Grand prize
Grand prize
- Free flight to South Korea
- Up to $1,500 in value
- Two winners will be chosen!
Who can apply:
Who can apply:
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U.S. citizens 18 and over
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Traveling to South Korea during 2026 or 2027
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Enrolled in a participating program with WorldStrides or EF
Application closed - Check back for updates
Application closed - Check back for updates
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Explore eligible experiences
Explore eligible experiences
Explore top programs eligible for our Free Flight to Korea Giveaway.
Why choose South Korea?
Why choose South Korea?
Located in the heart of Asia, South Korea offers visitors an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique culture and a welcoming environment. Gaining popularity over the last few decades, South Korea has become a premier destination for expats moving abroad to study, intern, learn a language, and so much more.
K-Culture, Up Close 🎵
K-Culture, Up Close 🎵
From live K-pop concerts and festivals to deep historical traditions, experience the richness of South Korean culture in person.
Food You Can't Get Anywhere Else 🍜
Food You Can't Get Anywhere Else 🍜
Korea’s food culture is full of unique flavors, traditions, and experiences waiting to be explored.
Read expert guides
Read expert guides
Discover the best universities in South Korea for international students, including top-ranked schools, popular programs, and what makes each one stand out.
Explore the cost of studying abroad in South Korea, from tuition and housing to food and transportation, so you can plan your budget with confidence.
Learn how to study abroad in South Korea in 2026, with practical guidance on choosing a program, securing a visa, and preparing for your trip.
Find the best gap year programs in South Korea and explore opportunities to study, work, volunteer, or immerse yourself in Korean culture.
Frequently asked questions
WorldStrides and EF both offer eligible programs in South Korea. Whether you want to study abroad in Seoul or Busan, intern in Seoul, take on an EF Gap Year, or learn Korean with EF, the choice is yours!
The contest is open to U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, who enroll and study, intern, or travel in South Korea with WorldStrides or EF in 2026 or 2027. One winner is selected from each partner organization.
J-term participants are eligible to enter, same as summer, semester, may-term, and full-year program participants.
No! Written entries (100 words minimum) and video entries (30 seconds–3 minutes) are scored identically against the same rubric.
Costs vary depending on your program and city. Some students pay the same tuition as their home university (if there's a partnership), plus housing and living expenses. Many programs offer scholarships or grants to help offset costs. To learn more, read: How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Korea?
No! Many universities and internship hosts offer programs in English, especially in Seoul and Busan. That said, learning a few basic Korean phrases will make daily life easier and help you connect with locals.
Two winners will each receive a free flight to South Korea (flight reimbursement up to $1,500, once travel is confirmed). One winner will be selected from each partner organization (WorldStrides and EF). Winners are reimbursed after one flight has been taken and confirmation of arrival has been sent to the Go Overseas team.
Entries are scored by a team of Go Overseas judges using the same rubric. Entries are evaluated by: Clarity & Relevance of Prompt, Personal Connection & Authenticity, Quality & Execution, and Overall Impact & Storytelling, with the option to score up to 3 extra bonus points. Written and video entries are scored against the same criteria.
Opens September 9, 2026. Closes October 7, 2026. Winners are notified privately in mid-to-late October, with a public announcement to follow in early November.
No, you do not need to be accepted at the time you submit your application. However, if selected as a winner, you must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the Official Rules, including participating in an eligible South Korea program with WorldStrides or EF to be awarded the grand prize.
Don't skip the bonus points! Subscribing to the newsletter, following @gooverseas, and sharing your entry on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, can add extra points to your application. Read more about how to earn bonus points here.
Typically a minimum GPA of 2.8–3.0 on a 4.0 scale, plus involvement in extracurricular activities. Related: How to Study Abroad with a Low GPA
A gap year in Korea offers the chance to boost your resume, gain valuable experience, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the land of the morning calm. With mountains spanning nearly 75% of the country, it's also a place of natural beauty for hikers and outdoor adventure seekers.
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