Korean Culture, Immigration and Health
2008 Exploration Seminar in South Korea
Program Director: Eunjung Kim - Nursing
Dates of Instruction: August 24 - September 13 , 2008
This Exploration Seminar in Seoul, Korea will provide opportunities for students to understand the factors which influence the behavior and health of ethnic minority populations using Koreans as an example. The program and course will be comprised of a broad and diversified look at cultural ideologies of heritage and mainstream cultures, immigration and the acculturation process, social and health behaviors, and issues in families such as intergenerational cultural conflict. Students in this program will look specifically at the complexities of these issues based on the lives of a minority population. When students encounter this culture that is different from their own, they will be prepared to reflect on their own culture.
 In addition to online learning during the summer quarter, students will explore this topic via traditional and on-site field research, experience special lectures from Korean scholars, attend meetings and interviews with Korean families, pair up with college students in Korea, visit museums and historic cites, write reflective journals, develop their Korean vocabulary and basic language skills, cook Korean meals, and learn Korean complementary and alternative medicine methods. The course will also involve extensive travel to Korea, a local home stay experience, some language instruction, and a significant variety of cultural and outdoor adventure-type extracurricular activities.
Most learning will take place outside of a traditional classroom environment and will take the form of a facilitated independent study where students will be given the means and resources to pursue collective and individual inquiries into the key issues surrounding the behavior and health of Koreans and Korean immigrants.
Course Objectives
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 Demonstrate a basic understanding of the following concepts related to cultures: collectivism, Confucianism, individualism, Judeo-Christian tradition, subjective culture, immigration, and acculturation.
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Describe the relationship among cultures, immigration, and social and health behaviors.
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In collaboration with Korean citizens, identify characteristics of the cultural and contextual factors that influence behaviors and health.
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Compare and contrast cultures, family relationships, and social and health behaviors seen in Korea and in the United States.
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Demonstrate a basic understanding of Korean Oriental Medicineand use of meditation and exercise to promote personal well-being
See flier for details and information regarding this trip to Korea. Participants will earn 5 credits of CHID 471 “Asia Study Abroad” (I&S), SISEA 490 “Special Topics”, NURS 499 “Special Electives”, or NURS 599 “Selected Readings in Nursing Science’. Please check with your advisor to determine how these credits can count towards department requirements.
 Student Costs:
$ 2,325 Program fee
$ 200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include round trip travel to Seoul, Korea, health insurance, meals, course materials and personal expenses. The program fee includes instruction costs, lodging, field trips, and some meals.
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