Program Details
Location
Seoul & Jeju Island,
South Korea
Term
May Session
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
Events & Info Sessions
Tuesday, November 17th, 10:00–10:30 am
Wednesday, November 18th, 3:00–3:30 pm
About
What is Jeong? This deep-rooted Korean concept emphasizes the “slow burn” of connecting with others and holds relationships together through empathy and caring. Throughout this course you will experience and observe Jeong in different areas of Korean culture and learn how to investigate and effectively apply Jeong and other rhetorical devices in your writing. In this course you will reflect on your sense of self as a writer and scientist while exploring Korean culture in general and the social implications of Jeong in particular.
This program will expose you to the bustling busy city of Seoul with its pockets of tradition and history and allow you to compare that with the natural beauty of Jeju Island in the south. You will participate in traditional activities and see natural phenomena that will allow you to observe and grow while also connecting with Korean culture.
Housing & Meals
You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, as well as some additional meals are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be taken at local eateries.
Excursions
Excursions and activities may include:
- Climbing Hallasan, the highest point in South Korea, and reflect on the view from the top
- Cooking classes to learn how to make kimchi, kimbap, or fermented sauces
- Visits to local markets
- Traditional tea cermony
- Conversations about history, culture, and how Jeong applies to daily life
Accessibility
If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.
Flight
The LAC will provide information on booking a designated flight. This flight will be the one the leader travels on and/or will include airport pick-up and transfers in-country. Estimated flight costs are noted in the budget, but fares may change until booked. You are advised not to book flights until given program confirmation from the LAC.
Important Note: A passport book is required to travel on this program. If you do not currently have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your return date, or are still needing to apply for a new one, start the process as soon as possible. Visit the UofM Passport Office website for more information.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and reflect on aspects of intercultural sensitivity and development
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
Faculty & Staff
This program is taught by Shannon Anderson and Paul Hanstedt from the University of Minnesota- Rochester campus.
Shannon Anderson is a professor of chemistry and has Ph.Ds in both chemistry and STEM education. With her work in STEM education, she extensively studied how to explain and teach in all STEM disciplines. Shannon is half-Korean, with family in South Korea, and has made multiple trips to Korea throughout the years. She speaks Korean at an intermediate level.
Paul Hanstedt is a writing professor who has taught courses focusing on travel writing and travel literature. He has some of his own travel writing published, and he is experienced in taking students overseas for short-term travel writing courses. His career includes extensive travel experience to the UK, Cambodia, and Vietnam, as well as living abroad in Hong Kong.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000 level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
The course centers on the application of the Korean cultural concept of Jeong to writing about science. In order for this to happen, students need to learn about Jeong and experience it themselves firsthand. Students will be constantly reflecting on Jeong and looking for it as they travel.
Course assignments while abroad include readings, several reflections and writing assignments, and peer feedback and review.
Receive credit for: WRIT 3xxx (TBC Fall 2026)
Draft syllabus forthcoming
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| May Session 2027 | May 15–June 5, 2027 | February 15, 2027 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Events & Info Sessions
Explore more events on our events page.
| Event Name | Event Date | Time | Location | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May Instructor-led Programs Info Session | Tuesday, November 17th | 10:00–10:30 am | Hybrid, Heller Hall 230C | Details & Registration |
| May Instructor-led Programs Info Session | Wednesday, November 18th | 3:00–3:30 pm | Hybrid, Heller Hall 230C | Details & Registration |
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
- Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**
Costs & Fees
The Cost of Participation (program fee) includes educational costs, program activities, housing, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, some meals, international medical, security & evacuation insurance, local transportation, and program administration. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions.
You must also budget for international airfare (with LAC guidance), visa (if applicable), passport and passport photos, meals not included in program fee, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.
The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Enrollment Note: This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Fischer Study Abroad Scholarship
Special funding is available if you are a first-year student through the Gerald B. & Catherine L. Fischer Study Abroad Scholarship.
Flight & Deposit Advance
The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
May Session 2027
Global Seminar: The Chemistry of Korean Culture: Science Writing & the Art of Jeong
Apply
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Financial and Program Commitment form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
- Apply for a passport.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Jemma Lund at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.8827.