Students make crafty bracelets to help learn the Korean alphabet

Troy K-EDU Center introduced students to the Korean alphabets through bracelet making at the K-Wave Day last Wednesday.

Students focused on greetings and introductions as those are the most basic parts of any language and some of the most useful phrases to someone who isn’t fluent. According to Minsol Kim, the assistant director of the K-Center, the organization’s goal for the event was to give students the tools they needed to communicate with international students and others on the most basic level.

“I know that Troy University strives to have students get globally aware, so we prepare diverse activities to let the students know the diverse cultures of Korea and other places,” Kim said.

There were students from a range of different backgrounds at the event. Some were from countries with similar alphabets to Korea and took easily to the Korean language, while others needed more time to get comfortable.

“Their alphabet system does make a lot of sense,” said Olivia Parker, a junior communications major from Jack, Alabama. “They start with their vowels and then they build their words like Legos, so I think it would make more sense to me if I had more practice.”

The students were first given all the characters, then learned how to say hello and how to introduce themselves and write their name in Hangul, the Korean alphabet. After they were able to write it, they made bracelets from beads inscribed with the Hangul characters that made up their name. Although it’s not possible to learn a whole language from one mini-lesson, Parker said even a basic understanding can benefit students’ social and professional lives.

“I think just understanding our differences and also what makes us alike can make a big difference,” Parker said. “For someone like me who wants to work abroad, I think it’ll be really helpful.

“Someone may see what I look like but then if I’m able to connect with them through language that may be something they really appreciate.”

It’s not just about connecting with other people. Knowledge of foreign experiences, cultures and languages can create a more balanced outlook on life.

“Understanding the culture of our peers is beneficial because it fosters cultural empathy and the ability to appreciate diverse perspectives,” said Angel Jeong, the assistant director of the K-Center. “This cultural sensitivity is the foundation of global leadership; it equips students to bridge different value systems, resolve conflicts, and thrive in a multicultural environment. 

“Ultimately, these exchanges empower students to become true global citizens who can navigate the complexities of the modern world with respect and adaptability.”

Troy’s K-Center is located in the bottom floor of Hawkins Hall, across the hall from the Study Abroad offices.