If you’re looking to find a community where you can not only pursue your research interest, but also meet people with like-minded interests and enthusiasm, this program is amazing. I felt inspired by my peers throughout the program and enjoyed meeting the students from the University of Michigan as well. It really helps develop your voice as a researcher and I think is a good introduction to the field of humanities. Plus the food is always good!
–Kylie Meng-Lin, Recipient of the Best Paper Award at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Exchange Conference
Participating in KSI’s Undergraduate Fellowship Program has tremendously benefited me not only academically, but personally as well: prior to taking part in the program, I had no experience with Korean Studies and only a vague understanding of writing for the humanities. After spending the year collaborating with my mentors and fellows – where I learned not only what to research, but how – I gained both the skills and confidence to create and present a twenty-page paper at the Institute’s annual conference.
It is thanks to the fellowship that I’ve realized my interest in both writing and research, and have even declared East Asian Languages and Cultures as a second major. I was able to attend USC’s annual Undergraduate Writers’ Conference, where my paper was recognized as an outstanding student work.
I strongly recommend this program to anyone with an interest in Asian Studies, formal research, or writing in general, regardless of prior experience.
–Sienna Jackson, Awarded Second Place at the 2025 USC Undergraduate Writers’ Conference
Apply to be a KSI Fellow!
The Korean Studies Institute (KSI) Undergraduate Fellows Program is an opportunity for USC undergraduates to produce a research paper on key issues in Korean history, culture, and society in the Fall semester, culminating in presentations at the annual joint conference between KSI, the Nam Center for Korean Studies at the University of Michigan, and the James Joo-Jin Kim Center for Korean Studies at the University of Pennsylvania in the Spring semester.
Students will be required to register for KSI 399 (#25813) for 4 units in the Fall semester and participate in the exchange conference in the Spring semester. Both the class and the conference are held in person during the academic year.
The course in the Fall will include sessions on Korean studies and research design. By the end of the course, the Fellows will produce a full draft of a research paper on a topic of their own choosing. In the Spring semester, the Fellows will participate in a mock conference before presenting their papers at the exchange conference with students from the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania.
Benefits of the Program
- Get close academic mentoring from the main instructor and KSI faculty affiliates.
- Produce a 15-20 page research paper on any Korea-related or Korean-American research topic.
- Participate in a USC mini-research conference.
- Participate in the annual USC-Michigan Korean Studies Exchange.
- Be invited to special event occasions.
- Learn about fellowship and publishing opportunities.
Alumni Highlights
- Past Fellows have been an award winner of the Undergraduate Writers’ Conference and recipients of the Critical Language, Boren and Schaefer Fellowships while at USC.
- Graduates have received the Marshall, Schwarzman, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Fulbright Fellowships.
- Many have used their KSI research papers as foundations for a capstone paper, an honors thesis, and/or a writing sample for their graduate school applications.
How to Apply
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- Application Requirements (Click Here to Apply)
- Provide an explanation on why you want to join the Fellows Program
- Provide a research topic you are interested in
- Resume
- Residency is required to participate in this program
- Review of applications will begin on May 8, 2025.
- Application Requirements (Click Here to Apply)