▲ CWNU, officially designated as a TOPIK test center

CWNU has been selected as a new test center for both the paper-based test (PBT) and internet-based test (IBT) versions of the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Following its designation as a PBT center in April, the university has recently been chosen as an IBT test center, establishing itself as a key testing facility for foreign residents studying Korean in the Gyeongsangnam-do region. The selection recognizes the university's outstanding educational environment and its commitment to internationalization.

TOPIK is a test designed for non-native speakers and overseas Koreans. It is used for various purposes such as studying at a Korean university, getting a job in Korea, and acquiring Korean citizenship. The test is divided into two levels: TOPIK I (levels 1 and 2) and TOPIK II (levels 3 to 6), and consists of listening, reading, and writing sections.

The Gyeongsangnam-do region has seen a continuous increase in demand for the TOPIK test among foreign students, marriage immigrants, and foreign workers. However, the number of officially designated test centers has been limited. Previously, there were only three PBT test centers in the region: Kyungnam University in Masan, Gyeongsang National University in Jinju, and Inje University in Gimhae. Furthermore, there was only one IBT test center, Changshin University in Masan. Consequently, test-takers residing in Gyeongsangnam-do have faced significant inconvenience, including difficulties with registration and often had to travel to other regions to take the exam. Recognizing these issues, CWNU actively pursued becoming a TOPIK test center starting in February of this year. This initiative aims to support Korean language learning for foreigners and fulfill the university's responsibility to the local community.

CWNU was selected as a TOPIK test center based on its strengths, including a comfortable testing environment, excellent facilities, and convenient transportation access. The Business School, equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs, can accommodate a large number of test-takers and provides a stable environment necessary for exam administration. The university's location in downtown Changwon and its excellent accessibility by public transportation were also highly evaluated.

The first PBT administered at CWNU was held successfully on October 13th with approximately 450 test-takers. The final PBT test for this year, scheduled for November 10th, is expected to have around 500 participants. The IBT was last administered at the end of September this year. As this was the university's first time administering the test, multiple student workers were deployed to provide guidance to test-takers all over the campus. Following the official test schedule, the university plans to expand testing next year to a total of 12 sessions: 6 PBT and 6 IBT.

One test-taker who took the TOPIK test at CWNU shared his positive experience, stating, "The directions to the test center were clear and easy to follow, because there were many people outside the building to help guide me towards the testing center. The people proctoring the test were also very patient and helpful with any questions I had." He also added, "The facility was great, and there were no distractions or issues at all. Now that I've taken TOPIK I, I am ready to begin preparing for TOPIK II and I will definitely register at the CWNU. I would also recommend it to anyone else who wants to take the test."

Kim Tae-sik, Director of the Office of International Affairs at CWNU, expressed his expectations, stating, "With CWNU's selection as a TOPIK test center, we anticipate significant alleviation of inconveniences faced by both our international students and foreign residents in Gyeongsangnam-do when taking the exam." He added, "This presents a valuable opportunity to showcase our excellent educational environment and beautiful campus to those visiting from outside the university to take the test."

CWNU has made various efforts to ensure the convenience of test-takers, which are expected to provide practical benefits to foreigners in Gyeongsangnam-do who wish to take the TOPIK test. The selection as a TOPIK test center is expected to further strengthen the university's role as a hub for international exchange in the region. Furthermore, the university is developing concrete plans to promote internationalization within the local community, including expanding Korean language programs and developing support programs to help foreign students adapt to university life. These efforts to promote international exchange are anticipated to contribute to the development of the local community.

By Jung-hyun, editor-in-chief  pjhgongju0903@naver.com

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