The hot summer days in Korea University become a life-long memory

The 2019 ISC completion ceremony took place, marking the end of the six-week journey.

On August 1, Korea University held the completion ceremony for the 2019 International Summer Campus (ISC) in the Inchon Memorial Hall first floor auditorium. The 2019 ISC brought together more than 1,800 students from 51 countries. The number of participating countries increased by 17 this year, which attests to KU ISC’s status and global recognition.

The six-week program kicked off with the entrance ceremony on June 25. ISC students were offered top-class lectures by eminent scholars in diverse disciplines, including business management, economics, humanities, social science and science. In addition to the lectures, they had a chance to experience various aspects of Korean culture, such as making Korean food, taekwondo lessons and a K-pop dance flash mob.

The completion ceremony opened with opening remarks, the introduction of distinguished guests and congratulatory remarks by the dean of the ISC. “I extend my sincere gratitude to you all for your hard work and active participation in the ISC, truly the best of its kind, over the past six weeks,” said Kim Jeong-ho, Dean of the ISC, congratulating the ISC students on their completion of the program.

On behalf of the ISC professors, Eric Youngstrom from the U.S.’ University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill delivered congratulatory remarks. He said, “Your experience here in the ISC will be a valuable asset in your future.”

Crystal Brau from Villanova University in the U.S. took the podium to represent the 2019 ISC students. She shared her impressions, saying, “It is a great honor and privilege for me to complete the ISC program at Korea University, one of the best universities in Korea. Before taking this program, I had never been outside the U.S., and, therefore, this program has been deeply meaningful for me. I would like to extend my gratitude to my family members, friends and ISC classmates and staff members for supporting me to take on this challenge.”

Representing the ISC pre-college students, Octave Marti said, “Thanks to this opportunity offered by KU, I spent a valuable time experiencing various activities like making Korean food and participating in a flash mob.” Her statement, “It was all the more fun as my roommates were so unique,” elicited bouts of laughter across the hall.

A student from Ohio State University, Naji Chaar, said, “I believe all the Korean cultural activities and programs of the KU ISC have been really meaningful. Whenever I had some spare time, I made short trips to Chunchon, Suwon and Busan with the Naeilro ticket, an unlimited train pass for young people aged 25 and younger. In doing so, I have been able to make a lot of memories in Korea. If there is another international college program like this, I really want to take part in it.”

Ana Camargo DaCosta, a student from Central Florida University in the U.S., said, “All the professors were so great. I really appreciate them. It was really exciting to make Korean food firsthand, and I loved the K-pop dancing activity. I had been just interested in K-pop before this program, but I found that dancing to K-pop music was all the more fun. After completing this program, I am going to Busan with my family, and I look forward to the trip.”

After receiving an alumni badge and certificate of completion, the students watched a congratulatory performance and video clip, a collection of ISC activities over the past six week. The ceremony ended with the Best Buddy and SNS Instagram event winner awards. The winners received a Polaroid camera.

After the completion ceremony, students threw their graduation caps into the air, marking the end of the international summer session. They took photos with professors, peers and staff members to capture their last moments at the ISC.