Experience Korea: Two States Remembering One Nation

This course is now accepting applications for the Winter 2013 term.

UMAIE Course Number:  T3908
SAU Course Equivalency:  +PSCI 299, Special Topics in Political Science or +IS 210, Topics in International Studies (four credits)
Instructors: Dr. Duk Kim, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Dr. Il Woo Cho, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, St. Ambrose University
Prerequisites:  None
Tentative Dates:  December 26, 2012 - January 18, 2013. SAU Spring semester begins January 16.
Location:  Seoul, Republic of Korea
Price:  $5,240-$5,540* (tentative)

Program description

With more than 5,000 years of rich history, the Republic of Korea is a country with a unique culture, history, language, society, economy, political system, and traditional values. Korea's cultural heritage, beliefs and economic and political developments can be best understood within its relationship with the rest of the world, in particular the other two East Asian countries - China and Japan.

The Korean peninsula is one of the most dynamic regions in world politics. Nearly 60 years after the Korean War, the two Koreas still face each other across a heavily fortified demilitarized zone, shaped by an errant decision in 1945 to divide the country and by the civil war that followed. As the millenium turned, the two Koreas have again called for global attention. As the standoff between Washington and Pyongyang continues, the nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula intensifies. Can the two Koreas ever be united? This course seeks to enrich students' awareness of the rising global influence of the two Koreas.

The main objective of this course is to enrich students' awareness of the rising global influence of the two Koreas. Our objective can be best achieved by exploring a unique culture, history, traditional values, economy and political system. Seoul is the capital city of the Republic of Korea. The city is home to numerous historical and cultural landmarks as well as a highly technologically advanced infrastructure, such as Changdeok Palace, Namsan Hanok Village, the Korean War National Museum, and Coex World Trade Center, which allow students to experience and better understand the current issues of Korea.

Students will also visit the most attractive tourist destinations- the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Samsung world headquarters, and Hyundai/Kia Motors. Furthermore, the Beopjusa Buddhist temple stay enables students to get a taste for the incredible cultural heritage.

What is included

• Round-trip airfare from Moline, Chicago or Minneapolis
• Airport transfers
• Visas (if applicable)
• Transportation to most course activities while abroad
• Lodging
• Continental breakfast daily (exceptions may apply)
• Other meals (as indicated on course syllabus)
• Entrance fees for required course activities
• Planned excursions
• Administrative costs
• International health insurance
• When rail passes or entrance fees are included, they are based on the utilization of youth rates (25 years or younger) and a valid university ID will be required to be shown at the entrance. Any additional amount incurred will be the participant's responsibility

What is not included

• Passport fees
• Transportation to/from airport
• Fees for textbooks and materials
• Meals (when not included in program fees)
• Personal baggage fees

How to apply

Priority Deadline: April 13, 2012
Complete the online study abroad application and submit a $500 application deposit to the Center for International Education (300 Ambrose Hall).

Applications will be accepted until October 1.
Students that apply after the April 13 Priority Deadline may find that their desired program is full. 

• Follow the application instructions carefully.
• Applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been received.
• Make checks payable to Seminars International.
• The $500 application deposit is deducted from the total program cost.
• If you are not accepted into the program, or if the program is cancelled, the application deposit is refundable.
• If you are accepted, the application deposit is non-refundable after September 17.

Payment deadlines

• November 5, 2012:  remaining balance due

Payment details

• Failure to meet payment deadlines may jeopardize your place in the program.
• Please submit your final payment to Student Account Services by November 5.
• The final payment is non-refundable after November 5.