Pyon Su Alumni Fellowships

The Pyon Su Alumni Fellowship Program offers UM undergraduate or graduate students the opportunity to study Korean culture, society, language, history and related areas in Korea. Pyon Su graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Maryland in 1891. He was the first Korean ever to acquire a degree at an American university. The UMCP Korean Alumni Association has endowed this fellowship program. Two awards up to 5 million Korean Won will be awarded per calendar year.

Although knowledge of the Korean language is not required, participants should have a strong appreciation for Korean culture and be willing to adapt to life in a non-western society. The Pyon Su Alumni Fellowship will be awarded to U.S. students or permanent residents who attend the University of Maryland at College Park and who are planning on attending a semester or a year of study abroad at a Korean university. Students may select the Korean university of their choice and the Study Abroad Office is available to offer assistance with the application process. Students may apply for the Pyon Su Alumni Fellowship at the same time they apply to a Korean university. However, students must be accepted by a Korean university in order to be awarded this fellowship.

A University of Maryland selection committee will award the fellowships on the basis of the following:

1. A strong letter of nomination from the student's advisor, department, or faculty member.
2. Strong academic achievements, with a minimum GPA of 3.2.
3. Completion of at least 50 credit hours.
4. Flexibility and willingness to adapt to a non-western culture.
5. Knowledge of Korea and Korean language. *
6. An indication of financial need.

*Knowledge of Korean language is desired, but not required.

Please note: Applicants cannot be a Korean national.

Application process: Students interested in this program should apply through the Study Abroad Office. Applications will be reviewed by the Maryland Selection Committee. To apply for the scholarship, submit all of the following to the Study Abroad Office by October 15 to study abroad in the Spring or Fall:

1. A completed application form.
2. A nomination from your academic advisor or department.
3. A statement explaining your reasons for wanting to participate in the program and why you would be a good candidate for the program.
4. An official copy of your college transcript for each school you have attended.
5. A separate statement indicating the Korean university you have applied to, what your costs will be, how you plan to meet your costs, and show your unmet costs.

All application materials should be sent to the Study Abroad Office.