Activities and field trips for Korea University

Semester

Orientation

Korea University (KU) plans 2-3 days of orientation and welcome activities for students to get acquainted to their new life in Seoul and meet other international students. Orientation generally includes an introduction to KU, campus tour, Seoul City tour, public safety session with local police officer, gender equity issues session, social events, and an opportunities session with KUBA (Korea University Buddy Assistants).

Festivals and other campus events

KU is famous for its cheering, and each semester there is an opportunity for international students to learn KU’s specific cheers. Fall students will get to put their cheers to the test during the annual Ko-Yon Festival when KU goes head-to-head with its rival, Yonsei University, in games of soccer, baseball, basketball, rugby, and ice hockey. Spring students can practice their cheers during Ipselenti, a pep-rally-cheering festival, on the last night of KU’s Festival Daedongje. Regardless of where you’re cheering, show up in crimson and let your inner tiger out.

Each semester, KU holds the International Students’ Festival to celebrate the intricacies of different cultures. International students from over 20 countries set up booths to present food, clothes, and games from their home country. A fashion show provides an opportunity to share their countries’ traditional clothing with others.

Other activities throughout the semester may include a field day and a field trip. The field day allows interested students to team up for some competitive outdoor activities. The field trip will take you into Seoul for a cultural experience. At the end of your semester abroad, there will be a farewell party so you can reflect on your time at KU and Korea.

Korea University Buddy Assistants (KUBA)

KU recruits second year or higher KU students to guide international students as they adjust to life in Korea. International students will automatically be registered as KUBA members and will receive e-mails from Korea University buddies before the program starts. Examples of support include airport pickup, assistance with course registration, arranging monthly field trips and social gatherings, language exchange, and participation in university events and festivals.

KUBA field trips

Korea University Buddy Assistants (KUBA) organize field trips throughout the semester for international students. Locations vary, but the intent is to provide a cultural education alongside your academic education.

Summer/January

Cultural experiences

Students will interact with KU student assistants and buddies for mentorship, language exchange, and further assimilation into Korean culture. Extracurricular activities occur regularly throughout the programs and are included in your USAC program fee. Past examples of these activities have included: Taekwondo, Korean cooking, Sports Day, and K-Pop dance.

Graduation ceremony

At the end of your program there will be a graduation ceremony to sum up your time at KU. Congratulatory speeches from KU staff, certificates of completion, speeches from peers, and final semester wrap up will occur during the ceremony.

Field trips

All students have the opportunity to participate in free field trips during the program. Examples of past field trips include Lotte World Amusement Park and a Nanta Show.