Gangnam - University of California Riverside International Education Center


   
The City
GNUCR is located in Gangnam, one of the dynamic districts in Seoul, South Korea, with a strong foundation of excellence in education. UCR’s presence in Gangnam originates from the friendship that began in the early 1900s between the Patriot Dosan Ahn Chang Ho and a Riverside resident and orange grower. Ultimately, their friendship led to the establishment of Gangnam and Riverside as sister cities.

The Center
Recognizing the growing need for both economical and high-quality academic English language education to prepare students to study abroad, at the request of the District City of Gangnam, UCR adapted its Intensive English Program for residents of Gangnam. The Center was established through a local education initiative, and to date, UCR is the only onsite American university to successfully establish a not-for-profit program that offers transferable university credits to its students. Students who successfully complete a level receive prestigious University of California credit for course of study. This achievement distinguishes GNUCR as providing an excellent means of learning English for academic preparation within a university environment.
GNUCR’s Study Abroad Program has become one of the most well-respected programs in Korea due to its commitment to offering academic English language and culture preparation through high-quality classroom instruction by professionally qualified faculty. In the past two years, students have experienced various aspects of American university culture, in part through such programs as the ongoing “Visiting UC Professor Lecture Series.” Past speakers include Dr. Edward Chang of the Department of Ethnic Studies; Dr. Peter Chung of the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management; and Dr. Sheila Dwight, Associate Dean and Director of the International Education Programs.

In addition to their experience at the Center in preparation to study abroad, because of the partnership with UCR, Korean students can easily continue their educational experience onsite at the University of California, Riverside in the International Education Program.
GNUCR also offers students high-quality study abroad counseling with the Study Abroad Counselor at no extra charge. The Study Abroad Office makes available to students a wealth of information to assist them in selecting those universities and colleges which will best suit their personal goals.

Take a look at our monthly newsletter: GNUCR Focus (.pdf)

Program Highlights
The Center opened in June 2001, and now has an average of 200 students per each 8-week session. There are currently six 8-week sessions throughout the year.

  • Intensive English Program (Levels: 6, Beginning to Advanced)
  • University Preparation Program (Level 7)
  • Improving Oral Fluency for Academic Success (Level 7)

Electives (Levels: 5-7)

  • American Pop Culture Through Video
  • Vocabulary for Academic Success
  • English Through Media

Korean Language Program

The Korean Language Program at the Seoul National University - Gangnam Gu Korean Language Center was established in 2007 in order to attend to the growing need for Korean language instruction in Seoul. The SNU-GN Korean Language Center represents a cooperation between three organizations-the district of Gangnam, Seoul National University, and GNUCR International Education Center-and aims to improve the quality of life for foreigners living in Korea. Located at GNUCR, students take the same quality classes and receive the same excellent instruction of Seoul National University instructors without having to leave the area of Gangnam.

Learn English in Korea

Elementary Teacher Training Program

As part of a district-wide emphasis to improve foreign language instruction, GNUCR trains and supervises all of the foreign teaching staff working as English teachers in Gangnam public elementary schools. Foreign teachers receive on-site training by GNUCR staff and attend monthly workshops and other professional development opportunities. GNUCR also provides direct feedback through observations of teachers as a way of maintaining the quality and excellence of Gangnam education.


“ GNUCR is a different place to study English in Korea. It gives a special kind of education to develop English ability… come and join us!”
Ji-Eun Lee (Level 500)



“ The curriculum at GNUCR is very well-planned and effective. I’ve been to other places but GNUCR is the only place that really makes me think. GNUCR is like a good prison. They make us want to stay because it feels safe and they help us to focus.”
Do-Young Chung (IOF)

“There are no other English schools in Korea like GNUCR. I want to learn how to use English like a native speaker and the teachers make it very comfortable to learn. They are always very careful and very enthusiastic. GNUCR is also a great place to learn about real American culture too and how American universities are.”
Seo-Jung Lim (Level 400)		  

“We didn’t know that learning English could be so fun. We had gone to other academies since we were young, but GNUCR is the first place that has allowed us to enjoy learning English. This place is different from the other schools. The teachers respect and care for us. In other academies, we can’t get to know our classmates and teachers, but here we can get to know others and it feels like a family.”
Yeo-Sun Oh/Jung-Se Huh/Hyeon-Jeong Kim (Level 600)

  

Gangnam-University of California Riverside
International Education Center
8 Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea, 135-090
Tel: 82-2-546-3260 Fax: 82-2-546-4405

More Information
Fax:(1-951) 827-1074
ucriep@ucx.ucr.edu

 

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