Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 3.0 GPA, minimum rising 4th Year status in architecture or other, students outside of Architecture will need permission from leaders
- This program is available to Department of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Graphic Design and Fine Arts students.
- Successful applicants will satisfy the program pre-requisite: Students must have taken 1st, 2nd and 3rd year design studio courses prior to the summer program
- Recommended: ARCH 317 - Theories of Modern Japanese Architecture
- Applicant interview with program leader(s) may be required
Program Description
The Korea/Japan Summer Study Abroad Program for Design Majors is a six-week program that addresses two areas of study that are not available at the University Park campus: experiencing contemporary urban life in two of the world’s most populated cities (Tokyo and Seoul), and first hand exposure to non-western architectural traditions and construction technologies in East Asia. Program participants will see 4,000 years of cultural development in Japan and on the Korean peninsula, including extraordinary examples of Confucian, Buddhist, and Shinto inspired architecture; gardens, planning, and sustainable practices.
The first two weeks of the program are spent traveling extensively in Japan, touring seminal Japanese works of architecture, and engaging members of the Japanese Architectural community (3 credits). Then the program shifts to a four-week residency at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, where students will work with Penn State faculty in a studio environment that engages the urban context of the city (6 credits). This portion of the program is informed by a seminar on the history and characteristics of Korean architecture (3 credits), which includes weekend travel throughout the peninsula looking at significant works architecture and topography - both ancient and modern.
Independent Study or Special Topics in Japanese or Korean culture are welcome.
Dates
Summer: June 8 - July 20, 2024
Refer to the program website for additional details.
Program Leader Information
- Katsu Muramoto, Associate Professor, Department of Architecture
- Brian Peterka, Adjunct Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Architecture
- Nicolas Verdejo, Graduate Assistant
Course Descriptions
All students will take different sections of ARCH 499 for a total of 12 credits:
ARCH 499 (6 credits) The Seoul Studio
ARCH 499 (3 credits) Japanese Studies in Architecture
ARCH 499 (3 credits) Contemporary Korean Architecture; From Modernist Origins to the Asian Avant Garde
• Students must have taken 1st, 2nd and 3rd year design studio courses prior to the summer program
• Recommended: ARCH 317 - Theories of Modern Japanese Architecture
Course Selection
Students are required to take the prescribed courses listed above as participants on the program. The Education Abroad Office will register you for these courses. To determine how these courses will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
- Research courses offered on your program
- Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements.
Academic Policies
- You must enroll in 12 credits.
- You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
- If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation
Housing
Hotels and Dormitory
In Japan, students will reside in shared rooms in hotels and inns. In South Korea, students will live in an on-campus dormitory at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) with four students of the same gender per suite. All housing is arranged by the program and included in the program fee.
Meals
Several meals will be provided during the study tour in Japan, but no meals are provided while studying in Seoul at SKKU.
Program Costs
Summer Costs
For more information on program costs, please be sure to review the budget sheet. These budget sheets include information on costs that are billable to the bursar bill, as well as estimated additional costs. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.
Please note that tuition rates may vary depending on major and class standing.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. For faculty-led freestanding programs, there is a specific withdrawal penalty schedule.
Education Abroad makes every attempt at keeping the program and administrative costs to a minimum. However, when you commit to participating in a program, Education Abroad begins to make financial commitments on your behalf. In case of withdrawal, the following fees will be charged to your Bursar account
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Upon Commitment - 90 Days Prior to Departure: 25% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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30 - 89 Days Prior to Departure: 50% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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29 Days - Departure Date: 100% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
Following the start of the summer semester, any adjustment of tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. More information can be found on the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
General Information
Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.
Accessibility Considerations
Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.
Students should expect long days of walking during the Japan portion of the program.
Gender and LGBTQA Considerations
There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.
Race, Ethnicity, and Faith Considerations
When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.
Non-U.S. Citizens
It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
Steps to Study Abroad
The planning stages outlined on the Penn State Global website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Penn State Global website for more details.
How to Apply
Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!
Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Penn State Global website.
Deadlines
You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Penn State Global website.
Contact Education Abroad
If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.
Peer Advisers
Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website.
Education Abroad Advisers
Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Penn State Global website.
Social Media
For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
