UT undergraduate students have the opportunity to take Introductory Medical Microbiology and Immunology (MBS 326M) in Seoul, South Korea, a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage, technological innovation, and easy access to mountains and a national park. This faculty-led May Term program combines rigorous academic coursework with immersive cultural experiences in Seoul, South Korea. Through visits to local food industries, a biotechnology company, cultural sites, and traditional Korean medicine experiences, students will explore the connections between microbiology, biotechnology, food production, health, and culture while gaining a broader global perspective.
The application for this program is now open! Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn about eligibility and start your application.
Required Courses
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NSC 119 |
International Learning Seminar Spring semester, before departure |
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MBS 326M |
Introductory Medical Microbiology and Immunology Taken abroad in Seoul during May Term |
Program Faculty
Dr. Hyunju Kim is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, where she teaches Introductory Medical Microbiology and Immunology. She is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences that connect scientific knowledge with real-world applications while preparing students to become thoughtful healthcare professionals and culturally curious, globally engaged learners.
Originally from Daegu, South Korea, Dr. Kim brings both academic expertise and personal perspective to this study abroad program. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of North Texas and has more than 20 years of experience teaching undergraduate biology courses, mentoring pre-health students, and supporting their academic and professional development. Before joining The University of Texas at Austin in 2023, Dr. Kim served as Director of the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program and as a faculty advisor at the University of North Texas, where she guided and mentored pre-health students as they prepared for careers in healthcare and biomedical sciences.
Program Highlights
- Take MBS 326M while abroad with Dr. Hyunju Kim
- Learn from industry experts during visits to companies in a variety health-related fields
- Dive deep and explore Seoul through visits to the Gyeongbok-gung Palace, National Museum of Korea, and Insa-dong
- Visit Daegu to learn about Korean traditional medicine
- Stay in a shared apart-hotel in the heart of Seoul
2027 Program Dates
Subject to change
- May 6 – June 3, 2027
- NSC 119 Spring Seminar - Wednesdays from 4-5pm
Cost & Eligibility
- Open to students from all colleges and schools
- Recommended minimum GPA: 2.5
- Must have completed BIO 311C, BIO 325 and CH 301 with a grade of C or better in Fall 2026 or earlier
- Program fee includes housing, excursions, instruction, and orientation
- Airfare, books, insurance, transportation, and personal expenses not included
- Scholarship options available here and in LASSO
- See the estimated program budget for full cost details
| Program fee - Estimate for 2027 - subject to change | $5,650 |
| Estimated Round-trip Airfare (Incheon - Seoul) | $1,500 |
| Estimated Meals and Personal Expenses (not included in program fee) | $1,000 |
| UT International Emergency Insurance | $225 |
| Administrative Fee (Texas Global Portal) | $75 |
| Total estimated cost | $ 8,450+ |
Sample Activities - Subject to change
- Morning to mid-afternoon lectures followed by free time or field excursions
- Visit local industries related to medicine and biotechnology
- Get to know the amazing city of Seoul by cruising the Han River, visiting museums and palaces and dining at local restaurants
- Connect food, culture and health by learning to make Kimchi!
- Day trip to the DMZ and learn about South Korean history
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2-day trip to the city of Daegu to explore the Oriental Medicine Cultural Center, visit markets and taste local cuisine, known as the “fried chicken capital” of South Korea
Upcoming Info Sessions
Join up at this upcoming info session to learn more about the Medical Microbiology in Seoul May term program.
Medical Microbiology in Seoul Info Session - in person
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 5:00 - 6:00pm
Application Eligibility and Requirements
Review the Program Requirements
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Apply by November 1, 2026 at 11:59pm
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Must have completed BIO 311C, BIO 325 and CH 301with a grade of C- or better in Fall 2026 or earlier
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Minimum GPA: 2.5
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Mandatory NSC 119 (1-hour) course in Spring 2027 semester
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Deposit of $500 (due when accepting your spot in the program)
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Application fee for Portal access $75 (after acceptance into the program)
Draft Your Essay Questions
Please draft your essays in a separate word document ahead of opening the application. When answering the following prompts, consider what sets you apart and include details which will give us a better idea of who you are.
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What do you hope to gain from studying Medical Microbiology in Seoul? Specifically, how will participating in the site visits, excursions and class activities help you academically/personally? (250 words max)
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Students on this program will be not only be representing themselves, but also CNS and UT Austin. What would you bring to this opportunity and why are you a good candidate for this experience abroad? (250 words max)
Secure a Recommendation from a UT Faculty or Graduate Teaching Assistant
- The application requires a short recommendation survey from a UT Faculty or Graduate Teaching Assistant.
- Contact your recommender ahead of submitting the application to make sure they are prepared to complete a recommendation on your behalf. The survey will automatically send once the application has been submitted. The survey should take about 5 minutes to complete and will be due by November 4th, 2026.
Applications are now open! Follow the link below to get started.
Questions?
Want more guidance? CNS Undergraduates can make a “Study Abroad & International Opportunities Advising" Appointment with our team in 12twenty@Texas.