ESL, or English as a Second Language, is an academic curriculum that focuses on developing English speaking and comprehension skills in students who do not speak it natively. Spelling, reading, writing, and vocabulary are common focus areas.

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a sovereign country located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. The name "Korea" is derived from Goryeo, a dynasty which ruled in the Middle Ages. South Korea is now a liberal democracy and an economic powerhouse. The most prestigious comprehensive universities are Seoul National University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Yonsei University and Korea University.

A course is the study of a particular topic within a wider subject area and is the foundation of a qualification. A typical course includes lectures, assessments and tutorials.