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Study Abroad Center, 3224 Memorial Union, (515) 294-6792
Summer in South Korea Seoul Women's University
Program Description The summer program at Seoul Women's University provides a unique opportunity to achieve a better understanding of Korean culture. The four-week program is taught in English and is open to male and female students. The program typically has 50 participants from South Korea and an additional 50 participants from countries all over the world. This diverse group of students will learn about the Korean lifestyle, historical and religious background, economical struggles, political tension with North Korea, city streets, art, food, and the Korean language. Seoul Seoul has a population exceeding eight million. It is a city of incredible contrasts and arguably one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Seoul has risen from the dust and ashes of the Korean War, when it was largely destroyed, to become a modern metropolis of high-rise buildings, 12-lane boulevards, and non-stop traffic. Yet right beside this pulsating extravaganza of concrete, steel, and glass are centuries-old royal palaces, temples, pagodas, and imposing stone gateways set in huge traditional gardens far removed from the bustle of the rest of the city. It's here that you can experience the timeless atmosphere that endows this city with its unique character. This same feeling permeates the narrow alleys and back streets below the skyscrapers and the few traditional areas of the city that have escaped the destruction of the war.
For those interested in Korean culture and history, Seoul offers museums, palaces, walls, and gates, as well as documents, libraries, and living memories. The Yi Dynasty capital is alive in the Kyongbok Palace, the Toksu Palace, the Changgyong Palace, the National Museum, the Folklore Museum, the university museums, and the Buddhist temples just outside the city walls. For modern Korean culture, the city teems with art galleries, music and drama festivals, and centers like the Sejong Cultural Center.
Downtown Seoul is the center of government, with ministries and government offices and is also the center of industry, with the headquarters of major corporations like Hyundai, Daewoo, Samsung, Goldstar, and SunKyung. The close relationship of business and government in Korea can be seen first-hand, as can the highly successful Korean style of business management. (Adapted from: Korea: a Travel Survival Kit p.71)
Courses
The program will introduce Korean culture through lectures, discussion sessions, and hands-on cultural experiences
during which students will dress like traditional Koreans, learn Korean
manners, make their own Korean-style pottery, play traditional
instruments, and make Korean food. Excursions to such sites as Korea's
capital during the Shilla dynasty and the present border with the North
will be accompanied by lectures explaining their historical
significance.
Participants will also experience a constant interaction
of cultures by mixing with a student group of half international
students and half Seoul Women's University students.
Participants will receive three transfer credits for the course.
The grading will be based on a student's lecture participation (attendance), 4 quizzes, a group presentation and essay, and a five-page term paper.
Official transcripts will be sent to ISU after completion of the program.
Accommodation
Students will be housed in the Bahrom Education Center. Students typically share a bedroom with a Korean student from SWU and share bathrooms and living room facilities with 6-8 other students in their flat.
The building has a computer lab, laundry facilities, and lounges on each floor that have couches, TV, and a kitchen.
The Bahrom Education Center is also where classes are held and meals are provided.
Program Fee The
2009 program fee is $2,700.The cost includes tuition, fees, accommodation, meals, field trips, meals on field trips, and textbooks. The fee does not
include airfare and personal travel expenses. Summer 2010 fee will be announced soon.
More Information To learn more about the program, contact
Julie Yankey in the Study Abroad Center to schedule an appointment. Email: jyankey@iastate.edu or Phone: 515-294-6792
Brochure
