UF in South Korea will be offered Summer 2025.

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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
• Review the Student Blog Page to Learn More

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.

UF in South Korea Partner: Asia Internship Program (AIP)

AIP was founded in 2013 with the aim of connecting talent to Asia. Throughout the years, the organization expanded its outreach to offering academic and customized study abroad program in Europe and South America.

Collaborating with prestigious academic institutions worldwide and partnering with respectable and well-known local and national organizations, AIP has hosted and placed thousands of students in various industries across Asia, Europe, and South America. AIP’s expansive network of organizations offers students the opportunity to align their academic and professional goals while also develop the cultural competencies needed to succeed in the global context. AIP’s mission is “not just to provide internships but to shape the global citizens of tomorrow.”

AIP’s talented team will provide on-site logistical support throughout the program and help students acclimate to their new surroundings in South Korea.

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

This program operates on a rolling admission basis. When capacity is reached, the program may close before the listed deadline. Students are strongly encouraged to open an application and submit all materials in advance of the deadline.

• Application Deadline: February 14th

Program Dates

Summer 2025

• May 12 – May 15: Virtual UF class, GEB4956
• May 16: Departure for South Korea
• May 17: Arrival in South Korea
• June 28: End of program and departure from South Korea

Terms of Agreement

• Students may withdraw from the program without financial liability (other than forfeiting the program’s deposit, which can be used toward another study abroad program within a year) by April 1, 2025.
• Students withdrawing from the South Korea program between April 2-14, 2025, will incur a $500 cancellation fee from the partner abroad.
• Students withdrawing from the program between April 15-30, 2025, and if their placement has already been confirmed, will be charged a cancellation fee of $1,000. Students cancelling between May 1-16, 2025, will be liable for 50% of the program cost. Cancellations after May 17, 2025 will incur a charge of 100% of the total program fee.

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 synchronous class time taking place between May 12-15 (11am-2pm, Eastern). Students arrive to Seoul, South Korea on May 17 and begin their internship on May 21. In addition to engaging in their internship, students will have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities (guided and recommended), participate in career readiness seminars (Friday mornings), attend guest speaker panels and visit business organizations on Friday afternoon.

Academics

Students will complete 6 credits over the course of the program. The GEB 4956 course begins on Monday, May 12-15 (virtually) and will continue virtually and through in-person meetings in South Korea during designated times on Fridays. This course will provide students with a rudimentary understanding of South Korea and include internship preparation activities. Participation and being fully present in this course is mandator.

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 6-week 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-Thursday, completing 32-35 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 allow remote work on certain days 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:

Accommodation

Students will be housed in single or double rooms with private or shared bathrooms. Please contact the International Program Office for more information about housing.

Program Cost

• Summer 2025: $7,962.39 Program Fee

Program fee includes tuition for six UF credits, guaranteed internship with an English-speaking supervisor, career readiness seminars, company visits, guest lecturers, visa support assistance (when needed), airport pick-up and drop off, accommodation in a convenient location, cultural orientation and excursions, welcome and farewell dinners, guided tours, international health insurance, 24-hour on-site support, and $395 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:

Pre-Departure

• Passport: $165 (if needed)
  • $225 if Expedited Service
• Flight: ~$2,000
• K-ETA: ~$10

During Program (In-Country)

• Meals: ~$700 – $1,100
• Other personal expenses: ~$100 – $500
  • E.g., shopping, leisure, travel, etc.

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 AIP each step of the way. Please email us if you would like to see samples of any pre-departure materials.