Effectiveness of a Discipline-Based Korean Language Program for International Students

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of a discipline-based Korean language program aimed at improving the academic success of international students. The pre-survey results highlighted that a significant proportion of students struggled with Korean language proficiency, which was identified as a primary barrier to their success in major courses. The post-survey data revealed substantial improvements, with students reporting enhanced language skills and a better grasp of their disciplinary knowledge. Open-ended responses further corroborated these findings, with students expressing high satisfaction with the program’s integration of language learning and academic content. Faculty feedback supported these outcomes, emphasizing the effectiveness of the CBI approach in simultaneously advancing language proficiency and subject-specific knowledge. This study offered insights that may inform the development and refinement of academic support programs for international students.