Annual Study Center Review CIEE Study Center at Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea 2008 CIEE Program Director: Daniel Olds, Program Director, Asia-Pacific CIEE Resident Director: Suzanne Han CIEE Academic Consortium Board Program Evaluation: www.ciee.org CIEE Academic Consortium Board Monitor: Paul DeYoung, Reed College Each summer, program directors write a Study Center Review for each CIEE Study Center program commenting on the previous academic year. The program director writes the review based on input from the CIEE Academic Consortium Board members, resident directors, sending institutions, and student evaluations. Each report is made public on the CIEE website at www.ciee.org. Program Goals The goals of this program are to support students interested in the culture, business practices, and language of Korea while they increase their knowledge about South Korean society and its recent role as one of the major industrialized nations in the world. Through the largest selection of elective courses in English available in Korea, intensive Korean language study, and a required co-curricular program that combines site visits, the Cultural Reimbursement Program, and an international excursion to Japan, students gain considerable knowledge about Korean culture, inter-Korean relations, Korea-U.S. relations, and Korea’s modern role in Asia. These goals were met in the 2007-2008 academic year. The 2007 monitoring process determined that the most pressing issues were to address the specific needs of Korean heritage students that want to spend time with family members in Seoul and/or are familiar with Seoul from previous visits in both the housing options and co-curricular activities. New and Noteworthy Academic The academic program remains largely unchanged in the 2007-2008 academic year. Students seem to really take advantage of Yonsei’s robust course offerings and expertise in Korean Studies. Korean Language The majority of students enrolled in one of three beginner level language courses at the Korean Language Institute (KLI) at Yonsei. A few students also enrolled in intermediate level courses. No students tested into the advanced level courses and one student tested out of language courses being fluent in Korean. The language courses also had several out-of-classroom activities and field trips to promote language use and the development of communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Based on student feedback, students seemed to enjoy the Korean language classes by-and-large. The spring 2008 semester students seemed particularly
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happy with their language courses and a couple reported having had meals with their teacher outside of class, made food with their teacher, and other joint activities. Subject Area Courses Students directly enrolled in the following courses while on the program at Yonsei University: Advanced French Conversation Broadcast Production Chinese Characters l Christianity and World Culture Comparative Study of the Far Eastern Cinemas Creation of Gymnastics Democracy & Economic Development in Korea English Novel & Film Genetics Hip-Hop Dance History of Christian Education Human Rights in Korea and East Asia Intercultural Communication Intern Relations in E Asia International Political Economy International Trade Practices International Trade Practices Introduction to Art History Introduction to Art History Introduction to English Literature Introduction to Psychology Introduction to the Korean Law and legal System Jazz Dance Korean Grammar for International Learners Korean Studies and Visual Arts Kundo Macroeconomics Management Accounting Management Science Marketing / Marketing Strategy Modern Korean History Modern Korean Poetry Modern Liberalism & Its Discontents Money and Banking North Korea and Modernity: A Historical Perspective Philosophy in East Asian Literature Political Economy of Development Pre-Modern Korean History Principles of Microeconomics Psychological Testing of Children Public and Political Economics Social Change in Modern Korea Special Topics in Experimental Biochemistry Swimming The Origin and Structure of the Korean Welfare State The United Nations and International Organizations Topics on Korean Language and Culture Traditional Korean Society & Modernization Twentieth Century American Drama U.S. Presidency and the Executive Process Understanding Contemporary Korean Popular Culture & Korean Culture Wave Urban Management Victorian Literature and Culture What is Nature?
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One student did an Independent Study during the fall 2007 semester. The Underwood International College staff at Yonsei, academic advisors, and the Resident Director worked very hard to find an independent study possibility for him. This was a new feature and Yonsei University was very open and supportive to the idea of having a student working directly with a faculty member. The student produced a paper on noninterest banking income that looked at the impact of increases in noninterest income on risk weighted profit for banks in the OECD countries. Non-Academic CIEE staff made several changes in the orientation and field trips in 2007-2008. CIEE Orientation Fall 2007 Because Yonsei altered their academic schedule after the CIEE program calendar was finalized, CIEE students had a full week prior to the Yonsei Orientation and two weeks before classes started upon arrival. During orientation students went on a 3-night, 4-day Explore Korea Excursion rather than a 2-night, 3-day excursion as in past semesters. Explore Korea Excursion CIEE students and staff departed for the three-night, four-day excursion to Ulsan, Gyeongju, Andong, and Hahoe. By going from the Hyundai Car Factory at Ulsan to the underwater tomb of King Munmu, the students were able to experience part of the coastline. The lodging in Gyeongju has a “water world” that allowed students use of various pools and a sauna. The second night in Gyeongju was free but an optional event (nighttime viewing of Cheomseongdae Observatory and Anapji Pond and the detached palace) was offered. Eleven students took part in the optional event. The third night the group stayed in a Korean traditional house in a remote area alongside the Nakdonggang, the second longest river in Korea. It was very picturesque and the students loved it. Staff organized a barbecue party in the courtyard out under the stars. Back in Seoul, the students attended Yonsei orientation and those students who had not been able to do online course registration registered for classes. The group then departed to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) where Stephen Tharp, the Chief of Community Relations of the Headquarters of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, United Forces Korea, led the tour. Spring 2008 The student group went by public bus to the U.S. Embassy Annex for a briefing about the services of the U.S. Embassy and U.S.-Korea relations by a panel of Embassy officials. Then the group went to the War Museum, the Seoul Tower the NamdaemunMyong-dong area, and then returned to the Yonsei Severance Hospital for a briefing on “Staying Healthy in Korea” by Dr. John Linton, head of the Severance International Clinic, and a tour of the hospital. Like the fall group, the spring students also had a briefing about the Korean War and DMZ by Steve Tharp followed by a bus trip to the DMZ on an excursion led by Tharp. Explore Korea Excursion The group departed for a 2-night, 3-day excursion to Gyeongju, Andong, and Hahoe. On the way, the group stopped at the Minsokchon folk village to learn about life during the
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highly Confucian Choson Dynasty. The group also stopped in Hwasong to visit the Kia Car Factory (though it was not a good experience for students and will not be repeated). Students also visited the Sokkuram Grotto Shrine and Pulguksa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage sites) and after lunch visited the studio of a potter who specializes in Silla-style pottery to learn about ancient ceramic technology. The students had fun making their own ceramic creations, which were later sent to the CIEE Study Center once the potter fired them in his kiln. The third day of the excursion, the group traveled to Andong’s Hahoe Village. They visited the mask museum, walked through the village with a local docent and watched the Hahoe Mask Dance performance before returning back to Seoul. CIEE also organized a Culture Shock/Cultural adjustment workshop led by two faculty the following morning. Cultural Activities/Field Trips This program offers a broad swath of cultural, educational, and social opportunities for students. Below is the complete list of what was offered in the 2007-2008 academic year. Fall 2007 •
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Musical “Dae Jang-geum”: Performed at a downtown theater, this is a musical, in Korean, based on a historical event. Only one CIEE student took part. She said that though she could not understand the dialogue, she enjoyed the music, costumes, theatrics, etc. BBQ Dinner Talk on Confucianism & influences on Chuseok Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving; national holiday) Japan excursion on the Korean Diaspora Talk on North Korea Performance “Nanta” (in conjunction with Global Lounge): Held at the Nanta Theater. Nanta is a highly acclaimed non-verbal musical featuring exciting rhythms, dancing, and acrobatic moves. Most of the students attended and liked the performance very much. Calligraphy class: This was done in CIEE Study Center lounge with the teacher providing all the paper, ink, brushes, etc. She also provided a ceramic brush holder adorned with her artwork to each student. The students really enjoyed trying their hand at both calligraphy and brush painting. Some tried writing Korean words and phrases that they had learned in language class. Shamanism exploration: Held at a mountain not far from Yonsei; This involved a brief lecture by a shamanism expert (at the Sajik Shrine) and then a guided tourcum-hike with the expert up a nearby mountain famed for its shaman shrines. It went very well and the students learned a great deal about Korean shamanism and its role in modern life as well as a lot about the history of Seoul, influential figures, and much more. The students were surprised that they could be in such a fantastic natural setting while still in the city; many were inspired to explore other parts of the mountains surrounding Seoul on their own. Excursion to Mt. Sorak National Park (in conjunction with Global Lounge) Turkey dinner (US Thanksgiving): Held at CIEE Study Center Lounge. The dinner (turkey, ham, etc.) was purchased from the USO canteen. The RD’s
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husband and two friends (former Peace Corps-Korea director/diplomat & his wife) helped with the preparations. The students loved the food and the chance to be together on American Thanksgiving. They also enjoyed meeting the RD’s husband and other guests and talking to them about business and life as a diplomat, etc. Performance “B-Boy Korea” (in conjunction with Global Lounge) Reverse culture shock workshop
Spring 2008 Note: A number of day excursions organized by the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) were offered to the students as optional activities where CIEE would provide reimbursement. This was done because the RAS excursions are high quality and provide good learning experiences. • •
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Culture Shock/Cultural Adjustment Workshop Jump performance (in conjunction with Global Lounge): Held at a downtown theater; comical martial arts musical performance. Most of the CIEE students attended and reported that they enjoyed the performance. North Korea (Guest speaker) Shamanism exploration in mountains of Seoul Japan excursion to examine the Korean Diaspora Hiking tour of ancient Seoul fortress wall (RAS; CIEE sponsored) Walking tour of Bukchon (traditional Korean housing area) Pusan Tour of Buddhist temples (to view Buddha’s Birthday activities) Buyo & Kongju excursion (RAS; CIEE sponsored) Odaesan National Park (RAS; CIEE sponsored) Excursion to Jeonju (CIEE sponsored) Temple stay Nanta Soccer match (World Cup Qualifying match Korea vs Jordan; CIEE sponsored): A World Cup qualifying match between Korea and Jordan held at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul. This was a rare opportunity to expose students to the unique cheering and “soccer” culture of Korea. Most of the CIEE students, some “Buddies”, and friends joined this event and enjoyed sitting in the cheering section. Reverse Culture Shock Workshop
Overnight Fieldtrips Japan Excursion – Changes in spring 2008 • In Kyoto, the group stayed at a traditional inn, rather than a regular hotel, and had dinner there. Staying at the inn allowed the group more flexibility to walk to places rather than by bus. • Students attended a cultural performance by miyako (geisha); the performance takes place once a year (for several days) so the excursion was purposefully planned to coincide with the performance. Jeonju Excursion As many of the students were in Yonsei clubs, attending weekend music classes, participating in church activities, and such, it was very difficult to organize overnight excursions and other activities. Therefore, the RD encouraged the students to offer
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suggestions of things that they would like to do or even organize things themselves. Four students researched and planned, with input and guidance from the RD, an overnight excursion to Jeonju, a small provincial city known for its music, art, food, and traditions. Though the RD made the reservation for the students to lodge in a traditional Korean house, students took care of all the transportation on their own (with reimbursement on their return). It was an excellent learning experience for them and the RD intends to try this approach in the future. Housing All fall 2007 students were housed in the International House dormitory on campus. In spring 2008, 3 students (2 males, 1 female) lived in the International House dormitory and 14 students lived in Casa Ville (alternative housing offered students because of construction in the dormitory). Student Perceptions of Housing There were a few complaints about the dormitory other than a few students said they thought there would be wireless Internet in the dorm rooms instead of wired. The students who stayed at Casa Ville were very happy with the accommodations for the most part. One student complained that her roommate never cleaned, put away her things, washed her dishes, etc. Community Engagement and Integration Students are encouraged to get involved in volunteer/service activities through the Yonsei Global Lounge. In the fall, a few students did volunteer work through their church or through student groups. In the spring, two students volunteered at the orphanages from which they were adopted, going at least once a week. Challenges and Future Directions Academic There are no academic challenges at the present time. The academic offerings at Yonsei are very strong and well-liked by students for the most part. Non-Academic Housing The International Student Dormitory will be under construction again during the 2008-09 academic year. This coupled with past dissatisfaction about this facility are driving CIEE staff to look for permanent off-campus housing options. Student Dynamics Some students continue to complain or not participate in mandatory activities. They are often the same students that have family or were born in Korea. At present, the RD is planning to implement new activities coupled with stronger discipline to address this issue.
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Student Integration While students take part in many student activities while on campus, staff would like to encourage students to be more integrated into the local community. Future Directions In the coming year, staff will organize events/activities for which attendance is mandatory and some that are optional. The RD also plans to have students have more input into planed activities and excursions which was tested during the spring 2008 semester. The RD also plans to recruit regular Yonsei students to help with orientation and be “buddies” or “Seoul-mates” throughout the semester.
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