FAQ

Who is eligible to participate in this program?

• Participants must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 12 units at any college, have at least a 2.0 GPA and be in good academic standing. 

Can students from other colleges participate in the program, or is it only for Miramar College students?

• The program is open to all students. Anyone can enroll in Miramar College, register for one or both classes, and join the program, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

Are the classes online, in person, or a combination of both? How much class time is required while in South Korea?

• We will have one week of mandatory in-person class meetings (Monday through Friday) at San Diego Miramar College before leaving for South Korea. Please keep the mornings free for classes this first week (June 7-11, 2027). Class meeting times TBD.

• In Seoul, each class will meet either M/W or T/Th morning until lunch time. This way, you can enroll in both courses if you choose to. If you enroll in one class, then you will have the other mornings free.

• M-Th afternoons will be an extension of class time for group field trips, course-related activities, and cultural exchange with Korean university students. We may also have an opportunity to participate in a service activity.

• Field trips and class time must total at least 48 hours for each course, in order to meet CA requirements. This sounds like a lot of hours, but it will be easy to achieve with our activities, museum visits, field trips, and cultural experiences. 

• Each course will have a Canvas component, and you will submit some assignments on Canvas in addition to in class. For this reason, it will be best if you bring a laptop with you on the program.

How much free time do students typically have during the trip? Are students allowed to explore Seoul, go shopping, visit restaurants, and spend time on their own during free time?

• We will have three Fridays in Seoul, with the following activities:

  • Friday June 18: All students participate all day

    • Gyeongbokgung Palace visit with hanbok experience; visit to Samcheondong to enjoy art galleries, shops, and cafés; and stroll the traditional alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village (required activity for all students).

  • Friday June 25: AM Required, PM optional

    • N Seoul Tower visit (required) in the AM

    • Either a free afternoon in Seoul or fly to Jeju Island for optional weekend excursion

  • Friday July 2: AM Free, PM Required Dinner

    • Free day with farewell dinner in evening, prepare for departure the next day.

• We have two full weekends in South Korea. 

  • The first Saturday-Sunday (Weekend 1), there is no class and participants are free to spend this time as they wish. If students plan to leave the area, then you will be asked to sign out and provide details of your weekend stay for safety reasons. 

  • During Weekend 2 (Fri-Sun), students can sign up for an optional three-day, two-night extension to Jeju Island through the program. 

  • On Saturday, June 3 students depart for home. 

• Most afternoons will be reserved for class activities related to the course content. These activities will not always take up the entire afternoon, so students will have some time free on those days. Some afternoons will be completely open and free for students to engage in their own activities. 

• Almost all evenings will be free to spend as you wish, except for a few group dinners or activities (such as a group trip to the Han River to see the Banpo Bridge Fountain show). 

What type of housing is provided? Are students assigned roommates, or are private rooms available for an additional cost?

• Students will stay in hotel/hostel accommodations in double or triple rooms. Private rooms are available for an additional cost. If you are traveling with a friend, we will take into consideration your requests for roommates. Based on room availability, however, we cannot guarantee your roommates. Flexibility while traveling is an essential quality!

Besides the estimated program fee of approximately $2945 to $3340, airfare, and tuition, are there any other required costs that students should expect?

• These costs are not covered by the program fee: 

  • International Airfare

  • K-ETA Processing ($8 e-authorization in place of a Visa)

  • Passport Processing

  • Meals other than those listed (daily breakfasts and several dinners)

  • Optional inclusions such as private accommodations or extension to Jeju Island

  • Personal, shopping, or other misc. expenses 

Will students fly together on the same flight to Seoul? How do the flights work?

• Participants will choose their own flights and purchase their own airfare to Seoul International Airport (ICN). We will provide a few flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that we recommend. The professors will also share the flight information for the flight that the professors themselves are taking if participants would prefer to fly with us. 

• Any flight to Seoul must arrive on June 13, 2027 (depart from US on June 12, 2027). Asia-Pacific Academic (APA) will provide transportation from the airport to the accommodations for all travelers who arrive before the group departure time (time TBD). 

How does financial aid work for this program? Can students use FAFSA, Pell Grants, Cal Grants, or other financial aid toward the study abroad expenses?

• In order to apply your financial aid toward tuition for summer courses, you will need to enroll in 6 units (both classes). There is no special financial aid for study abroad program fees or airfare, unfortunately. We recommend making an appointment with Vincent Ngo in the Financial Aid office at Miramar as soon as you can. He can help you plan financially for study abroad.

Are there scholarships specifically available for students participating in this South Korea program?

• While Miramar College currently has no scholarships specifically for study abroad programs, we have a list of external scholarships that you can apply for. Some of these scholarships can cover up to $5K of your expenses, and many SDCCD students have won them! We will share this information early in the process of applying for the program.

How many students are expected to participate in the program?

• Depending on how many students enroll in one or both courses, we expect the number to be around 30-35 participants total. 

When will applications open, and what is the deadline to apply?

• We will host several information sessions on zoom and in person beginning in the fall semester. After you attend an information session, then you can "commit" to the program by completing three eligibility forms. As long as you are eligible and the program leaders approve your forms, then you will be asked to pay a deposit to hold your place. 

• The deadlines for forms and payments will be provided to you at the Information Sessions and when you commit to the program.

• You will "Add" the class(es) with an add code at the Study Abroad Program Orientation (held before traveling).