Frequently Asked Questions

I am not employed full-time.  Am I still eligible for the Korean Studies Workshop?

No.  Only full-time educators are eligible for the workshop.

How does the Korean Studies Workshop define a “secondary teacher of social studies"?

For participation in the workshop, a "secondary teacher of social studies" is defined as a 6^th thru 12^th grade teacher of social studies, history, geography, government, economics or other subjects commonly associated with social studies.

I am a university professor, but I also work as a freelance writer of social studies textbooks. Am I eligible?

Yes.  However, the applicant should submit his/her previous work experience and future plans as a writer of social studies textbooks.

The Korean Studies Workshop is "fully funded." What exactly does this mean?

This means that all workshop-specific expenses will be covered by the Korea Foundation.  This includes airfare within the U.S. (if applicable) and to Korea, domestic transportation within Korea, meals, lodging, and any additional workshop expenses, including tours and lectures.  Participants in the workshop will be responsible for certain additional costs, such as pre-departure expenses (i.e. passports or travel supplies), any costs associated with being away from their jobs during the workshop, etc.  These costs are not funded by the workshop. 

My school will be in session at the time of the workshop. What should I do? Are substitute costs covered? 

The KSW cycle dates (in June and July) were chosen with special consideration to when most schools are out of session for the summer break.  Nevertheless, before submitting an application, all applicants should obtain supervisor clearance and make any necessary arrangements to be absent from school to participate in the workshop.  Costs incurred due to your absence from school, such as hiring a substitute teacher, are not funded by the workshop.

A Colleague and I would like to apply together to participate in the workshop.  Is this possible?

You are both free to apply, but you must complete separate applications.  We will not accept both of you to the program as we allow only one participant from a school each year, except under extreme extenuating circumstances. 

What is required of participants upon completion of the workshop?

Participants will be required to submit an impact report to the Institute of International Education following their participation in the workshop.  The impact report will ask for basic information about their efforts to incorporate the knowledge gained into their classroom, school and community. 

I am not a teacher of Korean history, and I do not speak the Korean language. Should I apply?

Yes.  All secondary social studies teachers, principals, superintendents, curriculum coordinators, and textbook writers (with influence over social studies curriculum or textbooks) from all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia are encouraged to apply.  Previous knowledge of Korean culture is not a selection criterion.  Instead, the workshop seeks teachers who are interested in learning about Korea and its people, and who will draw on their workshop experiences to enrich their teaching and professional activities.  The Korean Studies Workshop especially encourages teachers and administrators with little or no Korean experience to apply.

May I apply if I have traveled to Korea before?

Yes.  However, if you have previous experience in Korea, you should carefully consider, and explain in detail, how this workshop would build on your past experience.

I do not have any international experience. Should I apply?

Yes.  While previous international experience is valuable preparation for navigating cross-cultural experiences in Korea, the Korean Studies Workshop strongly encourages teachers and administrators with little or no overseas experience to apply.

I do not have a passport or my passport has expired. Am I still able to apply for the Korean Studies Workshop?

Yes.  However, there will be limited time to apply for a passport upon acceptance to the workshop.  Although the average wait for a passport is 4 to 6 weeks, delivery can be expedited for an additional fee.  Each applicant may decide whether to apply for a passport at the time of his/her application or to wait until learning of his/her acceptance to the workshop.  For more information about obtaining a passport for the first time and where to get one please follow this link: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html

Are there any special health requirements for participation in the Workshop?

No.  However, applicants should be aware that the workshop involves a rigorous schedule.  Before applying, you should consider the physical demands of the workshop, which will include extensive walking and stair-climbing, etc.  If you are accepted as a participant, you will be required to submit results from a medical examination and provide a completed medical form with your physician’s certification of your sound physical and mental health.

May I bring my family or friends with me on the workshop?

No.  The workshop will not accommodate family members or friends.  Participants will travel as a group throughout the Workshop and are expected to attend all activities.