Program Details
Location
Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo & Osaka, Japan
Term
May Session
Housing
Apartment
Sponsor
College of Science & Engineering
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
No Requirement
Language Prerequisite
No Language Prerequisite
About
Explore the intersection of virtual reality (VR) and our living reality from the scenic backdrops of South Korea and Japan. Known for their advancements in science and technology, Korea and Japan offer the perfect landscape for learning about how VR can support our daily lives both now and in the near future. You will visit a wide variety of locations, including VR arcades and esports arenas, as well as participate in cultural activities such as traditional tea ceremonies and sushi making classes.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You will share apartments with other students. Several group dinners will be provided, including a farewell karaoke dinner.
Application Deadline
March 1, 2024
Program Dates
May 11–June 1, 2024
Academics
While exploring the tech industries of Korea and Japan, this program will specifically investigate the intersection of virtual reality (VR) and our living reality. How can VR support our mental and physical health? What technological advances are coming, and how will these impact human life? How can we more strategically utilize VR in health and wellness initiatives? Learning will take place in research centers, companies, cultural sites, and the classroom.
Program Leader
Professor Victoria Interrante is a McKnight Land Grant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Professor Interrante's research focuses on applying insights from visual perception and cognition to the development of more effective virtual reality experiences and the more effective communication of complex information through visual imagery. Professor Interrante has previously led study abroad seminars in China and Switzerland.
Excursions
This program will blend cultural and technical excursions. Site visits may include virtual reality arcades, esports arenas, companies like Nintendo and Sony, and universities like the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Cultural activities may include a traditional tea ceremony, a sushi making class, and an anime experience.
More Information
For more information, contact the CSE International Programs office at [email protected].
Program Fee
May 2024 Cost of Participation
If you are registered for less than 13 credits, or if you are a non-UofM student or a UofM graduate student, you will be charged tuition for this course in addition to the program fee. Notify the Learning Abroad Center if this applies to you.
Billing & Payments
The application fee, deposit, and program fee are charged to your UofM account.
Cancellation Policy
This program does not follow the LAC Cancellation Policy. Contact the CSE International Programs at [email protected] with any questions about program cancellation.
May 2024
Virtual Reality and Modern Life: Korea & JapanMay Session 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $4,662.50 |
| International health insurance | $48 |
| Housing and/or meals | $1,224.50 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $2,765 |
| Total Program Fee | $9,100 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $9,100 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| 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 | $0 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program fee | $1,000 |
| Essential daily living expenses | $420 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $1,420 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $10,670 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $200 |
| 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
Complete pre-application advising.
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.
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.
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 program leader in the sponsoring college/department.
- 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.
- 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.