Gachon University successfully concluded its '2026 Gachon International Summer Program' on July 22.
According to Gachon University on August 19, this year's program included 55 domestic students and 230 international students from 14 universities across nine countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, and Hungary, totaling 285 participants.
The Gachon International Summer Program allows domestic and international students to engage in classes and cultural experiences during the summer break, fostering understanding of diverse cultures and enhancing global competencies.
The program offers international students the opportunity to experience Korean culture firsthand, while Gachon students can communicate in English with their international peers and gain international exchange experience.
This year, the program was tailored into three sessions, considering the cultural backgrounds of participating universities and students.
The first and second sessions saw 252 students complete the program, while 33 students are set to graduate from the third session on August 21.
Mornings featured classes and discussions on Korean culture, including topics such as Daily Korean, K-Drama, K-Pop, and K-History. Afternoons included various experiential programs like K-Pop dance, crafts, Taekwondo, calligraphy, and K-Food, allowing students to immerse themselves in Korean culture.
In addition to classes, cultural and leisure activities were organized, including visits to folk villages, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Caribbean Bay, Lotte World, Taekwondo sessions, and bowling. Students also participated in free group tours to traditional markets and museums, experiencing Korea's traditions and daily life firsthand.
Gachon students were offered the chance to earn two credits through the 'Special Topics in English' course, and selected buddy students received scholarships ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 won. Additional points were also awarded for students participating in exchange and visiting programs, including those at the Hawaii campus.
Participants expressed that the Gachon International Summer Program was meaningful, as it allowed them to learn about different cultures and interact with students from various countries.
Jo Yong-wan, a 23-year-old electrical engineering student, stated, "It was great to interact with students from diverse countries, including English-speaking, Japanese, and Chinese-speaking regions. I would like to participate again in the future."
Meanwhile, Vice President Yoon Won-jung remarked, "I hope the Gachon International Summer Program has provided students with an opportunity to understand various cultures outside the classroom and communicate with friends from different backgrounds, broadening their perspectives."
He added, "We will continue to create opportunities for domestic and international students to meet and exchange naturally, enhancing their global competencies."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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