aerin, all of that changed. She creates such a safe and fun environment for learning Korean. She pushes you past what you think are your limits and will always encourage and cheer you on. I can always ask any questions without fear of judgment. And not only have I learned so much of the Korean language, but I’ve also learned so much about the culture. Her patience, passion, and loving nature are just a few of the wonderful attributes that make her an awesome teacher who anyone would be lucky to have. And one of the best things she has given me is her constant support, through everything. Even when I wanted to give up or didn’t think I would ever improve; she was always there encouraging me to keep going, every step of the way. I’m so thankful and happy to have met Aerin and to be taught by her. I wouldn’t be even close to where I am now if it weren’t for her. So if you are considering taking classes with her, do it! You will not regret it.
Megan/고은
Group Class & 1:1 Tutoring Student
I've spent much of my adult life trying to reconnect with the language I lost when I was adopted from Korea as a baby. While my university education & experience living in Korea was so key to my growth, Aerin has helped me to find my voice in ways I never imagined. Her sensitivity and understanding of how much language matters, beyond its simple usage, sets her apart from other Korean language educators. I've taken both her group and 1:1 classes and love how she tailors the classes to fit the needs and objectives of her students. Her approach to language learning is student-focused, effective, and fun! Her kindness and sense of humor make learning Korean so enjoyable.
Katie
1:1 Tutoring Student
It's a bit embarrassing admitting I've been learning Korean on and off for almost twenty years. I've taken group classes, online courses, and hired instructors in a wide variety of formats and forms. Despite trying so many options, for just as many reasons, they never tend to stick. For me, traditional classes had a slow pace or focused on impractical grammar points or old-fashioned vocabulary. Then, with tutors, most assumed I knew very basic things (which, as a long-time learner and non-native speaker) I actually didn't know. Being a Korean adoptee, I began learning Korean out of curiosity and interest in my heritage. Now, as a mom, I feel a sense of responsibility and pride to share Korean language and culture with my children. So, finding a class catering to my unique situation and specific goal is extremely difficult. (I don't need to be able to read and comprehend poetry, but I would like to be able to tell my son not to pick-up a dirty candy wrapper off the ground. ) Finding Aerin 선생님 has been unbelievably incredible! I always feel she is extremely overqualified to be just teaching me. She always shares academic AND culturally relevant insights in our lessons. I love how she combines practical life application with big-picture grammatical concepts and vocabulary themes. Her sensitivity is on point. She strikes the perfect balance of conversation and "lecture;" I never leave a class feeling exhausted or that I didn't get a chance to practice speaking. Her own life and work experiences lend an incredible point of view as a Korean instructor. You'll never feel she is "out of touch." As a non-native speaker with little to no exposure in daily life, I often feel embarrassed or hesitant to speak Korean with others. But, since taking her class, I feel a lot more confident and I find myself using it with my kids more, too! Regardless of how busy my week is, I always look forward to my class. It's like a fun coffee break with a friend who just happens to be teaching me Korean in the most seamless way. I would recommend her sessions to anyone looking to brush up, improve, or get started learning Korean! Thank you, Aerin 선생님!
April
Group Class Student
I've been studying Korean for more than 10 years with the goal of improving communication with my Korean husband and his family. I had the opportunity to take advanced level Korean classes with Aerin for multiple sessions spanning more than a year. As an advanced student, and in pursuit of my goal of better Korean communication skills, I appreciated the focus on natural conversation and the many opportunities to practice everyday conversational vocabulary. During conversational practice, Aerin would highlight and explain new grammar structures and expressions to help make my Korean more natural and understandable. She took care with each individual student, and spent time each week reviewing individual writing assignments and providing personalized feedback. Through Aerin's class, I practiced speaking, reading, and writing, as well as continuing to learn new grammar and vocabulary appropriate to advanced study. As a teacher, Aerin is engaging, caring, and uniquely equipped to teach Korean at all levels (beginner through highly advanced), given her proficiency with English and her robust experience as a translator. Following Korean study with Aerin, I was able to more confidently communicate with my Korean mother in law using more appropriate formality, and was able to understand significantly more conversational Korean. Above and beyond the improvement in hard language skills, I feel the deepest and most lasting impact of Aerin's class were the cultural lessons, manners, and etiquette she explained that I have not received from any other Korean teacher. As someone who has lived in the United States for the long term, Aerin was able to explain cultural differences from both an American and a Korean perspective, which was invaluable in improving my cultural/interpersonal proficiency. Thanks to Aerin and her student-centered instruction approach, I was able to strengthen my empathy, communication, and understanding of both my husband and his family. I would enthusiastically recommend Aerin to anyone looking for a positive learning environment and a supportive, knowledgeable, and caring teacher.
Kaiya
1:1 Tutoring Student
I grew up in America with Korean parents. From a young age, my mom, concerned that her native Korean might hinder my English, refrained from speaking it to me. And soon, her language, once a shared bond, started to slip away from us. The most I could exchange with my grandparents was "I love you." At meals, I watched my lively family burst with laughter as I sat there silent, struggling to decipher the words I yearned to understand. But despite my desire to learn the language, academic commitments took precedence, and I couldn't find the time to study. However, when a school project prompted me to dive into Korean, things began to change. Initially, I planned to study the language independently, but I needed help figuring out where to start. That's when fate intervened in the form of my school's librarian, who introduced me to Aerin!
Korean lessons with Aerin wasn't just a journey to connect with my family; it turned out to be a journey to understanding myself. Her warmth and understanding encourage me in every lesson. I wouldn't consider myself the most enthusiastic student at school, but Aerin's lessons ignited a genuine desire to learn more. I even started asking her about Korean culture and history and asking her for help with schoolwork because her mind is like an endless fountain of knowledge! I've learned so much from Aerin, and now, after each tutoring session, the most exciting part of my day is going up to my parents, speaking in the Korean I learned, and watching the surprise and delight on their faces. I'm so incredibly thankful for finding Aerin as my mentor, so to anyone reading this, you will be more than lucky to have her too.
