The Korea-America Student Conference (KASC) is a student-led cultural and academic exchange program which brings 25 Korean and 25 American university students from all schools and levels of education (Undergraduate and Graduate alike) together to learn about and discuss U.S.-Korea relations.

Together, students will experience an intense month traveling around America and learning about several dynamic issues facing the U.S. and Korea: the environment and social movements, media and culture, war and peace, national identity, and the education systems presented in the U.S. and Korea.

Through engagement this diverse group of students will participate in analyzing and creating strategies intended to foster mutual and global cooperation. Not only do conference participants learn about one of the world’s strategic bilateral alliances, they also have the opportunity to directly help reinforce the bonds between countries by sharing knowledge and experiences while making memories and friendship with other future leaders.
 

The theme for the 2010 program is:

The Past, Present, and Future of U.S.-Korea Relations:
Learning from the past, while working in the present toward the future of U.S.-Korea Relations.
 
Our conference is relatively new but the history and journey of America and Korea is vast. By understanding the origin of these two countries, their relationship and their interaction based on direct (i.e. government) and indirect (i.e. media and telecommunications) modules we can discuss, explore and debate bilateral and international relations.

Rotating annually between host countries, this year's events will be held in the United States of America at the following Universities:

Dates: July 12th- August 12th, 2010

These experiences will provide a foundation for mutual understanding, social awareness, cultural sensitivity and a forum for the exchange of ideas.

More importantly, the intense experience of living and working together will encourage mutual appreciation among delegates and promote lasting friendships that will further strengthen the ties between Korea and the U.S.

 

KASC was an unbelievable experience for me to learn more about the two countries in the world that mean the most to me.  Being half Korean, half American, I was fortunate to grow up with a mother who taught me many aspects of Korean culture and tradition, and looking back, I am so thankful that America is the place that it is, in its acceptance of so many different peoples.   KASC really opened my eyes to how intricate the political and economic relationship between the US and Korea is. It was absolutely fascinating to spend one month learning and engaging with experts on US-Korea relations. It made me realize the importance of being active within my American political system, and it also grew in me a greater desire to continue see America and Korea as beneficial and mutual allies in the future.  And of course I will never forget all the friends I made across the US and from Korea.  I had so much fun playing and learning with people I would have never have met otherwise.  My month with KASC was truly unforgettable.

Sara Hlebain, KASC 1

B.A. Political Economy of Industrial Societies
U.C. Berkeley