SKKU Successfully Concludes 2025 International Summer Semester (ISS)
- 810 students from 99 universities in 49 countries participated
- From Korean cultural immersion to global colloquium and research internships, ISS demonstrates the power of SKKU’s integrated international education model
▲ ISS 2025 students pose for a commemorative photo in academic gowns during the closing ceremony.
Sungkyunkwan University’s Office of International Relations (headed by Vice President Minhyo Cho) announced the successful completion of the 2025 International Summer Semester (ISS), held over four weeks from June 27 (Friday) to July 25 (Friday).
Now in its 17th year, ISS welcomed 810 students from 99 universities across 49 countries—reaffirming SKKU’s growing global presence in international education.
This year’s ISS offered 42 courses across a wide range of disciplines, including ▲Business & Economics, ▲Humanities & Social Sciences, ▲AI & Data Science, and ▲Korean Language & Studies. These were taught by 21 invited international professors and 5 faculty members from SKKU.
Students attended regular classes from Monday to Thursday, enhancing their academic expertise while building intercultural communication skills through team projects and presentations.
▲ Students commemorated their achievements in academic gowns at the closing event.
Each Friday was designated as a culture day, offering students experiential programs such as visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul City Hall, Everland, tidal flats, and even rafting. These activities allowed international students to deepen their understanding of Korean history and traditions while bonding with SKKU students and peers from around the world.
▲ ISS students had the opportunity to wear traditional Hanbok and experience Korean culture firsthand.
This year, ISS introduced its first-ever "Jeju Learncation" (Learning + Vacation), a three-day off-campus program held on Jeju Island. SKKU students and international participants engaged in walkathons, plogging (eco-friendly jogging + trash collection), and local cultural experiences—practicing sustainability and community engagement while building global friendships.
Activities included trekking through Bijarim Forest, exploring Dongmun Market, and healing walks along the beach. Many participants described it as “the most memorable educational experience beyond the classroom.”
▲ ISS participants join a beach plogging activity in Jeju.
On July 24 (Thursday), SKKU hosted a high-profile Global Colloquium featuring professors from Harvard University (Amanda Claybaugh), Columbia University, and the University of Toronto.
The event centered on the theme “The Future of AI and Humanity,” exploring the convergence of humanities, engineering, and technology, and discussing pathways for international collaborative research.
▲ Harvard University’s Dean of Undergraduate Education, Amanda Claybaugh, delivers a keynote at the Global Colloquium.
One of the key highlights of ISS 2025 was its seamless transition to a post-program Research Internship. Select students were assigned to SKKU laboratories, where they are now participating in full-time research activities. This initiative represents a meaningful model that bridges short-term academic programs with long-term academic and research pathways, including potential graduate study at SKKU.
▲ Winners of the ISS V-LOG Contest are celebrated during the closing ceremony.
Students created unforgettable memories through a variety of events during the closing week, including the ISS V-LOG Contest Awards and photo sessions with SKKU’s beloved mascots, Myungnyun and Yuljeon.
These moments have since spread across social media platforms and international student networks, organically expanding global awareness of SKKU and reinforcing its reputation as a leader in global education.
▲ 2025 International Summer Semester Graduation Ceremony Picture
Professor Minhyo Cho, Dean of the Office of International Relations, stated:
“ISS is no longer just a summer session. It is now a core component of SKKU’s globally integrated learning model.”
“We hope that this program—which combined academics, culture, and research—becomes an unforgettable experience for all our students.”
▲VP Minhyo Cho of the Office of International Affairs delivering a congratulatory speech at the completion ceremony.
List
