Literary Arts Transfer Alumna Teaching English in South Korea

Meet Kidde Kokole

Job Title & Employer: Native Guest English Teacher, English Program in Korea (EPIK)
Major/Program: English
Graduation: April 2018
College Activities: Black Student Union and Literary Arts 2018 Symposium Planning Committee
Scholarships: Transfer Presidential
Hometown: Lake Ariel, Pa.
High School: Central Dauphin High School
Now Living In: Ulsan, South Korea
Hobbies & Interests: Photography, reading, writing and gardening

"Kidde is a positive person. She has good energy and passion and likes to learn about new cultures, languages and people. This attitude positively affects our students."

Eunjeong Kang, English teacher at an elementary school in South Korea

"From department panels to independent projects, Point Park’s English program not only guided me, but also pushed me to excel. These experiences have shaped my professional and creative outlook in my post-graduate endeavors."

Kidde Kokole

How did you land a teaching position in South Korea?

In the final semester of my senior year, I began to research opportunities for working abroad. After narrowing down my options, I decided to apply to the English Program in Korea, known as EPIK. My priorities for post-grad employment were to utilize my English degree and to travel.

Frankly, the application process is quite long and initially daunting. However, I was lucky enough to have ample support from faculty and advisors at Point Park University. With the help of this network, friends and family, I was supported through the process and successfully obtained a teaching position in South Korea.

How has Point Park and our English program prepared you professionally?

Point Park and the Department of Literary Arts prepared me professionally by allowing me the space to grow and explore as an individual. Through lectures and class assignments, I learned how to form and defend my opinions and viewpoints. This type of self assurance, coupled with creative freedom, gave me the confidence to pursue projects a little outside the box. From department panels to independent projects, Point Park’s English program not only guided me, but also pushed me to excel. These experiences have shaped my professional and creative outlook in my post-graduate endeavors.

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I transferred to Point Park University for two reasons: the artistic atmosphere and my appreciation for Pittsburgh. The year prior to transferring to Point Park University, I had visited Pittsburgh for the first time. I found the mix of old industrial and modern urban to be charming. When searching for a new school, Point Park University offered me a nice location and access to Pittsburgh’s Downtown area.

In what ways have Point Park’s faculty impacted you?

Point Park’s Department of Literary Arts faculty have the biggest heart. I can genuinely say that each and every faculty member regards their students as people and not just a number. Within the department, there’s an abundance of patience and willingness to help students.

Having the privilege to learn from and work with such talented people not only positively impacted my undergraduate studies, but also helped to solidify my wavering decision about pursuing a career in academia. This kind of impact sends off a ripple effect. I can only hope that one day I inspire someone as Point Park’s literary arts department faculty have inspired me.

What advice do you have for our students considering studying or working abroad?

Write out all your doubts and fears about going abroad, and then throw them away. I can guarantee that taking the risk to study abroad or work abroad will far outweigh any doubts you may have. Learning a new language, experiencing a new culture and living in new terrain comes with a sense of accomplishment that only exists outside one’s comfort zone. Granted, it won’t be easy. Research as much as you can, talk to people who have been in your shoes and put in the work to get there. You won’t be disappointed if you do.

Literary Arts Transfer Alumna Teaching English in South Korea Alumni Profile