OUR PROGRAMS
Korean Intensive Summer Language Program (KISLP)
KISLP provides motivated students of Korean with the linguistic, cultural, and historical knowledge necessary to make impressive language proficiency gains through a combination of intensive study and immersion in local Korean society and culture.
About The Program
To help meet the growing demand for Korean language programming overseas, American Councils is pleased to provide the Korean Intensive Summer Language Program (KISLP) hosted by Chungbuk National University (CBNU) in Cheongju, South Korea. Open to all U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have completed one year of Korean language study or the equivalent, the program provides approximately 140 hours of classroom instruction in Korean language and culture, housing in university dormitories on the CBNU campus, comprehensive onsite support from a U.S. Resident Director, engaging and varied cultural activities, and extensive opportunities for participants to connect with local South Korean families and peers.
Academics and Courses
The American Councils’ KISLP is designed to maximize student gains in language proficiency and cultural understanding by combining intensive in-class learning with structured immersion activities throughout the eight-week program. Students attend approximately 100 hours of in-class language instruction and 40 hours of lectures, seminars, and hands-on activities exploring South Korean culture.
Language classes are conducted in groups of approximately three to six students; instruction focuses on active speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills, drawing on authentic materials and real-life situations to engage students in genuine communicative activities. Language classes are conducted five days per week, with three sessions per day.
Over the course of the program, students develop command of new vocabulary, master essential grammatical structures, and gain new levels of fluency. They become proficient in producing longer, more complex, and more accurate speech in Korean on a broad range of personal and practical topics. They also understand more complex, native speech, as well as media, including films, publications, and newscasts.
Culture classes are designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of South Korea today, with particular focus on religion, social customs, etiquette, food, history, music, and folklore.
Conversation Partners
Each U.S. participant is matched with a university peer selected from the CBNU student body to serve as a conversation partner. In addition to helping with homework and speaking practice, conversation partners provide an important opportunity for American students to make new friends and connect with their university community at large. Conversation partners also regularly attend the program’s cultural outings and excursions. They speak only in Korean with the American participants.
Weekend Host Families
In addition to a conversation partner, each KISLP student is matched with a local host family, whom they visit for special occasions and scheduled meals throughout the program, and with whom they stay for at least one weekend during the program. These relationships offer participants unique insights into Korean daily life and ongoing language practice in a warm, supportive environment.
Excursions & Cultural Activities
Language and cultural classes are enriched and extended by the addition of weekly cultural activities and excursions, which may include gaining new insights into the cultural significance of traditional Korean foods, visiting a traditional tea house, learning to play a traditional Korean instrument, and learning about Buddhist philosophy during a stay at a Buddhist temple, among other activities.
Students may also travel to Seoul and surrounding areas on an extended trip during which they visit such locations as Insadong, the city’s famous neighborhood for galleries and tea houses; the Blue House, official residence of the president of South Korea; and Gyeongbok, one of the country’s most famous and scenic palaces.
Housing & Meals
Students live in university housing within walking distance of the program classrooms during their stay in South Korea. They reside in double occupancy rooms throughout the program, with internet access, telephone, and central air conditioning.
Daily meals at a CBNU on-campus dining hall are included in the program cost.
Academic Credit
Students who complete the program receive the equivalent of eight undergraduate or ten graduate credits in Korean Language Study from Bryn Mawr College. Typically, students who complete the intensive summer program are able to advance the equivalent of one full year in their language studies at their home university. Because KISLP provides more than 140 hours of in-class instruction, participants are eligible for Foreign Language Assistance Scholarship (FLAS) funding awarded to both graduate and undergraduate students of Korean.
About Our Partner
One of ten Korean flagship universities, Chungbuk National University (CBNU) takes its name from the mountainous region where it is located, Chungcheongbuk-do, approximately 115 kilometers south of Seoul. The university’s large campus provides a friendly, welcoming environment for U.S. students; extensive, modern facilities include sports halls, libraries, computer laboratories, and dining halls.
Financial Aid
Multiple sources of financial aid are available to prospective study abroad participants to help pay for programs abroad, including private, federal, university, and American Councils scholarships.
All KISLP 2024 applicants are eligible to apply for the Judith Ehm Foundation Fellowship, which provides recipients with a minimum award of $5,000. Learn more here.
Support Services
While overseas, participants have access to in-country program staff that provide around-the-clock emergency support. A full-time resident director oversees the academic and cultural program; assists participants in academic, administrative and personal matters; and coordinates activities with the host institution faculty. During the program, the AC Study Abroad team in Washington, D.C. stays in close contact via email and telephone with in-country program staff and provides updates as needed to study abroad offices, university partners, and family members.
Participants are enrolled in comprehensive overseas health, accident, and evacuation insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of the program. CISI provides medical coverage of up to $250,000 per accident or illness. Enrollment in the CISI plan also provides full coverage for emergency medical evacuation.
U.S. citizens (U.S. passport holders) visiting South Korea for ninety (90) days or less do not need a visa, but they do need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before boarding their flight. Admitted participants receive guidance from American Councils about applying for the K-ETA.
Program Snapshot
Program Eligibility
Participants must have taken at least two semesters of university-level Korean or the equivalent before the program begins in June.
Minimum GPA of 2.7
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the application deadline
Language of Instruction
Korean
Program Location
Cheongju, South Korea
Program Dates
June 24 - August 16, 2024
Program Cost
$8,750
KISLP applicants are encouraged to apply for the Judith Ehm Foundation Fellowship, which provides recipients with a minimum award of $5,000. More information may be found on the American Councils financial aid webpage.
Application Deadline
February 15
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