The SKKU International Summer Semester (ISS) is an unforgettable summer experience. By bringing together students and faculty from Korea and around the world, the ISS is not only academically stimulating; it also offers an opportunity to make new friends and to discover Seoul and Korea. The ISS is an annual summer program that lasts for four weeks. It selects the most intriguing theme every year, which is then threaded throughout every course to create a unique learning environment.
Additionally, eminent professors from around the world share their knowledge and insights with the highly motivated international students of the SKKU ISS. A tuition waiver is given to exchange students taking part in the ISS before or after their regular exchange semester(s).
Overview
International Summer Semester (ISS) will take place for four weeks. With the participation of approximately 680 students from 86 universities in 42 countries last year, this year will mark the 16th year of our university's ISS program, which has firmly established itself as one of the leading programs in the country, thanks to the participation of world-class professors invited from around the globe and the wholehearted support of our university community. Apart from classroom lectures, opportunities to experience Korean culture will be provided through visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Blue House, the Folk Village, and various cultural experience programs including cultural performances and amusement park visits. These initiatives aim to facilitate cultural exchange between our enrolled students and international students, as well as foster foreign students' interest in and understanding Korean culture. Thanks to the wholehearted support and understanding of our university community, both participating students and faculty members were able to return with a broader understanding and fond memories of Korea and our university.
Orientation and Cultural Activities
In particular, last summer semester saw increased student participation compared to previous years, attributed to the diverse educational courses in the fields of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and Sustainability offered following the UNESCO Chair designation in the "Sustainable Energy and Environment" sector. In addition to humanities and social sciences such as management, economics, and Korean studies,
a total of 49 courses will be offered in various fields including data science and engineering, catering to the students of our university and international students from domestic and international partner universities.
For example, the 2023 pre-session program, which starts a week earlier than the main program, saw a significant increase in the number of students participating, more than double compared to the previous year. This program targeted students with a high interest in Korean culture and provided opportunities to explore the 'K-wave,' including the △Korean language, △Korean culture, and △Korean startups.
Furthermore, the International Summer Semester coincided with the Faculty-led Programs, a student exchange program from Bryant University and Penn State University in the United States. This added to the potential of the International Summer Semester as a global platform for Korean programs by newly adding computer science and AI-related fields.
Apart from classroom lectures, opportunities to experience Korean culture will be provided through visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Blue House, the Folk Village, and various cultural experience programs including cultural performances and amusement park visits. These initiatives aim to facilitate cultural exchange between our enrolled students and international students, as well as foster foreign students' interest in and understanding Korean culture.
One student last year expressed that they love Korean barbecue as it is a social gathering where people casually gather together and exchange stories and learn about each other. Another student said that the international summer semester allowed them a chance to experience traditional and modern attractions while at the same time, a Korean buddy also helped them to adjust to their new lifestyle in Korea.
Thanks to the wholehearted support and understanding of our university community, both participating students and faculty members were able to return with a broader understanding and fond memories of Korea and our university, and hopefully, 2024 will be able to provide even more meaningful memories.
ISS Assistants
ISS student assistants serve ISS students in the following (3) ways :
Teaching Assistant (TA)'s main responsibilities are :
- The primary point of contact for any questions about the class
- Bridging the gap between lecturers and students, facilitating communication in the classroom
- Provide valuable information to the class about the course or the ISS program as a whole
Housing Assistant (HA)'s main responsibilities are :
- The dormitory aides who reside in the dorm with the ISS students
- Serve as point of contact for the respective dorms, when ISS participants encounter any housing issues or difficulties
- Helping students deal with housing related matters
Office Assistant (OA)'s main responsibilities are :
- Serve as the administrative staff members located in the ISS office
- Offer valuable information about administrative matters related to the program, including insurance, field trip registration, and grading
- Can access their assistance during regular office hours
