91³Ô¹Ï

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Q: What is the purpose of the Sejong Korea Scholars Program (SKSP)?

A: The SKSP was established by the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (91³Ô¹Ï) and the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) to provide intellectually curious, high-achieving high school students across the United States with a comprehensive, distance-learning course on Korean history and U.S.–Korea relations. The SKSP enables students to develop a rich understanding of various aspects of Korean culture, art, literature, history, economics, society, and politics and the historical and contemporary relationship between the United States and Korea. The course also emphasizes the importance of learning about both American and Korean perspectives on historical and contemporary issues in U.S.–Korea relations.

Q: Who is eligible to apply to the SKSP?

A: All current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the United States are eligible to apply. Applications from gap-year students may be considered. 

Students who apply to the SKSP should be self-motivated, genuinely interested in learning about Korea and U.S.–Korea relations, and excited about interacting with other high school students across the United States. Students of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Prospective students may range from those who have exhausted every possible opportunity to learn about Korea and want to be challenged to a far greater extent than their high schools can provide, to those who have never had the opportunity to take a course on Korea but are intellectually curious about Korea and U.S.–Korea relations.  

Admission is competitive, based on consideration of academic record (including success in advanced coursework), writing and analytical ability, a successful track record in balancing competing priorities, a collaborative orientation towards learning, and demonstrated interest in Korea and/or international studies.

Q: How is the SKSP coursework structured?

A: From February through early June, students participate in an Internet-mediated course that provides a broad overview of Korean history, literature, religion, art, politics, economics, education, and contemporary society, as well as U.S.–Korea relations. Top scholars provide lectures and engage students in dialog via live Virtual Classroom (VC) sessions. Students complete reading materials, assignments, and a final research project (due in early June). Active participation in real-time and written discussions is an important aspect of the program. 

Q: What makes the SKSP unique?

A: Leading scholars and experts serve as guest speakers for most of our VC sessions, providing direct access to cutting-edge research in their fields. This unique opportunity is a distinctive element of SKSP and other 91³Ô¹Ï programs, providing a depth of expertise not usually accessible to high school students.

The SKSP also provides students with a chance to connect with like-minded peers interested in Korea and global issues generally. Students are encouraged to bring their own diverse perspectives to bear on course content. Alumni have the opportunity to maintain an ongoing network, which could be valuable throughout the college years and beyond.

Q: What are the technology requirements for participating in the SKSP?

A: Reliable high-speed Internet access, a computer, a computer microphone, and webcam (headset with mic recommended).

Q: How much time should students expect to dedicate to the SKSP?

A: Students typically spend 4 to 6 hours per week on the SKSP, though this varies according to student background and circumstances. See above for coursework requirements. Participation in the VC sessions on Zoom is required; these 90-minute to 2-hour classes typically take place on Wednesday evenings at a time to accommodate time zones across the U.S.

Q: Do students need to know the Korean language to participate in the SKSP?

A: No, students do not need familiarity with the Korean language to participate in the SKSP.