To help meet the growing demand for Korean language programming overseas, American Councils is pleased to provide the Korean Intensive Summer Language Program (KISLP) hosted by Chungbuk National University (CBNU) in Cheongju, South Korea. Open to all U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have completed two academic semesters of Korean language study or the equivalent, the program provides approximately 140 hours of classroom instruction in Korean language and culture, housing in university dormitories on the CBNU campus, 24/7 onsite support from a U.S. Resident Director, engaging and varied cultural activities, and interesting opportunities for participants to connect with local South Korean families and peers.
Improve your spoken, written, and overall comprehension of Korean;
Engage with local Korean-speaking host families, conversation partners, and teachers on a daily basis.
Experience Korea: where ancient palaces meet futuristic skylines and K-pop beats fill neon-lit streets.
Gain academic credit while refining skills in cross-cultural communication.
Join a community of curious, adventurous students ready to explore the world.
Cheongju, South Korea is a dynamic destination to study abroad - offering a perfect blend of culture, creativity, and charm. As the capital of North Chungcheong Province, Cheongju is known for its warm hospitality, rich history, and thriving arts scene. Visitors can wander through the tranquil Heungdeok Temple, home to the world’s oldest metal-printed book, or explore the Cheongju Early Printing Museum, celebrating Korea’s deep legacy of innovation. The city’s streets buzz with cozy cafés, contemporary galleries, and local markets, while nearby mountains and parks provide peaceful escapes into nature. Whether you’re drawn by tradition, modern design, or simply the authentic rhythm of everyday Korean life, Cheongju welcomes you with open arms and endless discovery.
American Councils’ KISLP is designed to maximize student gains in language proficiency and cultural understanding by combining intensive in-class learning with structured immersion activities throughout program. Students attend approximately 100 hours of in-class language instruction and 40 hours of lectures, seminars, and hands-on cultural activities during the eight-week summer program.
Language classes are conducted in groups of no more than eight students; instruction focuses on active speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills, drawing on authentic materials and real-life situations to engage students in genuine communicative activities. Language classes are conducted five days per week, with three sessions per day.
Over the course of the program, students develop command of new vocabulary, master essential grammatical structures, and gain new levels of fluency. They become proficient in producing longer, more complex, and more accurate speech in Korean on a broad range of personal and practical topics. They also understand more complex, native speech, as well as media, including films, publications, and newscasts.
Culture classes are designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of South Korea today, with particular focus on religion, social customs, etiquette, food, history, music, and folklore.
KORN 201 | Intermediate Korean Speaking and Listening | 1 Unit/4 Credits
KORN 202 | Intermediate Korean Grammar, Reading, and Writing | 1 Unit/4 Credits
KORN 301 | Intermediate Korean Speaking and Listening | 1 Unit/4 Credits
KORN 302 | Intermediate Korean Grammar, Reading, and Writing | 1 Unit/4 Credits
KORN 401 | Intermediate Korean Speaking and Listening | 1 Unit/4 Credits
KORN 402 | Intermediate Korean Grammar, Reading, and Writing | 1 Unit/4 Credits
KORN 541 | Intermediate Korean Speaking and Listening | 1 Unit/5 Credits
KORN 542 | Intermediate Korean Grammar, Reading, and Writing | 1 Unit/5 Credits
KORN 561 | Intermediate Korean Speaking and Listening | 1 Unit/5 Credits
KORN 562 | Intermediate Korean Grammar, Reading, and Writing | 1 Unit/5 Credits
Students live in university housing within walking distance of the program classrooms during their stay in South Korea. They reside in double occupancy rooms throughout the program, with internet access, telephone, and central air conditioning.
Daily meals at a CBNU on-campus dining hall are included in the program cost.
In addition to a conversation partner, each KISLP student is matched with a local host family, whom they visit for special occasions and scheduled meals throughout the program, and with whom they stay for at least one weekend during the program. These relationships offer participants unique insights into Korean daily life and ongoing language practice in a warm, supportive environment.
Language and cultural classes are enriched and extended by the addition of weekly cultural activities and excursions, which may include gaining new insights into the cultural significance of traditional Korean foods, visiting a traditional tea house, learning to play a traditional Korean instrument, and learning about Buddhist philosophy during a stay at a Buddhist temple, among other activities.
Students may also travel to Seoul and surrounding areas on an extended trip during which they visit such locations as Insadong, the city’s famous neighborhood for galleries and tea houses; the Blue House, official residence of the president of South Korea; and Gyeongbok, one of the country’s most famous and scenic palaces.
Discover Korean customs through tea ceremonies, temple stays, and folk music.
Participate in cooking, calligraphy, and instrument lessons led by local artists.
Explore Gyeongbok Palace, the Blue House, and Seoul’s iconic Insadong district.
Travel beyond Cheongju to experience Korea’s landscapes, history, and traditions.
Each U.S. participant is matched with a university peer selected from the CBNU student body to serve as a conversation partner. In addition to helping with homework and speaking practice, conversation partners provide an important opportunity for American students to make new friends and connect with their university community at large. Conversation partners also regularly attend the program’s cultural outings and excursions. They speak only in Korean with the American participants.
Located in the vibrant city of Cheongju, Chungbuk National University offers an ideal environment for intensive Korean study. Students enjoy modern classrooms, campus housing, and opportunities to interact daily with local students, gaining both language proficiency and cultural understanding.
Multiple sources of funding are available to support participants in paying for programs abroad. Participants are encouraged to apply for private scholarships, federal aid and grants, college/university scholarships, and American Councils fellowships and scholarships.
All participants must attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation before the program begins. Sessions cover health and safety, academic culture, host-family life, culture shock, and strategies for maximizing language learning. Students meet resident directors, peers, and alumni, with lodging and meals provided. Upon arrival, participants attend an in-country orientation led by program staff.
Participants receive 24/7 support from in-country American Councils staff, including a full-time resident director who oversees the academic and cultural program. The director assists students with academic, administrative, and personal matters, coordinating all activities with Chungbuk National University faculty. The AC Study Abroad Team in Washington, D.C. remains in regular contact with program staff abroad, ensuring ongoing communication with universities, families, and home institutions.
All students are covered by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of the program. The plan includes up to $250,000 in medical coverage per accident or illness, as well as complete coverage for emergency medical evacuation. This ensures participants receive quality healthcare and full protection throughout their time in Korea.
U.S. citizens participating in the summer program generally do not need a Korean visa, as stays under 90 days do not require one. Students of other nationalities should confirm entry requirements with the nearest Korean embassy or consulate before departure.
