We are excited to relaunch IPHE as an in-person travel experience for the first time since 2020 in Seoul and Busan, South Korea!

After decades of poverty and then war, South Korea emerged in the 1960s as an innovative, agile, and savvy player in an interconnected Asia.  South Korean workers are known as among the world's most dependable, and the nation has made its mark in shipbuilding and the automative industry, as well as electronics, robotics-, and cultural exports.  Kpop has become a global phenomenon, part of a cultural wave called Hallyu, which includes everything from streaming TV series, to skincare regimes, to the distinct and highly delicious cuisine.  South Korean companies are quick to customize its products in certain markets and invest heavily in cutting-edge technologies in product development, making it a fascinating study for many disciplines.

Seoul is the heart of modern South Korea with trendy shopping districts, innovative urban spaces, and incredible nightscapes.  But broader Korea is also home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, including temples, palaces, and historic towns.  There are more than 5,000 years of history to study and ample opportunities to enjoy the country's renowned tidy peacefulness.

March 1st: Travel

• Participants depart for Seoul on self-arranged flights

March 2nd: Travel

• Arrive in Seoul
• Group Late-Night Bite

March 3rd: Korean Culture and History

• Bridging Cultures Workshop with Students
• Subway Challenge and Market Tour
• Walking Tour in Gangnam
• Bongeunsa Temple

March 4th: Social Justice

• DMZ Visit with North Korean Defector

March 5th: Inclusiveness and Diversity

• Guest Lecture: Solidarity for LGBT+ Human Rights in South Korea
• Itaewon Tour
• Insadong
• Group Reflection and Dinner

March 6th: Environmental Justice

• University Visits
• Visit and Guest Lecture at Resource Recovery Facility of Korea

March 7th: Historical Significance of Busan

• Travel from Seoul to Busan
• Jagalchi Fish Market & Gukje Market
• Gamcheon VIsit
• Group Reflection

March 8th: Program Conclusion

• University VIsit
• Farewell Visit
• Return to Seoul
• Program Concludes: Participants may return on self-arranged evening flights on March 8th or opt into one extra night and depart on March 9th.

The 2024 program fee is $2500.  This payment is due on December 15th.

Participants may be self-funded or department-funded.  If self-funded, participants may pay by check.  If department-funded, departments will receive instructions for submitting payment via USC departmental transfer.

Program Fee Includes:

• Accommodations in double rooms for nights of March 2nd-March 7th
• In-country transportation
• Guided tours and entrance into museums and historic sites
• 24-7 support from program leaders
• Daily breakfast, 3 group lunches, 3 group dinners
• Mandatory USC international emergency health insurance

Program Fee Does Not Include:

• Airfare to and from South Korea
• Room and board costs outside of the official program dates 
• If departing on March 9th, participants have option to book airport capsule hotel for $70 or hotel in Seoul city center for $144
• Local transportation (if needed) to and from personal activities
• Personal incidental expenses/optional activities
• Optional single room upgrade ($440)
• Optional cancel-for-any-reason insurance ($279)
• Any applicable processing fees for participants that may require a visa – most U.S. passport holders may apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization that currently costs approximately $9 USD

Upon return, all IPHE participants are required to complete a follow-on project that contributes to the internationalization of USC.  Examples could include developing a short-term faculty-led course, engaging in departmental curriculum integration, developing an international research collaboration, conducting a presentation on the IPHE outcomes for campus colleagues, or writing a campus news article about IPHE. 

In past years, IPHE cohorts have visited UofSC's international education partners in Ghana (virtual - 2021), Sweden (2020), Colombia (2019), Vietnam (2018), South Africa (2017), Costa Rica (2016), Ireland (2015), Italy (2014), and  Spain/France (2013). 

 

USC faculty and staff arrive in Sweden on the 8th annual IPHE program from 2020.