Harvard-Ewha Summer Program in Seoul, Korea

Harvard-Ewha summer course students on an excursion to Kyŏngju, the capital of the Silla Kingdom

This new program, run jointly by Harvard Summer School and Ewha Womans University from June 18 to July 29, was a terrific success. The program took full advantage of the resources at Ewha, the lively variety of cultural events and other activities in Seoul in the summer, and some of the historical sites within easy access by high-speed train or excursion bus from Seoul. Korea is an amazing place, and Seoul, the capital, is filled with museums and shops, libraries and ancient palaces, places to sit and think, and probably more electronic cafés per capita than anywhere else in the world.

In Professor David McCann's course, as well as in the cultural and language courses offered by Ewha faculty, students explored the vibrant dialogue between history and culture, the content and structure of works of literature, history, music, dance, and art. Noncredit Korean language instruction with Ewha staff was provided for students with no previous exposure to the Korean alphabet or spoken Korean. This program provided an invaluable opportunity for students to experience Korea first hand, while earning course credit.