Summer Study Abroad Program

banner with aerial view of Seoul, South Korea; text: GWIKS Summer Study Abroad Program

2023 Program Student Testimonials

The GWIKS Summer Study Abroad Program in South Korea was a keystone moment for my education in Korean Studies and my life as a Korean-American. Throughout the program, I learned more than I thought I could in two weeks about Korean history, culture, economy, society, government, life, and so much more. The institutional visits, meetings with high-level CEOs and government officials, and visit to the DMZ that my group participated in were truly a special opportunity and something that one cannot do alone in Korea without the fantastic connections and organization of the GWIKS Program. Meeting with North Korean defector students, for instance, was a life-changing aspect of the program that I will never forget. I would recommend that anyone interested in Korean Studies apply to this program, and I am extremely grateful for the best two weeks in South Korea that I could have ever imagined.

Alyna Januarius

From being nervous about traveling across the world by myself, to now missing South Korea as if it was my second home, the George Washington Insitute of Korean Studies has provided me with a surreal experience. At Spelman, I dedicate my time to researching aspects of the African Diaspora and the legacy colonialism has had on African countries. I would never have expected that visiting South Korea and learning about its own legacy of colonialism would provide me with the insight I needed to understand my own history. I will forever be grateful to GWIKS for providing me the space to cultivate new understandings and surrounding me with a community of students just as dedicated to advancing their passions. 

Jayda Hendrickson

I have always wanted to visit Korea, not only to reunite with my family who I had not seen in over ten years, but also to feel more connected to my Korean roots. This program gave me the opportunity to learn/experience South Korea in a short span of time while helping me learn about how complex and rich the history is in this small country. I believed I had a pretty good understanding of Korea, but like the kids in Narnia, I stepped into a new world. I realized I knew almost nothing, and only had a surface level understanding. However, through this program I was able to step through and open my eyes to a whole new world. I am so thankful I had the chance to experience Korea with some amazing people and professors because it truly changed my life and gave me some perspective on what I want to do with my major/education with my time at GWU. 

Erin Kim

The GWIKS trip to South Korea was a great and informative experience. We learned about the rich culture and history of South Korea through our visits to museums and restaurants, while growing as GW Scholars and students by engaging in diplomatic talks with leaders in South Korean government and foreign relations. The trip was holistic in nature, which ensured everyone was able to find something that was interesting to them. The high concentration of events, meetings, and experiences – makes for a great time reflecting on the 14 hour flight back to the US. I will always remember and cherish my experience in Korea, and appreciate GWIKS for fostering a community of scholars, leaders, and diplomats with geopolitical focus in Korea and East Asia. 

Terrell Henderson

I am extremely grateful for this experience. I felt like I learned a lot more about Korean history than I had previous knowledge of. I also got the chance to actively practice my Korean. It was really cool how patient and receptive the local people were in meeting me halfway so I could practice without worry. One of my first impressions of Seoul was that it was extremely clean and efficient which made exploration easy and comfortable. Through the GWIKS program, I gained greater exposure to the country’s rich history, delicious food, and kind people. My time in Korea furthered my desire to become more proficient in Korean and I am certain that I will be going back to Korea in the future.

Kaylin Bencosme

2023 Study Abroad

2022 Study Abroad

2021 Virtual Study Abroad

2019 Study Abroad

2018 Study Abroad

Learn More About the GWIKS Summer Study Abroad Program!