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4 Jun, 2015

Applications invited for Korean Culture and Language Immersion Program

The Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia Pacific Cities is seeking applications for participants in the Korean Culture and Language Immersion Program (K-CLIP 2015) to take place from 2 to 15 August at Pusan National University, Busan Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea.

The main purpose of “K-CLIP 2015” is the enhancement of youth exchange and cultivation of young leaders. The deadline to submit applications is 22 June, 2015.

Other hosts of the event are Pusan National University, Busan Metropolitan City, Ulsan Metropolitan City, Daegu Metropolitan City, Jeonju City, Iksan City, Gunsan City and Jeollabuk-Do

The program, conducted in English & Korean, is limited to 60 foreign participants interested in experiencing Korea and Korean culture. The program is suitable for any student aged 18+ with an enthusiasm for new experiences.

The Participation Fee of US$1,000 includes all program expenses. Air-fares are not covered.

After approving five participants for K-CLIP from one group, TPO will grant scholarship for a sixth participant, so that s/he can participate free of charge. Similarly, in case of approving 10 participants from one group, free participation will be offered to two more participants, and so on.

This is the second time K-CLIP is being held. The objectives are 1) To contribute to the development of culture and tourism through the exchange of the international students; 2) To contribute to fostering global understanding and cultivating global mind among youth by sharing students’ home cultures and embracing a new one; 3) To contribute a network of young professionals and provide challenging curriculum as an opportunity for in-depth understanding of the country and people through various language and cultural studies, cultural activities and field trips.

Says Mr. Hwan Myung Joo, Secretary General, TPO, “The Student Travel Exchange Program (STEP) has always been one of the most important projects for TPO. STEP was initially created with the purpose of developing cultural understanding and global awareness among young people who are future leaders of the society. Such STEP events as “TPO Youth Multi- Media Culture Camp”, “Discover Asia in Korea”, “Tourism Universiade” and “K-CLIP 2014” etc. had gathered together hundreds of students from the Asia Pacific Region over the past few years.”

He added, “Not only will students be able to improve their Korean language skills through professional lesson, but also they will have an opportunity to engage in diverse cultural activities including but not limited to Taekwondo (traditional Korean martial art), Hanbok (traditional Korean dress), Samulnori (traditional Korean musical instruments) and Korean cooking etc. K-CLIP 2015 is further enriched with an appealing travel program that allows students to visit some of the best known tourist attractions in TPO Korean member cities.”

According to Dr. Jaewon Kang, Director of International Language Institute, Busan National University, Classes are organized through the utilization of a textbook, classroom handouts, as well as the unique cultural characteristics and knowledge that each individual professor brings. Students will be educated in the primary aspects of language instruction.

“We believe you will experience a taste of Korean culture in Busan, the second biggest city in Korea. It is the heart of the Korean culture and education as well as politics and economics. Busan is home of many historic places and cultural sites including Beomaesa and Gumgangsa(temple), Busan Film Festival theatres, Yeongdo Culture Street, Haeundae (beach) Dongback- sum(forest trail) as well as various kinds of art exhibition galleries.

For further information, contact the TPO Secretariat: http://aptpo.org/, E-mail: kclip@aptpo.org

Contact Persons:

1) Program Coordinator (English Speaker)

Haibin Huang (Ms.), Tel.: +82-51-502-2989,

2) Program Coordinator (Korean/Japanese Speaker)

Hyun-Taek Lim (Mr.), Tel.: +82-51-502-2987

3) Program Coordinator (Korean/ Chinese Speaker)

Wan Xiang (Mr.), Tel.:+82-51-502-2963