Seoul:The Lao Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Kaimany Orlaboun, recently met with Dr. Keunhye Shin, HUFS Dean of Student Affairs, at the embassy in Seoul to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Lao language education program.

According to Lao News Agency, the ambassador congratulated HUFS on reaching this milestone, emphasizing the importance of Lao language education in helping Korean students improve their communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Laos' culture, traditions, and society. She expressed gratitude to the university's faculty and officials for their efforts and hoped for strengthened partnerships with Lao educational institutions.

Dr. Shin highlighted the collaboration between Lao and Korean scholars in developing curricula, textbooks, and learning opportunities since the Lao language courses began in 2016. HUFS remains committed to promoting Lao language education and encouraging students to use their skills for research and increased knowledge about Laos.

Since the program's inception, 783 students have enrolled in Lao language courses at HUFS, which offers three courses per semester on the Lao language and culture. A South Korean government initiative supporting strategically important foreign languages has backed the program since 2022, aiding the creation of a standardized curriculum and textbooks for proficiency levels A1 to B2, along with annual standardized exams.

Contributions from Lao educators like Associate Professor Dr. Vilaiphone Somsamone and Bouasavan Thammachak have been vital. Dr. Sueun Kim currently leads the Lao language instruction at HUFS. Additionally, cultural and educational activities organized by the embassy and university include Korean language classes for Lao diplomats, online internships, lectures, traditional dance performances, and video contests.

The program further offers Korean students an annual summer school opportunity at Souphanouvong University in Luang Prabang, allowing them to study Lao and engage in cultural exchanges.

In recognition of her contributions to teaching Lao language, society, and culture, the Lao Embassy awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Sueun Kim. This decade-long program underscores the significant role of language education in fostering mutual understanding, academic cooperation, and enhancing ties between Laos and the Republic of Korea.