Busan National University Concludes U.S. State Department-Commissioned CLS Program, Advancing as a Global Hub for Korean Language and Culture Education

Inviting 24 U.S. Scholarship Students for Nine Weeks
Immersive Korean Language Classes and Traditional Cultural Experiences

The Language Education Institute at Busan National University (President Choi Jaewon) has successfully concluded the 'Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program,' which it operated under commission from the American Councils for International Education, an organization under the U.S. Department of State.

Busan National University is holding a completion ceremony for the US Department of State commissioned 'CLS Program'. Provided by Busan National University

This year, 24 scholarship recipients from U.S. universities and graduate schools participated in the program, immersing themselves in nine weeks of Korean language education and cultural experiences.

The CLS program was held entirely in person at the Busan National University Language Education Institute from June 17 to August 13. Participants engaged in intensive Korean language classes and one-on-one tutoring, as well as a variety of activities such as tea ceremonies, wearing hanbok, traditional games like Tuho and Jegichagi, and field trips to the UN Memorial Cemetery and Gyeongju, allowing them to deeply experience Korean history and culture. During a visit to Busan New Port, they were also able to observe firsthand the industrial strengths of Busan as a maritime city.

Busan National University paired each American student with a local student as a language partner and roommate, fostering mutual cultural understanding. Through this arrangement, American students were able to learn Korean language and culture in daily life, while Busan National University students introduced Korean campus life and culture, gaining valuable international exchange experience.

Since signing an agreement with the U.S. Department of State in 2018 to provide Korean language education, Busan National University has hosted the CLS program every year. This year, at the request of the American Councils for International Education, the weekly class hours were increased by three, further intensifying the curriculum.

Shawn Chew, a student from Lafayette College who participated in the program, shared, "The one-on-one counseling I received while considering applying to a Korean university was a tremendous help in making my career decision." Lee Kwangmin, a chemistry student at Busan National University who served as a CLS language partner, said, "Although we came from different cultures, we built deep connections and friendships that will last a lifetime."

Hyun Sugyeong, Director of the Language Education Institute (Professor of Nursing), stated, "Outstanding American university students spent nine weeks at Busan National University, gaining in-depth knowledge of the Korean language and culture and experiencing the unique appeal of Busan. We will continue to provide high-quality Korean language education to nurture global talent and strengthen Busan National University's role as an international education hub."

After successfully running a short-term training program for the University of Washington in July, the Language Education Institute at Busan National University has further expanded its exchanges with U.S. universities by completing the CLS program. Moving forward, the institute plans to broaden its global education network through collaborations with universities around the world.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.