2026 SKKU ISS Concludes

SKKU’s International Affairs Division (Vice President of International Affairs, Professor Minhyo Cho) successfully concluded the 2026 International Summer Semester (ISS), which ran for four weeks from June 26 to July 24. Celebrating its 18th anniversary, this year's program welcomed 1,021 students from 126 universities across 39 countries, representing a 26.4% increase from the previous year and reaffirming SKKU's growing global presence. Among international participants (excluding SKKU students), the largest groups came from universities in the United States (116 students), the United Kingdom (100), and Australia (80).

The program offered 42 courses spanning business and economics, humanities and social sciences, AI and data science, Korean language, and Korean studies. Classes were taught by 17 visiting international professors and 10 SKKU faculty members. Through regular classes held Monday through Thursday and collaborative team projects, students strengthened both their academic expertise and cross-cultural communication skills.

Beyond the classroom, a wide range of cultural activities was offered on Fridays and weekday evenings. More than 500 students participated in each program, including visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace, cultural performances, Everland, Caribbean Bay, and the DMZ, providing opportunities to experience Korean history and culture firsthand. Students also enjoyed Korea's vibrant sports culture through group outings to KBO League baseball and K League football games.

A new highlight this year was the introduction of small-group activities organized in collaboration with SKKU student clubs, covering football, taekwondo, tea ceremony, baseball, magic, photography, and more. These activities encouraged meaningful friendships between international participants and SKKU students. In addition, with the FIFA World Cup taking place during the program, students gathered to watch matches together and participated in special World Cup-themed events, creating friendships that transcended national boundaries.

Following its successful debut last year, the two-night, three-day Jeju Cultural Experience Program returned, giving participants the opportunity to explore Jeju Island's unique culture and natural environment. The program once again received highly positive feedback from students.

The Laboratory-Based Research Internship Program also expanded this year, with 26 students participating, up from 15 in the previous year. Participants are engaged in full-time research projects, creating a valuable pathway to graduate study at SKKU while strengthening the foundation for future international research collaboration.

The closing ceremony featured student reflections, a farewell session with faculty members, and a highlight video capturing memorable moments from the summer. Awards were also presented for the Digital Content Contest and the World Cup Prediction Event. The celebration concluded with a special taekwondo performance by a professional demonstration team and a photo session with SKKU's official mascots, Myeongnyuni and Yuljeoni, leaving participants with lasting memories.

Professor Minhyo Cho, Vice President of International Affairs, remarked, "ISS has evolved beyond a traditional summer school into SKKU's distinctive international education model that seamlessly integrates learning, culture, and research. We hope this program has provided every participant with an unforgettable summer experience."