Learning Abroad Center
A group of women wearing brightly colored Korean hanbok

Taste of South Korea: Culture, Language, and Education

Asia & Oceania

In the past decade, South Korea has established itself as an international academic superpower. This program will explore South Korean education and the history of educational reform that led to its international educational dominance.

This program is administered by College of Education & Human Development. Applications are processed by the Learning Abroad Center.

Program Details

Location
Location
Seoul, South Korea
Term
Term
Summer Session
Housing
Housing
Dormitory
Hotel
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English
Sponsor
Sponsor
College of Education and Human Development

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
GPA
2.5 or program leader permission

About

This program explores South Korean culture, language, and education. You will gain a deeper understanding of South Korea’s current educational systems, and its demands on students and teachers. Additionally, the course explores Korean history and society in the context of cultural traditions and social interactions. Seminars are led by local faculty and community experts.

Program Model

Instructor-Led

Housing & Meals

You will stay at the Seoul National University of Education (SNUE) student dorms. SNUE is one of CEHD's international partner universities.

Most week day meals are included (breakfast, lunch, and some dinners). No weekend meals included.

Application Deadline

April 25, 2024

Program Dates

July 31–August 16, 2024

Note: 3 pre-departure meetings will take place during the spring semester.

Academics

Earn 3 credits for: EDHD 3100 or EDHD 5100

This course takes a systematic look at different aspects of the Korean culture, language, and educational system. The course will examine the historical background of Korea, its international status, and current social, political, and educational policies. 

As a part of this course, you will meet 3 times before program departure. Meetings will be on campus or available via zoom. Some reading and assignments will also be due before departure.

Program Leader

Marina B. Aleixo is Program Director in the Office of International Initiatives and Relations at the CEHD. Dr. Aleixo received her doctorate from the University of Minnesota in Education, Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Second Languages and Cultures Education. For the past four years, Dr. Aleixo has led the Global Teacher Education Program (GTEP) in partnership with Seoul National University of Education.

Excursions

Although final decisions on excursions are still pending, they may include: 

  • Insa Dong Shopping Street
  • Seoul National University
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • N Seoul Tower
  • Jongmyo Shrine
  • Changgyeinggung Palace
  • Ministry of Education
  • Hagwons
  • Busan

More Information

For more information, contact Lamia Shapiro at [email protected].

Program Fee

Summer 2024 Cost of Participation

The program fee includes tuition and registration fees, orientation and international health insurance, airfare, housing, excursions, and some meals.

You should also budget for passport, course texts/supplies, additional meals, and daily living expenses not included in the program fee.

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.

Cancellation Policy

The regular Learning Abroad Center cancellation and refund policy does not apply to this course. Connect with your program contact for details on the cancellation and refund policy for this program.

Summer 2024

Taste of South Korea: Culture, Language, and Education

Summer 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $850
Tuition and educational costs $2,398
International health insurance $40
Housing and/or meals $800
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $2,500
Total Program Fee $6,588
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $6,588

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $0
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $150
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $100
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee $400
Essential daily living expenses $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $500

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $7,238
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $0
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Be aware: All programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Complete pre-application advising.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

When you submit your online application, you will be assigned an application checklist that includes:

  • First Step session

Next Steps

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the program leader in the sponsoring college/department.
  3. If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement 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.
  4. 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
  5. You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.