52-year-old Korean executive learns Vietnamese to earn master's degree

In early October, a 52-year-old Korean executive named Young commenced Vietnamese language classes at Ho Chi Minh City Open University. University regulations stipulate he must dedicate approximately a year to studying the language prior to embarking on his master's program. Despite possessing degrees in arts and culture and artificial intelligence, Young seeks to bolster his credentials to bolster his career prospects.

Residing in Vietnam for over six years, he presently assumes the role of vice chairman for the Korean Sports Association in Vietnam and deputy director of an organization focused on Vietnam-South Korea education.

Young perceives the 20- to 30-year age disparity between him and his peers as advantageous. Engaging with younger students exposes him to diverse viewpoints and innovative problem-solving strategies applicable to his present position. Additionally, his professional and entrepreneurial background furnishes him with a robust foundation for comprehending intricate academic theories.

He identified mastering Vietnam's six tones, a feature absent in Korean, and navigating Vietnam's complex pronoun and address system as his primary challenges. Addressing individuals is not merely about linguistic proficiency; it necessitates an understanding of Vietnamese culture and communication norms, Young elaborated.

Initially, Young made numerous pronunciation and vocabulary errors. However, his classmates never ridiculed him. Instead, many approached him after class to provide encouragement and guidance. In return, Young assists them with their Korean writing skills. Young intends to remain in Vietnam long-term and aspires to pursue a doctorate after completing his master's degree. He emphasized, "Learning is a lifelong journey, and age is not a barrier to acquiring knowledge."