This summer, students with a keen interest in Korean language and culture participated in a study abroad initiative led by Mason Korea Professor Hyang Lee.
Over 20 international students from Mason Korea, SUNY Korea, and the University of Utah Asia Campus joined the program, accompanied by faculty who oversee the Korean program at their respective universities.
Themed around "exploring Korea's past and present," the month-long program, spanning from June to July, began with immersive Korean language, culture, and history classes held on campus. In the latter half of the program, students explored the stunning landscapes of Jeju Island and Busan, while also visiting numerous cultural and historical sites in Seoul and Incheon.
Victoria Gehring, a second-semester business major, shared her excitement about the program, saying, "The experience was a fantastic opportunity to explore different places and gain deeper insights into Korea and its rich history while I'm living here. It was a lot of fun, and I also had the chance to improve my Korean skills."
"I believe that the role of IGC is to serve as a bridge for introducing Korean language and culture to international students," said Hyang Lee. "Since arriving at Mason in 2014, I've dreamt of creating a platform where students from different IGC universities can come together to discuss Korean language and culture. Fortunately, my colleagues at our sister schools shared the same vision and collaborated effectively to bring this program to life. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who supported this program, working tirelessly behind the scenes."