1. Why go on the "Discover Korea" exchange?

HTIC’s academic programs emphasize cross-cultural awareness, global citizenship, and second-language proficiency. Studying in Korea will help students attain these goals. Your overseas’ experience will be challenging, stimulating, and enriching, and it will allow you to learn as much about yourself as you will about the Korean language and culture.

Those who return from study in Korea join an elite group of students highly sought after by graduate schools and prospective employers, especially multinational companies that prefer geographically mobile individuals who have demonstrated an ability to adapt to foreign environments.

2. What is the relationship between HTIC and Hanyang University in Seoul, Korea?

Hawaii Tokai International College (HTIC) and Hanyang University work together to provide cross-cultural experiences for students. Since 2003, HTIC’s International Programs department has welcomed approximately 20 Hanyang students per year to attend a special short-term educational program that included English language and Japanese language studies with classes on U.S culture. HTIC is looking forward to sending its first students to the Hanyang International Language Institute in 2010.

3. What is the Intensive Language Program like at Hanyang University’s International Language Institute?

Hanyang University offers a 10-week program consisting of 180 hours of intensive Korean language instruction. Students from as many as 40 countries around the world have participated in this program since its inception in 1997.

Students attend 4 hours of Korean language study each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, as well as every other Wednesday. On alternative Wednesdays, students participate in the “Wednesday Culture Club,” where they are introduced to Korean foods, tae-kwon-do, Korean traditional and folk dance, the making of Korean handicraft, Han-bok (Korean traditional costume) etiquette, Korean film, and excursions to attractions in Seoul or outside of Seoul, including mountain-hiking and observation tours. Korean language teachers participate with the students in these activities.

After arriving in Korea, students are placed into one of six language levels: Beginning 1, Beginning 2, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Advanced 1, or Advanced 2. Classes are small with an average of 15 students per class. In addition, up to five 1-hour free tutoring sessions are offered each term.

For more information regarding the Hanyang International Lanaguge Institutes’ intensive program, please refer to Hanyang University Official Web.

4. Are there any prerequisites that students have to satisfy before they can go to Korea?

All course requirements may be met at HTIC by taking courses offered during the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. Those who enroll in HTIC in the Fall take the “Freshman Experience” along with other incoming freshmen. If they have no Korean language background, they must enroll in KOR 101 during the Winter term and then KOR 102 during the Spring term. Before leaving for Korea, students must take at least two other East Asian-related courses. Students then become eligible to participate in the language program at Hanyang University. While Hanyang’s 10-week intensive Korean language program is offered 4 times a year, it is advisable that HTIC students apply for the Fall term from September to late November (roughly the equivalent of the Fall term at HTIC).

For students who do not enter the College in the Fall, alternative arrangements may be made with regards to when the prerequisite courses may be taken.

5. Do students transfer their credits back to HTIC?

Yes. Students who successfully complete the Immersion Program receive between 6-9 HTIC credits from Hanyang University depending on their placement. These credits are added to the 6 or more Korea-related credits already earned at HTIC (e.g., ART 180, HIST 209, HIST 210, REL 150) for a total of 15 credits that apply towards graduation from the Associate in Arts degree program.

6. How do students apply for this Program?

The “Discover Korea Program” is open to all HTIC students, current and future, who are non-native speakers of Korean. The first step is to enroll in HTIC as a freshman in the Associate of Arts degree (Liberal Arts) program.

7. When is the Program application deadline?

For HTIC students to attend the 10-week intensive Hanyang University language program from September (roughly the equivalent of HTIC’s Fall term), applications must be submitted by March 31 of that year.

8. Where will students live in Korea during the Program?

Budget housing and boarding houses are available around the Hanyang University campus. Budget housing is available for between $120-250 (without meals), and boarding rooms are available for between $200-300 (double room) and $350-410 (single rooms). The Hanyang International Language Institute also offers homestay information. (Dollar amounts based August 20, 2009 exchange rate: 1 US Dollar = 1,248.44 South-Korean Won.)

Non-HTIC students who attend the intensive language and culture program at Hanyang University arrange for their own accommodations. However, because of the special relationship with HTIC, Hanyang International Language Institute staff will help arrange housing for HTIC students if applications are submitted in a timely manner.

9. What are the costs involved?

This is one of the most affordable overseas programs available to American students. Students registered as HTIC students will pay a one time $3,150 tuition for the 10-week intensive language program in Seoul. Dormitory fees, airfare and daily living expenses are the responsibility of program participants.

10. Will HTIC arrange for any accommodation or student pass for the students? (student’s visa, travel arrangement)

HTIC arranges for application to the Hanyang International Language Institute’s Korean Language Program, and helps with0 obtaining the student’s visa for the Republic of Korea, support of the initial travel arrangements, etc.

11. I don’t understand the Korean language at all. Will I be able to understand and communicate in class?

The Korean language classes 101 and 102 that students take at HTIC will provide students with basic language skills. Additional cultural preparation will be provided before students depart HTIC to begin the program in Seoul Korea.

12. Are there any medical concerns or requirements for this Program?

“Discover Korea” participants will be notified of certain medical requirements before departure. HTIC suggests that all participants submit a medical clearance form completed by his/her personal physician before departure.

Students may purchase travel medical insurance or confirm that international coverage is provided by their insurers, HTIC students may also enroll in a Community Medical Insurance Plan (approximately $20-30 a month) that may be used for basic treatment at clinics. Please contact HTIC Student Services’ staff for more information.

13. Who can students contact to get more detailed information?

For more information, please email to htic@tokai.edu.