You will complete two courses:

• (3CR) Special Topics in Asian Studies - Introduction to Korea and its Culture
• (1CR) Basic Korean Language

Taught by multiple experts in the fields of politics, economics, and the arts, this course provides an understanding of Korean culture and society, focusing on political, economic development, history, culture and arts.

Learn about the fast growing and changing Korean society and how Korean government and its people preserve tradition and values, putting effort in modernization and industrialization.

As in previous years, the two classes will be held in the mornings from 9:00am to 1:00pm, and the cultural activities and field trips will take place from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.

Example Course Schedule (2 hours per class):

• Politics 1 (Introduction to Korean Politics)
• History 1 (Gojoseon to Koryo Dynasty)
• History 2 (Koryo to Early Choseon Dynasty)
• Politics 2 (Emergence of the Nation)
• History 3 (Limjin War / Latter Choson Period)
• Art 1 (Hanbok : Traditional Costume & Pattern)
• Politics 3 (partition & Korean War)
• Art 2 (Cultural Art Tour in Seoul)
• Understand Korea frommovie 1 (Ode to my father)
• Understand Korea from movie 2 (Joint Security Area)
• Politics 4 (Economic Development under Authoritarian Regime)
• Art 3 (Hanok and Korean Arts)
• Politics 5 (Democratic Transition & Consolidation)
• Politics 6 (Foreign Relations and Unification)
• Politics 7 (North Korea and Unification Issues)
• Fianl Exam

Over the course of one month, participate in:

• 30 hours of lectures
• 40 hours of field trips
• 25 hours of excursions

All courses, including the Korean language and cultural activities, are taught in English.

Cultural excursions may include the following:

• Bukcheon Hanok Village
• Hangang River Cruise
• Namsan Park
• Nanta Show
• Lotte World Tower
• Professional Baseball
• Everland (Amusement Park)
• Jogesa Temple & Insadong
• Gwang-Jang Market
• Inwangsan Mt Hiking

Participate in field trips to sites such as:

• Demilitarized Zone (D.M.Z)
• Pottery Making in Incheon
• SAMSUNG Company
• National Museum of Korea
• Odusan Observation Tower
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites
• Gyeong-Ju City (Ancient Capital of Shilla Dynasty) & Andong
• Taekwondo Class
• Hanbok wearing experience at Gyeongbokgung Palace
• War Memorial
• Seodaemun Prison History Museum

Past Program Dates:

Mid March: Application deadline

Mid April:  Acceptance & Orientation guide provided

Mid May: Payment deadline

Late June: Arrival in Seoul (transportation provided from Incheon airport), check-in

Day 2: Opening Ceremony, Orientation, & Welcome Dinner

Third week of July: Last Days of Class

Followed by a Farewell Ceremony, Farewell Party

Then Check-out and Departure from Seoul (Transportation provided to Incheon airport)

The 2024 program cost was 1,900,000 KRW (roughly $1,425-1,500 based on rate of currency exchange). This cost is subject to change in 2025.The cost for tuition, dorms, meals, and activities and field trips are included in this program fee for our students. 

Students are responsible for purchasing their own round-trip flights to and from South Korea, and are also responsible for paying for the iNext Travel Insurance purchased on their behalf through Nazareth. Only the meals, activities, and field trips specified by Hansung University are included. All other meals or personal expenses will need to be covered by the student.

You may enter Republic of Korea and stay for the duration of the program with a temporary visitor visa that requires you to complete the K-ETA visa process before arrival.

You must clearly state the purpose of your visit at Immigration upon entry at the airport. All visa materials must be prepared and approved well in advance with no mistakes in spelling or dates. You must show your acceptance via the K-ETA app to board your flight to South Korea.

If you plan to arrive prior to the start of the program or extend your stay past the program end date, you must check eligibility requirements with the Korean Consulate here in the U.S. 

Proof of medical insurance valid for the duration of the program is required. Hansung University will provide information upon arrival for those who do not have a valid insurance plan. 

iNext travel insurance will also be purchased on your behalf that will cover the length of your stay in South Korea. Any travel prior to or after the program will not be covered under this insurance.

All participants will be provided a shared room at Summer School Housing. Rooms will be shared with a Korean buddy or a fellow summer school student. Housing managers must be made aware of preferred roommates by the determined deadline. Curfews may be in effect depending on housing. 

Amenities include:

• Laundromat
• Microwaves
• Showers
• Wifi 

Attendance and punctuality for classes are vital to the success of the program as certificates of completion are awarded to students who complete the program with perfect attendance.

Official transcripts will be mailed to the CIE at Nazareth College in the following weeks of the program end date.

During weekdays, students will be busy participating in classes and activities, beginning in the morning and finishing in the evening. Personal activities should be planned for weekends.

HISS Buddy Program has been designed to provide you with help in living and learning in Korea. Bussies will be placed in the dorm and activity locations to be your guide, guard and friends who will make your life in Korea full of fun and happy memories. 

Seoul is one of the safest cities; however, it is advisable to travel with friends or Korean buddies. 

If you do not already know how to use chopsticks, you will learn, as they are a Korean staple!

Many meals will be provided by Hansung. Please notify CIE and Hansung of any dietary restrictions or food allergies in advance.