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Education Abroad Office

  • Cityscape image of Seoul, South Korea

    Apply by March 1 for South Korea 2023!

International Perspectives on Higher Education

International Perspectives on Higher Education (IPHE) is a unique professional development program for USC faculty and staff interested in learning more about and becoming involved in international education and the internationalization of USC.  Participants gain a comparative understanding of education practices between USC and our international partner institutions and have opportunities to connect with counterparts at USC's international partner institutions. Upon returning, all IPHE participants are responsible for completing a follow-on project that makes a contribution to the internationalization of USC. 

Seoul and Busan, South Korea | May 27-June 3, 2023

We are now accepting applications for IPHE 2023!  We will travel to Seoul and Busan, South Korea from May 27-June 3.  Applications are due by March 1.

All USC faculty and staff who have received their supervisor's and department's support are eligible to participate.  The following individuals are strongly encouraged to apply:

  • Staff and faculty who have never been outside of the U.S., or have very limited experience out of the country.
  • Faculty who may be interested in developing a Global Classroom or collaborations in international education or research.
  • Staff from student affairs or academic units whose work directly supports global learning. 
  • Faculty and staff from academic departments that are underrepresented in education abroad at USC.

We are excited to relaunch IPHE as an in-person travel experience for the first time since 2020 in Seoul and Busan, South Korea!

After decades of poverty and then war, South Korea emerged in the 1960s as an innovative, agile, and savvy player in an interconnected Asia.  South Korean workers are known as among the world's most dependable, and the nation has made its mark in shipbuilding and the automative industry, as well as electronics, robotics-, and cultural exports.  Kpop has become a global phenomenon, part of a cultural wave called Hallyu, which includes everything from streaming TV series, to skincare regimes, to the distinct and highly delicious cuisine.  South Korean companies are quick to customize its products in certain markets and invest heavily in cutting-edge technologies in product development, making it a fascinating study for many disciplines.

Seoul is the heart of modern South Korea with trendy shopping districts, innovative urban spaces, and incredible nightscapes.  But broader Korea is also home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, including temples, palaces, and historic towns.  There are more than 5,000 years of history to study and ample opportunities to enjoy the country's renowned tidy peacefulness.

  1. Complete the Participant Agreement Form with appropriate signatures.
  2. Complete the online application form and upload your signed Participant Agreement Form by March 1, 2023.
May 26th
  • Participants depart for Seoul on self-arranged flights
May 27th
  • Arrive in Seoul
  • Health and Safety Orientation
  • Welcome Dinner
May 28th
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace Visit
  • Subway Challenge and Market Tour
  • Namsan Seoul Tower Tour
  • Korean BBQ Group Dinner
May 29th
  • Meeting with Korea University
  • Lunch at Korea University
  • Meeting with Hanyang University
  • Dinner with TEAN Seoul Participants
May 30th
  • Morning Meeting with Yonsei or Sogang University
  • Group Lunch
  • Professional Development Workshop on Intercultural Communication
May 31st
  • Morning Meeting with Yonsei or Sogang University
  • Free Afternoon
June 1st
  • Travel from Seoul to Busan
  • Jagalchi Fish Market
  • Gukje Market
  • Group Lunch in Busan
June 2nd
  • Meeting with PNU
  • Haedong Yonggung Temple
  • Group Lunch
June 3rd
  • Program Concludes
  • Participants depart from Seoul Airport on self-arranged flights

The 2023 program fee is $2750.  This payment will be broken into two installments: a $500 deposit and remaining balance.  Please see program timeline for payment deadlines. 

Participants may be self-funded or department-funded.  If self-funded, participants may pay by check.  If department-funded, departments will receive instructions for submitting payment via USC departmental transfer.

Program Fee Includes:
  • Accommodations in double rooms
  • In-country transportation
  • Guided tours and entrance into museums and historic sites
  • 24-7 support from program leaders
  • Daily breakfast, 4 group lunches, 3 group dinners
  • Mandatory USC international emergency health insurance
Program Fee Does Not Include:
  • Airfare to and from South Korea
  • Room and board costs outside of the official program dates 
  • Local transportation (if needed) to and from personal activities
  • Personal incidental expenses/optional activities
  • Optional single room upgrade ($371)
  • Optional cancel-for-any-reason insurance ($279)
  • Any applicable processing fees for participants that may require a visa – most U.S. passport holders may apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization that currently costs approximately $9 USD

Upon return, all IPHE participants are required to complete a follow-on project that contributes to the internationalization of USC.  Examples could include developing a short-term faculty-led course, engaging in departmental curriculum integration, developing an international research collaboration, conducting a presentation on the IPHE outcomes for campus colleagues, or writing a campus news article about IPHE. 

In past years, IPHE cohorts have visited UofSC's international education partners in Ghana (virtual - 2021), Sweden (2020), Colombia (2019), Vietnam (2018), South Africa (2017), Costa Rica (2016), Ireland (2015), Italy (2014), and  Spain/France (2013). 

 Faculty and staff in Sweden

USC faculty and staff arrive in Sweden on the 8th annual IPHE program from 2020.

 


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