GMU Joint Summer Korean Language Program

Location

Students will spend part of the program outside Seoul at the GMU Korea Incheon Global Campus, in Songdo.  Songdo, a rising global business district of high-tech skyscrapers, is located in Incheon. Songdo is one of the world’s first fully planned smart cities, built from scratch with sustainability and technology at its core. Incheon Global Campus is well-connected by public transportation to Seoul.

The capital of South Korea, Seoul has a population of over 20 million and is the nation's cultural, educational, and political center. Seoul is home to many cultural attractions such as museums, shrines, shopping districts and gardens. From the crowded markets to the peaceful Han River that runs through the city center, Seoul offers one of the most striking settings of any large city in Asia.

Students will also stay and study at Jeju National University for two weeks on Jeju Island, which is famous for its stunning volcanic landscapes, including Hallasan Mountain and lava tubes, which are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Housing

You will stay in residence hall rooms at Incheon Global Campus and Jeju University during the program. UW Madison students are required to live in GMU-provided housing for the duration of their program.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

Excursions and Activities

A variety of excursions and activities will be planned for you to complement your classroom studies.

On-Site Support

You will receive support and assistance from the UW-Madison Academic Director and from GMU Korea on-site staff.

Handbooks

Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
GMU Korea - Program Dates and Logistics Sheet (2026)

Orientation

We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an approved program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.

Visa

A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for this program, but students must complete the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) process online prior to departure. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non U.S. Passport holders may have different visa requirements. If you have any questions, ask your Study Abroad Advisor.

Getting to Your Program

You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to South Korea but are given guidelines for arrival dates and times. You should purchase a plane ticket only after your program dates are confirmed and after your acceptance is fully confirmed by your study abroad office and/or the host institution.

Insurance

You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record.  If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business.  All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Summer 2026 Cost Details

Financial Aid

Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.

For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.

Scholarships

This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page.

IAP Administered
IAP Gilman Incentive
IAP WISc Scholarship

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

How to Apply

First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.

There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.

Next login to the IAP Online Application.

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

View our application schedule.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by International Academic Programs.  We have a team that works with each program.  Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Emily Wink (Make an appointment with Emily Wink, or email emily.wink@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Andy Quackenbush (Make an appointment with Andy Quackenbush, or email andy.quackenbush@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Kaley Grunwald (kgrunwald@wisc.edu)