A global center of learning

Seoul National University continues to think globally, as international students from all over the world are encouraged to attend the 2008 International Summer Institute. The program is in its second year, providing the opportunity for 146 students from 69 different universities to study with world-renown scholars in a global setting. But why choose SNU over other summer institutions? Several students were interviewed about their experiences with ISI.

Sarah Turrittin, an English and Politics major at Auburn University, USA, enrolled in the Summer Institute in order to experience college life in Korea. SNU's rich curriculum in politics also influenced her decision, which is a unique and relatively inexpensive summer program among other Korean universities.

“I would definitely recommend it to my friends back at home (in Alabama),” said Sarah. “In fact, I would return myself if more courses were added. It’s difficult to find a faculty this amazing, and it definitely stands out from other summer programs.”

Steve, a Korean-American from the University of Illinois, had countless choices as to where he would spend his summer. He ended up halfway around the world in a foreign country in order to be intellectually and culturally enlightened. He was curious about his ethnic homeland, and SNU was his father’s alma mater.

Active minds, innovative ideas

"The teachers encourage students to think outside the box," says Kwang-jae Lee, a math and economics major from the University of Chicago."There's a lot to learn. The faculty is fantastic; they don't just lecture, but encourage the students to explore their own ideas.”

“The atmosphere here is extremely academic, yet friendly and encouraging,” said Li Quinhwa from Peking University, China.

The students agree that SNU's summer program is well structured and academically challenging. Many other summer curriculums at other universities tend to be relaxed and superficial, leaving some students wondering whether the time and money was worth the experience. SNU has invited world renowned professors in their respective fields to share their  knowledge and insight. And many agree; the quality of students attending the program is top-notch.

“They’re excellent. The students show genuine interest in the subject and are much more willing to have open minds and ask questions than students from other universities,” recalls Professor David Kang, an expert of security issues at Dartmouth University.

Exotic campus, fascinating culture

SNU’s picturesque campus often leaves newcomers in awe.

“I was speechless. The school is built under a giant mountain,” says Jackson, a Canadian from Toronto. He loves to take advantage of the vibrant and scenic campus, and hikes up Mt. Kwanak to enjoy spectacular view whenever he has a chance. Activities on campus strive to take advantage of the nature that engulfs SNU. Tennis courts, soccer fields, and basketball hoops are a common sight. Bikers and hikers love to explore all that SNU has to offer. Students walking to class often find that they end up taking the longer, more scenic routes, as well.

Although SNU is a fantastic place to be, students had the chance to branch out much further than the outskirts of the campus. Field trips were organized by the staff on Fridays to various cultural hotspots all over Korea. Magnificent ancient palaces, the famous Insa-dong tea, and the traditional pottery museums in Icheon were a few of many highlights that students were able to experience. These trips were designed to help present the traditional diversity of Korea. Naeun Choi, from SNU, said that she felt programs were beneficial to both foreigners and Korean natives.

“I think students in ISI, including Korean-Americans who don’t know much about their Korean heritage, learned a great deal,” said Naeun.  “The students said that they were able to develop a greater appreciation for our culture.”

August 3, 2008
Translated and Edited by Sangsoon Park, Jiwon Lee and Michael Kang
SNU PR Office