“Returning to Korea was an amazing, emotional and an unforgettable journey. Climbing mountains, visiting temples, studying at university and most importantly sharing this experience with other Korean adoptees will be something I will always cherish.”
-Ginny, Past Participant
Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS) is once again accepting applications for its Korean Language and Culture Program. ESWS has been running the scholarship program for years to help Korean adoptees learn the Korean language and gain exposure to Korean culture. By doing so, they aim to help adoptees learn and understand their heritage better and instill pride in their birthland.
This year, the program includes cultural immersion activities within the language program for relaxation and real-life experiences that help the participants practice what they learn in classes and sessions. These include: sightseeing, volunteer opportunities, watching cultural performances, and more.
The program is held in cooperation with Hallym University’s International School in Chuncheon, Korea. Participants will be exposed to the college atmosphere and life in Korea as well as have the opportunity to start and/or improve their Korean language skills by interacting with student groups on the campus.
Details of the Program
Participants will arrive between June 25 and June 26, 2018 and depart between July 26 and July 27, 2018.
From July 2 to July 20, 2018, they will spend their time at the Korean Language and Culture Program at Hallym University. Hallym University is located in a very quiet city about 80 km northeast of Seoul. All participants will live in a double-occupancy dormitory at Hallym. One Korean student will accompany and help three participants.
The ESWS program, and stay in the ESWS guest house, will bookend their stay at Hallym University, during both June 27-29 and July 20-25, 2018.
What is Included
ESWS will provide a scholarship to cover the costs of: the Hallym program (tuition, dormitory accommodations, partial meals) and the ESWS program (ESWS guest house accommodations, partial meals). Round-trip air fair and personal expenses such as some meals and transportation are not included/covered by ESWS.
Who is Eligible
Korean adoptees that desire to learn Korean language and culture are encouraged to apply. All participants should be fully devoted to embracing the opportunities provided through this program and attending classes. Adoptees must be over the age of 19 and have a minimum of a high school education (with diploma). Adoptees through ESWS and first-time applicants will have first priority. Family members are not allowed to join this program.
How to Apply
To apply, students must submit an application, one self-introductory essay (including a description of how you plan to adapt to cultural differences), three photos (size 4×5 cm or passport photo), one letter of recommendation from the adoption agency, a copy of either the final graduation diploma or a student ID, a copy of their passport, and a medical report issued within the past year (including hepatitis and tuberculosis).
Please contact Nichole Lange ([email protected] or 651.255.2245) if you are interested in applying and she will help you compile the necessary documents for application. All application documents must be compiled and ready for submission by Nichole by May 8, 2018.
Applicants will be notified about the program selection May 18, 2018 and a program schedule will be sent on May 25, 2018.
