Lone Star College students to study abroad in South Korea

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College System offers students and employees global opportunities to enrich lives in and out of the classroom. John Theis, Ph.D., LSC-Kingwood political science professor, used his Fulbright scholarship through the LSC Office of Honors and International Education to establish a partnership between LSCS and Dankook University in South Korea.

“In an increasingly interdependent international world, cultural understanding and literacy are becoming more important,” said Theis. “This partnership allows students at Lone Star College and Dankook University to broaden their horizons and develop friendships that will help them as they move forward in their careers.”

The LSCS and Dankook partnership will begin in summer 2025 with a study abroad opportunity for LSCS students to attend the Dankook International Summer School. As the program grows, selected LSCS and Dankook students will swap places to study in the respective foreign countries for a semester. Additionally, there are opportunities for faculty exchanges and joint research projects.

"Dankook University’s partnership with Lone Star College marks an exciting chapter in our efforts to create meaningful connections across borders,” said Jaeil Kim, Ph.D., Dankook University executive vice president, External Affairs. “With over 110,000 students combined, this agreement reflects our shared vision of advancing global education and cultural exchange. We eagerly look forward to welcoming Lone Star College students and staff to Dankook University this summer and to exploring further opportunities for collaboration along the way."

While at Dankook University, LSCS students will live in the dorms and participate in classwork and cultural enrichment activities. Those who teach English at Dankook for two weeks will earn a discounted tuition rate on their seven-week immersion learning experience.

“I will take 26 Lone Star College students to study for seven weeks at Dankook’s Global Village and academic summer school program,” said Theis. “This is a great opportunity for students and faculty because it allows both institutions to collaborate on various academic, scientific, educational and cultural exchange programs.”

The Office of Honors and International Education at Lone Star College helps meet the needs of high-achieving students through study abroad opportunities, like the partnership with Dankook University, as well as participation in national conferences, scholarships and internationalized classes. Additionally, students can graduate with an Honors associate of arts or Honors associate of science degree, which helps boost their portfolio when applying to four-year institutions.

"The Office of Honors and International Education is proud to support our faculty through Fulbright trainings and Faculty International Exploration trips, enabling the creation of programs like this,” said Katharine Caruso, Ph.D., LSC associate vice chancellor, Honors and International Education. “We are thrilled to offer this highly sought-after experience as our first long-term study abroad opportunity, which will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of our global education initiatives.”

Visit Summer.Dankook.AC.KR to learn more about what Lone Star College System students will study at Dankook University.