2019 SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM GW INSTITUTE FOR KOREAN STUDIES

2019 Summer Study Abroad Program

GW Institute For Korean Studies

June 23 – July 6, 2019

Dates & program details are subjected to change as program finalizes in May 2019

What is the political, cultural and economic meaning of the 38th parallel to Koreans living in the South and the North? How did it become such an impenetrable border when it was intended to be a temporary line back in 1945? How did the border affect Koreans before and after the Korean War? How did this division affect economic growth and how is the economic situation different in both countries? How do they differ in their culture? If reunification were to occur, do you think it would be possible for North Koreans to successfully integrate to the South Korean society?

The aim of the summer study abroad program is to invite students interested in studying Korea to visit various professional sites in South Korea. We will use the border as a lens into exploring four main themes: Korean identities, division, reunification, and economic difference between the two Koreas through readings, discussions, on-site lectures, and site visits. The program participants will trace the transnational processes of modernization, imperialism, colonization, the Cold War, decolonization, and neoliberalism that have shaped and continue to shape Korean identity and culture.

INFORMATION SESSION:

February 15, 2019, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

503 Conference Room, Elliott School of International Affairs

1957 E Street, NW, Suite 503

RSVP

The information session will provide important program details with undergraduate students who are interested in applying for the 2019 Summer Study Abroad Program in Seoul, Korea. Professor Jisoo M. Kim, the Director of GW Institute for Korean Studies, will give an introduction to the program. Also, the participants from previous years will share their experience, followed by a Q&A session. All students are welcome and the students who are interested in applying for the program are highly encouraged to attend this information session.

Eligibility:

This program is open to all current undergraduate students (Freshmen to Juniors) at GW who are interested in pursuing Korean studies. Students who plan to major in Korean will be given priority during the interview process.

Tutition & Fees:

Since it is not a credit-bearing program, there are no registration or tuition fees. Lodging and partial meals (breakfast & lunch) will be provided for the two-week period. Students will need to bear the airfare, GW’s health insurance (approx. $38), partial meal costs, transportation fees, and other personal expenses.

REQUIREMENTS:

All participants are required to give a portfolio presentation and will have the chance to win a $200 award for the best presentation. It is also required to write a travelogue after the program. Students who are planning to take classes related to Korea or students who are planning to have their thesis or capstone project focused on Korea are required to carry out their plans.

Deadline: February 28, 2019

Submit all the documents below to gwiks@gwu.edu. Based on the application, selected students will be invited for an interview (to be conducted in the first week of March).

1. Application Form (Download)
2. Two Letters of Recommendation
3. Statement of Motivation (One-page essay explaining the goal of studying Korea and motivation for applying for this program)

More Information on Summer Study Abroad Program.