For Teens and Young Adults

Korean Summer Internship*
May 30 - June 29, 2012
Through a special grant, Spence-Chapin has a Korean Summer Internship Program that completely funds two of our young adult, Korean adoptees to visit the country to work with infants and children in a babies' home and explore Korea for one month. Included in this Internship is air, board, and a stipend! A great opportunity!

Required Ages: 18-30 years old
Application deadline: March 21, 2012
Submit registration form to Namyi Min at nmin@spence-chapin.org.
Click here to download a copy of the registration form.

MORE INFORMATION

Established 12 years ago through the generosity of a Spence-Chapin family, this one month, full scholarship provides the opportunity for two adult adopted persons to visit Korea for one month and work with infants and children while also being able to experience the country and culture of their birth.

Since the inception of the program, the summer internship has taken place at the SWS Ehwa Reception Center located in Naju, Korea. Interns assist in caring for infants and pre-school age children living at the Ehwa Reception Center and spend time with birthmothers (called "little moms") at Ehwa's maternity residence. Birthmothers receive counseling and work on projects for fund raising, such as crafts or making baby booties, while deciding on a plan for their child, some considering adoption.

The interns have many opportunities to experience Korean culture, accompany children and staff on outings, and to explore this wonderful part of Korea. Interns prepare Korean food, may go to medical appointments with children or little moms, or accompany a little mom to the hospital when she gives birth. Before returning to the US, the interns have one week they can use for personal travel, help care for the babies at the SWS Babies Reception Home in Seoul or children at Amsa (rehabilitation center for challenged children), or use the time as they choose.

Interns should be comfortable in a foreign country with limited access to spoken English and basic accommodations. Flexibility, maturity and self-sufficiency are important. Interns sleep on quilts on the floor with pillows and have all meals with staff, in the staff dining room, using chopsticks. Food is entirely Korean and there are no Western fast food establishments in the area. As part of the program, interns keep a diary about their experiences that is provided to the program sponsors when the interns return, along with taking photos.

Language Immersion*
August 1 - August 22, 2012
Spence-Chapin also assists adoptees applying for a three-week intensive, Korean Language and Culture Program at Kyung Hee University in Seoul. A partial scholarship, funded by SWS, covers tuition and housing expenses. The program provides a wonderful opportunity to live in Seoul and experience the university setting.

Ideal for Ages: 18 and over
Application deadline: March 21, 2012
Submit registration form to Namyi Min at nmin@spence-chapin.org.
Click here to download a copy of the registration form.

MORE INFORMATION

This 3-week language and culture program is part of the Institute of International Education at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Korea, and is sponsored through SWS. A partial scholarship covers tuition and housing expenses; airfare, food and personal expenses are the responsibility of the individual. Five to six adults adopted through SWS will be able to attend the 2012 summer session in August. Participants must be at least 18 and there is no age limit. The program provides a 3-week stay with housing in a university dormitory. A room is shared with another student who may or may not be Korean and may not speak English. There are many international students with some adoptees.

Participants are asked to learn the Hangul alphabet prior to the start of the program. The program includes 4 hours of Korean language each day, 4 days a week. Two hours are with some English spoken and 2 are totally in Korean. There are breaks, although the pace is fast. Homework is given daily. The program includes a cultural component that is approximately 4 hours a week. Experiences may include classes such as music (drumming), cooking or Tae kwondo, and field trips such as to a celadon museum.

A unique feature is the Dowoomi program for foreign students in the Language Department. This is a "helper" program where students are assigned to Kyung Hee students or graduate students as language partners and buddies to help them adapt to life in Korea.

Dowoomi's may develop a personal and friendly relationship with students. They speak varying amounts of English and some become friends and remain in contact with exchange of letters. Students can receive personal assistance from the helpers during their stay. Students may be introduced to different aspects of Korean culture up-close, share meals and receive pointers on sites to visit.

*Applicants may apply for either or both programs (summer internship and language immersion), and must have been adopted from Korea through the Spence-Chapin program with SWS.

Welcome Home
August 19 - August 25, 2012
The newest program, Welcome Home is a pre-established Motherland Tour Program. Adopted adults can experience Korean culture through travel and forging relationships with local volunteers. After submitting an application, participants are selected by SWS based Spence-Chapin's nominations. Priority is given to individuals who have never visited Korea. The program is fully funded (exluding airfare) through SWS.

Ideal for Ages: 20-35 years
Application deadline: April 25, 2012
Submit registration form to Namyi Min at nmin@spence-chapin.org.
Click here to download a copy of the registration form.

MORE INFORMATION

Adopted adults can experience Korean culture through travel and forging relationships with local volunteers. After submitting an application, Welcome Home participants are selected by SWS based Spence-Chapin's nominations. Priority is given to individuals who have never visited Korea. The program is fully funded (excluding airfare) through SWS. Through this program, 15 adoptees will be selected to participate in a pre-established motherland tour program, along with 15 Korean volunteers, and will share an opportunity for learning and exchange. The fully funded seven day program is from August 19, 2012 to August 25, 2012. Airfare is not included.

Each program participant will be paired with a volunteer to enjoy the program in small groups. The program includes an opening ceremony, a one-day volunteer activity, three-days of travel and a closing ceremony. This program is designed to provide an opportunity for adoptees to experience Korean culture through travel and relationship with local volunteers. Korean culture might be experienced through activities such as learning traditional Korean instruments, making traditional Korean dishes, a voluntary activity and enjoying performing arts. Five groups of adoptee/volunteer pairs will form and select from five different cultural themes as their focus for their travel. A space will be created on Facebook and schedules will be made available. Participants can discuss the schedules with each other and get acquainted in advance.

Adoptees adopted through various agencies working through Social Welfare Society have been invited to apply. Spence-Chapin will be able to nominate 5 to 6 individuals from which participants will be selected. In order to apply, applicants must have been adopted from Korea through the Spence-Chapin program with SWS. They must be between 20 and 35 years of age as of August 19, 2012. Although priority will be given to those who have never visited Korea, anyone interested is encouraged to apply.

For The Family

Roots Family Tour
July 3 - July 15, 2012
This two-week trip is specially designed for children and young adults of Korean heritage to visit the country of their birth with adoptive families.

Ideal for Ages: 7-25 years old
Application deadline: February 22, 2012
Submit registration form to Namyi Min at nmin@spence-chapin.org.
Click here to download a copy of the registration form.
Click here to download a copy of the information brochure.