Handong University - Exchange Program
Basic information
- Location: Pohang, Korea | Map
- Dates: Spring and Fall
- Class requirement: Sophomore
- GPA requirement: 2.50+
- Cost: To be announced
Study at Handong University, a Christian college in Pohang, Korea. Classes in English are offered in a variety of subjects including business, economics, political science, religion, computer science, and communications.
Students of all majors are invited to spend a semester studying at Handong University, a Christian college in Korea. This program is an exchange program, which Calvin has developed to allow an equal number of students to be exchanged between the two institutions. As one Calvin student attends an overseas institution, a student from this institution attends Calvin.
Read about the experiences of other HGU exchange students from around the world.
Pohang, Korea
Since its establishment, Handong Global University has caused a sensation in Korea with its unique educational program – including high-quality academic education, sound spiritual discipline, and character development programs. This educational system is what sets it apart from other universities. Handong Global University received the Project of Strengthen Educational Capacity for University Prize (2008, 2009) from the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
- Things to do
-
Visit Jukdo Market, one of the most important seafood markets in Korea, where the fish is cheap and fresh. OR take in the views from Bogyeongsa, Pohang's major Buddhist temple.
HGU sponsors cultural exchange opportunities such as the Korean Cultural Experience tour, IBS (International Buddy System), Korean Speech, and Culture night. Students may also participate in most HGU student clubs. HGU also facilitates a tip to the Kyoto and Osaka regions of Japan at the end of the semester.
- History
- A small fishing village until the dawn of the 20th century, Pohang has grown rapidly since its designation as a city in 1949. It was the site if significant UN naval operations in the Korean War as well as clashes between South and North Korean forces. Today its economy based around iron and steel as well as shipbuilding and fishing, and aims to become more environmentally conscious while continuing to be a center of arts and culture.
- Population
- Approx. 524,000
- Climate
- Pohang experiences mild winters and warm summers. The rainy season occurs in late summer (June-September).
Program Profile: Pohang, Korea
In most cases students adapt well to their circumstances, but it is helpful to know what to expect as you prepare for a specific experience. If you have specific questions about a program, we would encourage you to speak directly to your off-campus instructor or director or, feel free to stop by the OCP Office at any time.
Physical expectations: form
Social Expectations: By their nature, semesters and interims off-campus are inherently social experiences. Heavy emphasis is usually put on building a strong sense of community within the group, which requires openness, sociability, and a collaborative spirit from everyone involved. Acknowledging that having a diversity of personalities makes a group stronger, it is expected that all participants willfully agree to be an active part of the social community of their interim or semester program.
Physical Expectations
Low
These experiences require no more physical exertion than being on Calvin’s Campus. You don’t have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to. No physical preparation is required to make the most of this experience.
Moderate
Moderate physical activity is expected and an average level of fitness is required. You will be doing a great deal more walking then on campus, often over uneven surfaces and rough roads. Some physical preparation is recommended before departure to make the most of this experience.
High
Be prepared for some serious physical activity requiring an above average level of fitness. This will include a high level of walking over all kinds of terrain as well as other physical demands in all kinds of extreme temperatures. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy this experience as many activities will be challenging.
Language Importance
Low
English is the predominant language in course location.
Moderate
Knowing another language is helpful to fulfill the goals of the course but English is also prevalent in course location.
High
Knowing another language is important to fulfill the goals of the course.Cultural Acclimation Difficulty
Low
Western conveniences are prevalent. Host culture is very similar to traditions and culture of West Michigan.
Moderate
Few western conveniences, the need for students to blend in with the surrounding culture is important. Host culture shares similarities and differences with the culture of West Michigan.
High
No western conveniences, the need for students to acclimatize to local culture is readily apparent. Host culture is vastly different than West Michigan.Level of Cultural Interaction
Low
Interaction with local culture is limited and very formal (e.g. through organized tours).
Moderate
Intentional opportunities to interact with local peoples and culture.
High
Intensive immersion in local culture – host families, service-learning, etc.
Safety & Security Considerations
Although no one can guarantee your safety or eliminate all risks from a study-abroad experience, Calvin College is committed to doing its utmost to provide secure environments in which you can live and learn. Our goal is to minimize risks and keep you aware of special situations as you make decisions about studying off-campus.
Low
Safety concerns are similar to living on campus. Incidents can happen anywhere, but there are no indications that you are more at risk during this experience then you would be at home. You always need to continually be aware of what is going on around you and partner with your Calvin instructor or director to assure your safety while off-campus.
Moderate
There are no specific safety concerns of the U.S. State Department for the areas where you will be studying. However, additional care must be taken to assure a safe and secure experience. You always need to continually be aware of what is going on around you and partner with your Calvin instructor or director to assure your safety while off-campus.
High
There are safety concerns you should be aware of as you commit to this trip. The U.S. State Department has issued a Travel alert or Warning for the area where you will be studying. You will need to partner with Calvin in addressing safety concerns and follow all safety guidelines for the experience.
Health Considerations
Remember, Calvin follows the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for all Calvin sponsored off-campus experiences.
Low
Health concerns are similar to living on campus. Illnesses and accidents can happen anywhere, but there are no indications that you are more at risk during this experience then you would be at home. Health Care resources (clinics, medical personnel, etc.) are numerous and you would have easy access to medical care if needed. Some vaccinations will be required, but overall precautions are minimal.
Moderate
In general, health concerns are slightly higher than living on campus. Typical travel illnesses (diarrhea, intestinal issues, etc.) are often experienced and appropriate health care is available but can be harder to access than on campus. Several vaccinations may be required and students must be diligent in taking precautions before and during the experience.
High
Health concerns are higher than living on campus. Typical travel illnesses (diarrhea, intestinal issues, etc.) are often experienced at some point. Plans to assure adequate health care are in place but health care facilities could be hard to access during the experience. There may be many vaccinations required for the experience and students must be diligent in taking precautions before and during the experience.
Mental Health Considerations
Remember, the Broene Counseling Center cannot provide on-line or phone consultations with students.
Moderate
Mental health resources are similar to living on the Calvin campus. Mental Health resources (clinics, counselors, etc.) are available and you would have access to these resources, if needed. It could be challenging to find the right resources on short notice and for a short period of time.
High
Mental health resources are present in various locations during the experience but maybe difficult to access for a variety of reasons.
Lodging
Camping
Group will be camping (living outdoors) at times during the trip.
Host Families
Students will be staying with host families for parts or all of the experience.
Dorms
Staying in College dorms, similar to Calvin. Roommates will be other Calvin students or other international students depending on your preference.
Hostels
Dormitory style lodging, shared bathrooms.
Hotels
Individual rooms (with roommates) and private baths.
Cost
Cost of off-campus experiences vary as a result of a number of factors, including the number of students enrolled in the program. Amidst all these factors, the following categories could be helpful, but students are encouraged to check with instructors and directors on specific cost information.
Semester
$ Within $500 of tuition, room & board on campus
$$ Between $501 and $2,000 of tuition, room and board on campus
$$$ More than $2,000 over tuition, room and board on campus
Interim
$ Less than $2,500
$$ $2,501 to $3,800
$$$ >$3,801
Academics
You will live and study at Handong Global University, a Christian college of about 4,000 students which lies about four hours south of Seoul. Choose amongst HGU's many undergraduate programs to find classes that interest you. About 30% of HGU classes are offered in English.
Accommodations
Students live in on-campus dormitories where Korean is the primary spoken language.Eligibility
You must be of sophomore status and have 2.5 GPA or higher to study in Korea. Programs at HGU are open to all majors.Cost
The Semester in Korea program is a non-Calvin program but students remain eligible for Calvin financial aid at the same level as if they were on campus. The cost is the same as Calvin’s tuition, room and board rate plus an administrative fee. For more details about the program cost, visit the financial information page.
Related
- Departments: