SNU students may be known for their outstanding academic talent, but sometimes they need help, especially when they are new to the school. For general education courses such as English or Math, there is a wide range of skill level among students depending on their academic background, and many of them need help catching up. And who better to help them than their fellow SNU seniors?

Every semester, the General Education Peer Tutoring Program, organized by the Faculty of Liberal Education, matches SNU students who have demonstrated academic excellence with peers needing help with their studies. Anyone who needs assistance in their general education studies such as College Writing, College English, Basic Calculus, Basic Physics, Basic Chemistry, or Basic Biology can apply to be a tutee. The program is also open to international students seeking to learn and practice Korean.

Tutors are selected based on their statement of purpose, GPA, and relevant study or teaching experience. Upon completion of the program, tutors receive scholarships from the school as well as a certificate of participation. The scholarship amount is 1,200,000 won for 60 hours of tutoring.

A tutoring group, which consists of a tutor and between two and eight tutees, usually meets once or twice weekly for a total of 60 hours during the course of a semester. After every session, tutors provide feedback for tutees so that they can reflect on their progress week by week.

During the semester, the Faculty of Liberal Education provides education sessions for tutors on effective teaching, as well as various class materials upon request.

Although the main objective of the program is to facilitate learning, the Peer Tutoring Program experience transcends the boundaries of academics. The weekly sessions are also occasions for tutors and tutees to form lasting friendships, or maybe even develop a first college crush.

Kim Bomin (Department of Nursing), who is currently participating as a tutee for the Fall 2019 semester, said that through the program, she can “get the help that I need and interact with great mentors and friends from other majors.”

Written by Chae Hyun Kim, SNU English Editor, michelle25@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Professor Travis Smith, Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations, tlsmith@snu.ac.kr