05/08/2026
Incredible opportunity for young adults by our Austin-Gwangmyeong Sister City! 🇰🇷
K-Pop, K-Drama, K-Movie, K-Food, K-Snack, K-Beauty...
How about K-Language, Hangul?
Austin's Korea Sister City is hosting 3 weeks Korean Program for sister city citizens.
More Detail:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BNH37A2hY/
Link to fill out the applicant form:
https://forms.gle/5NyhgKboHbmE7pLYA
Here are some FAQs:
1. Where will accommodation be provided?
Accommodation for participants will be provided by Gwangmyeong City, and depending on the program operation, either Gwangmyeong City official residences (apartments near Gwangmyeong City Hall) or lodging facilities (hotels within Gwangmyeong City) will be used.
For apartments, three people will share one unit (with three rooms), and for hotels, either double occupancy (two people per room) or single occupancy (one person per room) is being considered.
The accommodation type and detailed information will be provided separately after final participant confirmation.
2. Is airport pickup provided?
Airport pickup is not provided; however, instructions on how to travel from the airport to the accommodation will be provided in advance.
3. Are meals provided?
Meals are partially provided during official program schedules and cultural experience activities included in the itinerary. However, meal expenses during free time and personal schedules are the responsibility of the participant.
Additionally, the cafeteria at Gwangmyeong City Hall is available, allowing meals at a relatively low cost (not available on weekends).
4. Can I participate even if I do not have Korean language proficiency?
Yes, it is possible.
This program is designed so that beginner-level Korean learners can also participate,
and beginner- to intermediate-level Korean classes tailored to the participant’s level are provided.
5. In which language is the program conducted?
The program will be conducted in English.
Therefore, participants must be able to communicate in basic English.
6. Will an invitation letter be provided for visa issuance?
If necessary, Gwangmyeong City will issue an official invitation letter to support the visa application.
However, the cost of visa issuance must be borne by the individual.
7. Is personal travel allowed during the program period?
Personal activities are allowed during free time outside the program schedule.
However, you must participate in all official program schedules. On most days, there are program activities, so you may use weekends and similar periods for travel.
8. What expenses must participants prepare for?
Participants are responsible for the following expenses: international airfare, personal expenses, meals during free time, and personal items (hair dryer, toiletries, clothing, laptop, etc.).
At the accommodation, items other than basic furnishings (refrigerator, washing machine, bed, etc.) are not provided.
9. When will the final participants be confirmed?
Among the candidates recommended by each sister city, Gwangmyeong City will conduct the final review and confirm the final participants around mid-July 2026, and will directly notify the relevant city officials and selected individuals.
10. Can the program schedule be changed?
Yes. The program content and schedule may be partially adjusted during the preparation process,
and the final schedule will be announced separately after the participants are confirmed.
11. What is the participant age requirement? (Ages 19–39)
This program is an international exchange program for youth. To enable individuals from diverse age groups to participate, the age requirement has been set at 19–39 years old.
This is intended to enable participation from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including not only university students but also young workers and young activists.
12. What are the criteria for recommending participants?
Each sister city is requested to recommend participants by considering the following criteria.
- Interest in Korean language and culture
- Ability to participate in the entire program schedule (3 weeks)
- Basic English communication skills
- Interest in community activities or international exchange
- Demonstrated diligence in academic or professional activities
- Participants may be youth from diverse backgrounds, including university students, graduate students, employees, and the unemployed, and there are no restrictions on field of study or occupation.
13. If each city recommends five candidates, what criteria are used to select the final participants?
Among the candidates recommended by each sister city, Gwangmyeong City conducts a comprehensive review and finally selects two to three people from each city.
The following factors are comprehensively considered during the selection process.
- Interest in and willingness to learn Korean language and culture
- Purpose of participation in the program and the content of the personal statement
- Community activities and international exchange experience
- Recommendation details from the referring organization
- Suitability for program participation and sincerity
In addition, to ensure the program’s smooth operation, participants will be selected with consideration for balance, ensuring diverse ages, backgrounds, and fields of activity.
14. What coverage is provided by the travel insurance?
Gwangmyeong City plans to purchase travel insurance to prepare for accidents and illnesses that may occur during the program period. However, some costs incurred for personal medical treatment or during individual activities may be borne by the individual depending on the scope of insurance coverage.
