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Seoul, South Korea Taipei, Taiwan

Diplomacy & Peace Studies

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Social Change

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$8,750

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

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Program Overview
Experience what it takes to negotiate and maintain peaceful diplomatic relations.

Tensions in East Asia continue to make headlines. This traveling program offers you a unique chance to gain perspective on the region’s complex history and present-day challenges. Start in Seoul, engaging in debates on current issues. Then, see it all culminate in a final mock negotiation in Taipei with other Global Navigators—putting your new knowledge and debating skills to the test!

Meet experts and deepen your understanding of how diverse groups resolve conflicts. Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. Tour the offices of political parties and diplomats in Taipei. Explore the long-term diplomatic actions taken to keep the region peaceful and stable.

Soak in the variety each city offers, too—from the the neon-lit streets and ancient palaces of Seoul to the lush gardens and skyscrapers of Taipei. On excursions, visit the city of Busan, in southern South Korea, and travel to Taiwan’s Kinmen Island. In these two countries, you’ll encounter distinct cultures, languages, and flavors and meet local teens to expand your views on diplomacy and sustaining peace.

Academic Merit Only Scholarship

Only the Global Navigator Academic Merit Only scholarship is available for this multi-destination program. The Academic Merit + Need scholarship is NOT available. If you want to apply for an Academic Merit + Need scholarship, check out our Diplomacy & Peace Studies in Tallinn program.

The Take-Aways

Real-World Experience

Explore South Korea and Taiwan's history and how the two nations have achieved peace and stability. Come home with improved communication, negotiation, and debating skills and a greater understanding of diplomacy.

Credentials for Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a proposal for a peace-building initiative.

Life Skills and New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

45

Hours Of Expert Instruction

3

Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-changing Experience

The Destination
  • DESTINATION 1_Taipei
  • DESTINATION 2__diplomacy.jpg
  • DESTINATION Seoul_HSSA.jpg

The Destination

Welcome to Seoul and Taipei, two of the most dynamic cities of East Asia.

South Korea and Taiwan’s strategic locations make them central hubs for regional diplomacy. These two nations, known for their safety and quality of life, have achieved peace and stability in a short period of time. Despite having complex relationships with major world powers, they boast influential companies with a global presence, particularly in technology and trade, largely due to their diplomatic efforts.

Seoul exudes a frenetic pace and provides a window into the immensely popular South Korean culture—K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cinema. On the other hand, Taipei offers a serene atmosphere and a chance to participate in traditional Chinese customs, preserved better in Taiwan than in China. Both cities are replete with iconic landmarks, from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Bukchon Hanok Village, and Taipei 101 to Elephant Mountain. While exploring busy streets and markets, enticing foods, like Korean rice bowls, Taiwanese hamburgers, shaved ice desserts, and Boba Tea, await!

As you immerse yourself in the cultures, food, and shared history of the region, you’ll discover the uniqueness and global significance of these great cities.

Daily Life

Daily Life

Monday–Friday   

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at the hotel 
  • Hands-on learning with expert instructors and guest speakers 
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators in the community 
  • Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop  
  • Dinner out in the community   

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends

Housing

Hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Qingshui Cliff and Tea Picking Experience

By Yu-De Su at CIEE

Afternoon take bus to Qingshui Cliff is located in the 22.7-kilometer section between Heping and Qingshui in Xiulin Township, Hualien County. It is mainly composed of marble, gneiss and green... keep reading

From CIEE

golden nine ten traveal a day

By Yu-De Su at CIEE

The first step Shuinandong parking lot at the intersection is the first stop for many people when they come to Jiufen. You can climb up to the viewing platform and... keep reading

From CIEE

Take a historical trip in DaDaoCheng

By Sean Hsieh at CIEE

Today we visited the historic neighborhood of Da Dao Cheng. Established during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, Da Dao Cheng originated as a trading post. The area’s location immediately next... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

Diplomacy & Peace Studies

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Explore the culinary traditions of Taiwan and Korea (South Korea and North Korea) in cooking workshops with your friends. Learn about the authentic flavors of the region. 
  • Experience street performers and new styles of fashion in the Hongdae neighborhood of South Korea. Choose your favorite themed café! 
  • Reflect on courage and sacrifice at the only United Nations Memorial Cemetery in the world, located in the city of Busan—South Korea’s largest port city. 
  • Visit the Joint Security Area in the DMZ and delve into the complex history of Korea's division and the Korean War, including the armistice that brought the war to a ceasefire.  
  • Meet representatives and government officials at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) to learn about U.S. diplomatic policy in Taiwan.

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.    
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.  

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee  

$25  

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.  

More Questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!  

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I and II 2024 3 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $8,750

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

Our Staff

Erik Perez

Executive Director of Regional Management – Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and Pacific Rim

Erik Pérez earned his B.S. in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) and his M.A. in Economics as a Fulbright Scholar in the U.S.

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