Smart Cities & Sustainability
Summer '25 New Program!
The Take-Aways
Real-world Experience
Explore Seoul’s smart city initiatives and try your hand at designing your own city that mitigates climate change. Come home with innovative strategies to apply in your community.
Credentials For Your Future
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a mini smart city model showcasing your knowledge of sustainable urban planning.
Life Skills And New Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication and leadership skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.
45
Hours Of Expert Instruction
3
Weeks Pursuing Your Passion
1
Life-changing Experience
The Destination
Welcome to Seoul, a bustling metropolis balancing modernity with eco-conscious living.
Among towering skyscrapers and historic landmarks is Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Renowned for its technological advances and forward-thinking initiatives, this city of 9 million residents pledges to reduce its carbon footprint by 2030. Projects like the Cheonggyecheon Stream, which has provided a green space for residents, a renewed habitat for biodiversity, and a natural way to cool the surroundings, is an excellent example of what Seoul has in mind for its future.
Explore Seoul’s past visiting landmarks like the Five Grand Palaces and Bukchon Hanok Village, showcasing the traditional side of life in Korea. The surrounding mountains, passing Han River, and the N Seoul Tower provide views of beautiful landscapes. Seoul's many traditional markets, like Gwangjang, the oldest in the city, and street food eateries in neighborhoods like Hapjeong offer exciting opportunities to eat like a local. Meanwhile, Hongdae and Changdong’s vibrant karaoke venues and street art will help you discover the spirit of South Korean pop culture.
Witness it all while traveling safely on Seoul’s metro, contributing to the city’s emission reduction efforts.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Seoul.
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Craft a traditional Korean fan and explore the art of folk painting, delving into its historical significance and the sustainable use of natural materials in art creation.
- Explore the small alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village. Understand the harmony between tradition and modernity and how Seoul keeps its heritage alive.
- Cruise along the Han River and keep an eye out for key landmarks and smart city projects showing off Seoul's commitment to sustainable urban development.
- Go on a guided street food and night market tour to taste a variety of street foods, from traditional Korean snacks to modern fusion dishes.
- Visit the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), a business hub for Northeast Asia known for its eco-friendliness and sustainable development.
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.
Kpop Immersion: Exploring Lotte World & Coex Mall
As we come near the end of the program, we got to explore more of Seoul! First, Global Navigators got to enjoy an entire day at Lotte World. Located in... keep reading
Kpop Immersion: Week 2 At A Glance
As of now, we are midway through the Kpop Immersion program! This past week has been filled with fun activities. We started off the week escape rooms and karaoke in... keep reading
Seoul Searching with Seoulmates
After 5 days in Seoul, our global navigators are living up to their names as they have gotten the hang of using public transportation and exploring Seoul. On day 6... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to current high school students—Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
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 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,450 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,450 |
Ready to change your life?
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 WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
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