Summer in Seoul
Contemporary Global Studies
Study in-depth political classes on a Neoclassical campus
Kyung Hee University is steeped in history and the academic study of it. The Central Library boasts an archives room featuring materials published in North Korea and by the pro-North Korean residents’ league in Japan. It’s the perfect location to study up on the political history of one of the most contentious borders in world history. After class, take in the natural beauty of the “campus within a park,” gaze up at the Neoclassical and gothic buildings that feel like they’ve been borrowed from the District of Columbia, and sample cuisine from on-campus eateries.
What to Expect:
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Language: English and Korean
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Average Courseload: 1-2 courses (3-6 U.S. credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.5
Highlights:
- Mingle with locals through various student clubs, including the International Friends and Culture Club
- Live and learn on a calm, park-like campus away from the city’s hustle and bustle
- Choose from a variety of courses taught in English as part of the university's Global Eminence Program
- Immerse in culture, both old and new, whether through traditional festivals or K-pop concerts
Program Details
Kyung Hee University
With three museums (a Natural History Museum, Cultural History and Antiquities Museum, and a map museum) Kyung Hee University is steeped in history – and the academic study of it. The Central Library boasts an archives room featuring materials published in North Korea and by the pro-North Korean residents’ league in Japan. It’s the perfect location to study up on the political history of one of the most contentious borders in world history.
Kyung Hee University’s values are best articulated through a description of their mascot, the Laughing Lion, and their mark, the Magnolia. To them, the Laughing Lion “embodies the human capacity for both inner ferocity and magnanimity, and the ability to overcome the self to show consideration for others.” The Magnolia, a well-known cultural symbol in South Korea due to the South Korean song “Magnolia Blossom,” symbolizes the university’s resilience, beauty, generosity, and unity.
After class, students can take in the natural beauty of the “campus within a park,” gaze up at the Neoclassical and gothic buildings that feel like they’ve been borrowed from the District of Columbia, and sample foods from the on-campus eateries (featuring Korean food, hamburgers, and a bakery). To meet other students, join the cheering squad or the International Friends and Culture Club.
Areas of study with at least 2 classes available
- Korean
- Communications
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available
- Business
- Humanities
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Global thought leaders from the world’s best institutions teach courses at Kyung Hee University. Kyung Hee University’s Global Eminence Program offers coursework in three themes.
The main theme for Summer 2023 is “Humanity, Civilization and Global Governance: New Horizons”. Courses are subject to change based on availability.
The following courses are on offer for Summer 2023, with links to the course syllabi (more forthcoming):
Global CSR & Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development Goals: Impacts and Limits for the People and Planet (Afternoon)
Climate Change: Science and Policy (Afternoon)
Global Citizenship: Issues and Practice (Afternoon)
ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) and the Role of Business (Morning)
Peace & Global Governance
International Relations: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Morning)
The United Nations and Global Challenges (Afternoon)
The Innovative Role of NGO in Global Civil Society (Morning)
Tasks Ahead for Peace and Security in East Asia (Afternoon)
Humanity & Civilization
Global Appeal and the Uniqueness of Korean Culture (Morning)
Korean Language I, II (Afternoon)
D.E.I (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) for Social Peace and Harmony (Afternoon)
Artificial Intelligence and Humanities (Afternoon)
From Big Bang to Civilization and Beyond (Morning)
![_Brie Bates_South Korea_[Korean BBQ! Pic taken by Brie]](https://www.cisabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Brie-Bates_South-Korea_Korean-BBQ-Pic-taken-by-Brie.jpg)
Why Life in Seoul
South Korea has everything: the longest subway system in the world, one of the most efficient writing systems, large and abundant forests, AND the world’s fastest internet connections (Take that, Netflix lag!). Seoul is a “dynamic city” that, according to Lonely Planet, “mashes up palaces, temples, cutting-edge design and mountain trails, all to a nonstop K-Pop beat.”
Still have stars in your eyes from the 2018 Olympics opening ceremony? You’re in luck! Just a 2-hour train ride from Pyeongchang, Seoul is the 9th most visited city in the world and the 4th largest earner in tourism. The metropolitan area around Seoul contains five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.
Live The Local Life
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Outdoor Parks
Walk over the pedestrian-only bridge on your way to Seonyudo Park, an island on the Hangang River that was formerly an industrial water treatment plant, but is now home to the Hangang History Museum and Botanical Gardens.
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Cooking Class
Food is a huge staple in Korean culture - everything revolves around it. Learn to cook and then eat like a local.
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Local Cultural Festivals
No shortage of celebration here! Seoul boasts the Lotus Lantern Festival, the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, and the Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival, among many more.
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Learn to write Hangul
Hangul is the official written language of both South and North Korea, and is touted as the simplest language systems in the world. If you already don’t know it, see how quickly you can pick it up!
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Visual & Performance Art
Take a selfie in the wildly colorful Ihwa Mural Village, a revitalized artist neighborhood adorned with murals and filled with galleries, cafes. After, check out these gems within walking distance: Lock Museum, Ihwa-dong Village Museum, and Blacksmith Museum.
Housing in Seoul
Location
Students will be housed in double rooms in on-campus residence halls. Each room is furnished with a bed, closet, bookshelf, desk, telephone and internet access. The residence hall has study rooms, a lounge, a rooftop lounge, gym, ping pong room, and small shop.
Meals
This housing doesn’t come with a meal plan, but there is a convenience store and cafeteria in the dorm with really affordable dining options. Students can also eat elsewhere on campus (or off-campus) at other cafeterias or restaurants. Kyung Hee has such a big campus that there are tons of options!
Inclusions and Amenities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- BathroomEnsuite
- Bed linens
- WalkingCommute
- Desk
- Double Room
- Fitness Center
- LaundryOn-site
- Study Areas
- Wi-Fi
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in US dollars and include the following:
- Full-time tuition and fees
- Housing
- Academic advising
- Medical and accident insurance
- CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
- Financial aid counseling
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Pre-departure orientation
- Airport pickup
- CIS Abroad on-site orientation
- On-site support
- Seoul Walking Tour
- Day trip to the DMZ and one or more overnight excursions
- The Local Life cultural program
- Kyung-Hee University official transcript
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival, you’ll take part in both the university and CIS Abroad orientation program. You’ll learn the “dos and don’ts” of living in Seoul, South Korea. What will your site director cover? Where to go to enjoy some social, cultural and recreational activities, how to stay safe, and where to shop are just a few topics. Oh, and there’ll be a welcome meal, something traditional and yummy, as Korean cuisine is known to be one of the best in the world!
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
Though you’re not an astronaut returning from space, re-entering your home culture after being abroad can be shocking to the system. We’ll walk you through some of the things to expect, rehash your time abroad so that you can remember the highlights and, yep, we’ll feed you one last delicious Korean meal before you go!
Program Excursions
Seoul city tour
Day tourSeoul has the old & new, tradition & modernity, history & contemporary. Look down the feature of megacity having 10 million population, Seoul at Seoul Tower. Have a concept of Gangnam (South of Han River) and Gangbuk (North of Han River) by looking through the city riding on the chartered bus. You will rapidly soak into the city, seeing a lot of vivid places where people live.
Hanbok wearing experience
Experience wearing Hanbok and walking through Gyeongbokgung palace like a prince & princess or a nobleman in Josun dynasty. You will try very authentic traditional Hanbok costumes with matchable hair make-up.
K-pop dance lesson
Did you know that K-pop is the third-largest export in Korea? You will enjoy the dance moves with English speaking instructor. Any K-pop songs and motions in mind? Just let the site director know it, and you will get it as your motion. This is one of the fun experiences you must do in South Korea!
Site Director
Travel Tip:
Walk as much as you can! If you find a neighborhood you like, set out on foot and get lost down some side streets. Who knows what you could find – cute cafes, hidden restaurants, or local hotspots you would have never been able to find otherwise!
Travel Tip:
Walk as much as you can! If you find a neighborhood you like, set out on foot and get lost down some side streets. Who knows what you could find – cute cafes, hidden restaurants, or local hotspots you would have never been able to find otherwise!
About:
I graduated from Florida State University with dual degrees in International Affairs and Chinese Language and Culture. After graduation, I received a Fulbright teaching grant to South Korea where I lived in Sejong City for about 2 years before moving to Seoul. I have taught students of all ages from elementary to college and worked with international students coming to the US and US students coming to Seoul! Currently, I am receiving my degree in International Area Studies at Seoul National University with a focus on China and South Korea. In addition to South Korea, have studied abroad in Dalian and Tianjin in China and Taipei in Taiwan!
Your Support Staff
Find ways to connect with your host community – the language, everyday activities, common gathering places. You’ll discover that you can gain the most genuine and life-long friendships just by trying to immerse yourself into the culture.
I highly recommend learning some of the language, even a few phrases, before going abroad for an extended amount of time. Don’t be afraid to mess up speaking – though you will likely say something wrong and hilarious (I’ve got too many instances in Korean to count), that’s part of the process and the locals will definitely appreciate the genuine effort!
Expect the unexpected! Sometimes culture shock is stronger in countries where you expect things to be more similar to your home country and environment. Traveling abroad is an excellent way to learn more about your own culture, habits, style, and adaptability.
You’ll be supported every step of the way!
Advising
Kaylee Klinger, our student advisor and 2x CIS Abroad alum, can help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal objectives. It’s not always an easy choice, but you can’t go wrong! Once you’ve decided, we’ll guide to you submit an online application.
Enrollment
Once you’ve submitted your initial application and the fee, you’ll be assigned a Program Enrollment Coordinator. We’ll work closely together to guide you through the enrollment process and prepare you for a life-changing experience!
Dates & Prices
ADVISOR TIP: Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
- Application Deadline: Apr 1 (Estimated)
- Arrival: June 22 (Estimated)
- Departure: July 20 (Estimated)
- Price: $4,690 (Estimated)
As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.