South Korea
Program Summary:
Parkland College is pleased to provide a four week summer study abroad program to Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea. The program dates for summer 2024 are June 22-July 20, 2024. South Korea is a beautiful country with rich ancient and modern culture. It is a very safe country to travel in with very low crime and a high safety ranking by the US Department of State.
Admission Requirements:
This program is open to serious students who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in Korean language and culture. The summer program will focus on an immersive language course and a culture course. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older as of the program start date. The minimum age requirement is strictly upheld. All applicants are required to complete an application form. To be considered for admission, students must meet the following minimum admissions requirements:
- Completion of at least 12 hours of college-levelcoursework;
- Completion of Freshman English Composition or its equivalent with a B or better;
- A cumulative college earned grade point average of 2.5/4.0 or higher; and
- Approval and recommendation of their campus ICISP representative.
A personal interview with the program coordinator may be held to determine the participant’s maturity and adaptability to a foreign environment. Successful completion of the application process is required for admission to the program. If a
participant requires disability accommodations, the program will attempt to make reasonable accommodations within the capacity available at Sogang University. Disability accommodations will vary according to need and what can reasonably be provided by a foreign institution.
Academics:
Students in this program will enroll in two courses: Korean Language levels 1-4 and Korean Culture Course, earning 7 semester credits. No prior Korean language is required for participation. The Korean language course will be immersive
meaning that the course will be taught in Korean. Both courses are academically intensive programs which will require dedication and study.
Cultural Activities:
Various cultural activities are included as part of the culture course. Examples include Korean calligraphy and K-pop music.
Two optional weekend trips with the faculty liaison (not included in the program cost) included a weekend trip to the southern beach city of Busan via Korea’s bullet train and a day trip to the DMZ, the border between North and South Korea
Housing and Meals:
The cost of housing is included in the program fee. Housing is provided at Gonzaga Hall on the college campus. Residing at Gonzaga Hall is a requirement of the program. Each student will share a room with another student of the same gender. Each
room has its own bathroom, two desks, and two wardrobes. the dormitory also has a computer lab, laundry facilities, and a cafeteria. WiFi is available in the residence hall. Bed and bath linens are not provided, but can be inexpensively purchased in
country.Meals are not included in the program fee. A nice election of grocery stores and eating establishments are located inside and just outside of Gonzaga Hall.
Faculty Liason:
Ms. Tracey Brown, Parkland College Professor, will accompany the students and be on-site in Seoul to serve as a faculty liaison to students. Tracey lived in Korea for five years and is excited to share her knowledge and love of Korea and its
culture with students.
Pre-Departure Orientation:
Participation in a pre-trip orientation is mandatory. Orientation for the summer 2024 program will be held virtually and will last about three hours. Details will be sent upon acceptance. Sogang University provides a comprehensive in-country orientation as well.
Passport and Visa:
Students will need to acquire or have a current passport before departure. Applicants should allow at least four to eight weeks for standard passport processing. An application and information can be acquired at your local post office or at
travel.state.gov. Passports must be valid for six months after the program ends. A visa is not necessary for the summer program for U.S. citizens. Further details will be provided at the pre- departure orientation.
Fees and Payment:
The cost to participate in this program for summer 2024 is $3871.00 which includes tuition to host college, residence hall, some meals, some activities, and medical insurance. Airfare is an additional cost estimated at $2600 (prices may vary). Please note the program price is subject to change due to changes in currency values beyond the control of Parkland College.
Please submit all applications and a $500 deposit to Jody Littleton or Tracey Brown by February 15, 2024. The deposit will be taken off the total program cost. Please review the cancellation and refund policy as outlined in the application. Applications received after the February 15, 2024 may not be considered. Full payment must be made by April 1, 2024 or the applicant risks being dropped from the program.
Please note a minimum number of participants is required for the program to run. In the unlikely event that the program is unable to run, a full refund is provided.
Additional Program Information:.
Korean Study Abroad – Faculty Recommendation Form
For Questions or more information:
Jody Littleton
Study Abroad Coordinator
Room D175
[email protected]
217-351-2531
Tracey Brown
Korea Trip Coordinator
Room C130A
[email protected]
217-353-2083