UF in South Korea will not be offered Summer 2024

Welcome to Seoul, South Korea – a city rooted in history and tradition, but famed for its fashion, art, futuristic architecture, and tech- forward metropolis. The UF in South Korea Internship Program offers students a unique opportunity to learn about this highly sophisticated and developed Asian market while completing a professional internship. Students who participate in this program will gain valuable experience for their resume, develop professional skills, network with business professionals in Seoul, and learn how to adapt to cultural differences in a professional setting.

• Application Checklist for All Students
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Korean language is not required. All interns will have an English speaking supervisor.

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The Country: South Korea

South Korea is a dynamic collection of stark contrasts and wild contradictions where tradition and technology are equally embraced. Futuristic skyscrapers loom over ancient temples. The frenetic pace of the daily workday is offset by serene city parks. Traditional values exist alongside a cutting edge and world-famous entertainment sector. The country is home to thirteen UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most-viewed music video in history, and three of the top ten most streamed TV shows on Netflix.

The City: Seoul

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and one of the financial and cultural epicenters of East Asia. The city embodies South Korea’s economic transformation from a war-torn, poverty stricken, agrarian-based economy just 60 years ago. With globally recognized brands like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai, Seoul is today the 4th most economically powerful city in the world, behind just Tokyo, New York City and Los Angeles. New money helped Seoul develop in to one of the most wired, connected, and technologically advanced urban centers in the world. It also led to a creative revolution, often referred to as the Korean Wave, in which Korean pop culture has exploded into the global mainstream. With historical temples and traditions as a backdrop, Seoul residents today enjoy a 24-hour entertainment metropolis, complete with endless food streets, buzzing nightlife, and shopping in Seoul’s many stylish boutiques.

Heavener's South Korea Partner: CRCC Asia

CRCC Asia assists in coordinating the UF in South Korea custom program. FIE is a non-profit international education organization operating primarily across Asian regions that provides internship opportunities and customized partnership programs for students. CRCC Asia was founded in 2006 and currently has 12 international offices. It has served 9000 program participants from more than 150 countries. CRCC Asia describes its priority as “[ensuring] we boost your global employability, equip you with the career field knowledge and insight you need, but ultimately make sure you truly stand out from the crowd when seeking that perfect career.”

This program is open to students in all colleges and majors. Korean language ability is not required as all students are paired with an English-speaking supervisor.

Application Deadline

• Application Deadline: March 1

Program Dates

Terms of Agreement

Students assume full responsibility for the cost of the program by March 31. Students on the participant list as of this date become financially obligated. Only in extreme circumstances (e.g., serious personal injury, family emergency, etc.) will a student be allowed to petition to remove him/herself from the list of participants prior to the start of the program. Petitions will be reviewed by the Assistant Dean and Director of the School of Business.

Program Structure

Prior to departure, students will complete a one-week online course focused on South Korea and its culture. Students will investigate South Korean history, economic development, family life, cultural practices, government structure and business culture through readings, assignments, and 15 hours of synchronous class time taking place between May 8-12 (11am-2pm, Eastern). Students arrive to Seoul, South Korea on May 21 and participate in a short cultural introduction to South Korea through city tours, a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, and a guided hike at Bukhansan Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the world. Students will be dropped off at their companies and begin their internships on May 29, working full time (35-40 hours/week, M-F) through the end of the program on July 19.

Academics

Students will complete 6 credits over the course of the program. All students will remotely complete a 15-hour synchronous online pre-departure training class from May 8-12 (11am-2pm, Eastern) via Zoom. The class will provide students with a rudimentary understanding of South Korea and include internship preparation activities. Note: Students must attend all classes in their entirety and be fully present for all class related activities. This course requires participation and personal sharing from all students. Students are expected to take the class in a private setting.

Coursework:

• GEB 4956: UF in South Korea Commerce and Culture (3 credits)
• GEB 4941: South Korea International Internship (3 credits)

Degree requirements:

• This program satisfies the UF summer credit requirement.
• This program satisfies the internship requirement for business majors.

Internships

Students will apply their knowledge of South Korean commerce and culture through a two-month professional internship with a Korean or multinational company in Seoul, South Korea. After submitting a resume, selecting your sectors of interest, and completing an interview, students are matched with a company that relates to their professional interests, experience and goals. Student interns will have an English-speaking supervisor and be assigned specific projects throughout their internship.

Students will work Monday through Friday, completing 35-40 hours of work per week. Students must be prepared for a variety of work environments. Many companies now have a hybrid work environment. Some companies may require work from home depending on the circumstances.

The internship experience is designed to help students develop the following learning objectives:

• Gain valuable professional skills for career development and enhanced employability
• Obtain industry knowledge and experience to improve the resume
• Achieve a cultural understanding of South Korean and Asian business practices
• Enhance cultural agility to work in foreign contexts and networks
• Develop global connections and networks

Placements: Every effort is made to match students with a sector and company that aligns with their major and interests. Although students are not guaranteed placement in a specific sector, interns tend to be successful in getting a placement related to their interests. All internship placements provide the opportunity to develop transferrable skills. Placements are available in the following sectors:

• Business
• Computer Science & IT
• Creative, Design & Fashion
• Engineering
• Entrepreneurship & Startup
• Finance
• Green Technology, Sustainability, & Environmental
• Health, Wellness, & Sport Management
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
• Hospitality, Tourism, & Events
• International Development, NGO, & Charity
• Legal
• Logistics & Supply Chain
• Marketing
• Media, Communications, & Publishing
• Real Estate
• Recruitment & HR
• Urban Planning & Architecture

Accommodation

Students will stay in a centrally located and fully furnished shared apartment or hotel for the duration of the program. The accommodations are of high international standard, come with linens, and are equipped with some kitchen appliances. Accommodations are chosen to be centrally located with easy access to public transportation and within walking distance to a washing machine or laundromat. The accommodations provide a variety of room layouts where students will have either a fully private or partitioned room. In apartment accommodations, students could be living with 1-3 other interns of the same gender. Specific details of the accommodation will be sent by CRCC in the students’ pre-arrival email 1 week prior to the program start date.

Program Costs

• Summer 2023: $9,650 Program Fee

Program fee includes tuition, guaranteed internship with an English-speaking supervisor, visa support assistance, airport pick-up, private accommodation in a convenient location, Induction course, cultural orientation, welcome banquet, guided DMZ day tour, guided hike at Bukhansan Mountain, access to Career Bridge online course, South Korean Sim card, travel card, guidebook, monthly business and networking seminars, weekly cultural/community events, leaving ceremony, international health insurance, 24-hour emergency support, and $425 UFIC application fee.

Other Estimated Expenses

In addition to the Program Fee, which is billed by UFIC and due before the program begins, students can also expect to incur the following out-of-pocket incidentals at various stages before or during the program:

The above figures are general estimates. All incidentals, except the passport and K-ETA, will vary between students depending on circumstances and preferences. Students are strongly encouraged to devise a budget for meals and other personal expenses in-country. The currency in South Korea is the Won (₩).

Useful Links

• Seoul Information

Pre-Departure Preparations

In addition to regular advising during the application process and the online pre-departure training course, Heavener International Programs hosts a series of sessions for program participants that are designed to offer support and manage student expectations:

• First Meeting: Typically held within a week of the study abroad application deadline, students meet others in the participant cohort and begin networking. Cultural resources are reviewed and further pre-departure tasks are clarified.
• Pre-Departure Session: Typically held two weeks prior to the end of UF classes the preceding semester, final preparations (e.g., packing, finances, phones, etc.) are reviewed. Arrival information, daily life, health & safety, and more are also addressed.
• Study Abroad Take Off Session: Typically held the Reading Day of the preceding semester, students are led through a series of activities about cultural adjustment, global fluency, and comfort zones. Advisors also address any additional fears or concerns regarding travel or program elements.

Exact session dates and times are provided upon formal acceptance into the program. Students also complete an online Pre-Departure Module designed and overseen by the UF International Center, and receive regular communication from Heavener International Programs and CRCC Asia each step of the way. Please email us if you would like to see samples of any pre-departure materials.