The CLS Korean Program in Busan, Korea, is hosted by Pusan National University (PNU), one of Korea’s first national universities. Busan is known as the educational, cultural, and economic center of Southeast Korea and is famous for its delicious seafood, popular hiking trails, and art and film community.

Throughout the intensive eight-week program, students learn Korean both inside and outside the classroom. During the approximately eighteen hours of weekly classroom instruction, students focus on improving their command of the four major skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Over the summer, students cover the equivalent of one year of Korean instruction at the college level. Through activities and excursions, students in Busan learn about Korean language and culture by exploring significant sites in and near Busan. In the past, CLS participants have learned how Korean researchers, startups, and entrepreneurs use marine science and technology to develop products, gaining a better understanding of the global STEM landscape.

CLS participants experience campus life by living in PNU dormitories with a PNU student as their roommate. They can walk to class from the dormitories and typically eat most of their meals in PNU cafeteria. However, shopping for snacks and treats in local markets provides both a change of pace and an opportunity to practice their growing language skills. Through the language partner program, students are paired with a PNU student for informal language practice and to explore their own hobbies and interests. In the past, CLS students and language partners have attended sports games, visited museums, and joined Taekwondo sessions.  The connections CLS students form with their Korean language partners and roommates give them unique insight into the host city and help them build the skills needed to navigate daily life in South Korea on their own. In many cases, CLS students maintain long-lasting relationships with their roommates and language partners, staying in touch after the program and continuing to practice their Korean language skills.