IACKS

6-8 May 2008 from 6 to 8 PM,
in Room G051, Melville Hall,
Australian National University,
Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia

Anyone interested in contemporary North Korea is warmly invited to attend a unique series of retrospective film screenings by Dr. Leonid Petrov. Please note that the films shown have no subtitles, but will be preceded by an explanatory synopsis in English. Complete synopses of the movies are available here.

Dr. Leonid Petrov (RSPAS, ANU), who has been studying and teaching North Korearelated subjects for many years, will provide a brief introduction and lead the discussion. Dr. Petrov is currently working on the projects “Historical Conflict and Reconciliation in East Asia” (ANU-ARC) and “North-South Interfaces on the Korean Peninsula” (French CNRS-EHESS).

TUESDAY 6 MAY: THE DESTINY OF KŬMHŬI AND ŬNHŬI [금희와 은희의 운명]
(1974, Dir. by Pak Hak and Ŏm Kilsŏn, 101 min. No subtitles; synopsis in English)
Room G051, Melville Hall: 18:00 - 20:00
One of the classics of North Korean cinematography, this film emulates the best examples of Soviet and Chinese film making traditions. The story is based on the famous novel by Paek Injun about two twins separated by the Korean War. Having lost contact with each other, the sisters live in the very different societies separated by civil and ideological conflict. Kŭmhŭi lives a happy and comfortable life in North Korea, where she can see her talent for singing and dancing fulfilled. Her sister, Ŭnhŭi, on the contrary, is destined to suffer in the South, surrounded by social evils and class inequality. This film laments the national division and claims the superiority of the socialist system.The film wonderfully portrays the grim reality of everyday life shortly after the Korean War.

WEDNESDAY 7 MAY: OUR FRAGRANCE [우리의 향기]
(2003, Dir. by Chŏn Chongp’al, 85 min. No subtitles; synopsis in English)
Room G051, Melville Hall: 18:00 - 20:00

This film reflects the early changes and nascent conflicts that emerged in North Korean society after the introduction of market-oriented reforms in July 2002. Foreign cultural influences, growing materialism and consumerism are believed to create obstacles for the advancement of Korean-style socialism.

Pyŏngho, a researcher-scientist who develops new types of the traditional dish kimch’i, comes from a conservative family. He tries to preserve and incorporate the traditional values into modern life. A young guide-interpreter, Saebyŏl, who works for an international travel company, is overly accustomed to the lifestyle influenced by foreign traditions. The two meet at the fashion show in Pyongyang, where their participation becomes a major trial to both them and their families.

THURSDAY 8 MAY: THE SCHOOLGIRL’S DIARY [한녀학행의 일기]
(2006, Dir. by Chang Inhak, 93 min. No subtitles; synopsis in English)
Room G051, Melville Hall: 18:00 - 20:00

One of the most recent films produced in North Korea, The Schoolgirl’s Diary immediately hit the box-office record locally, won a prize at the 2006 International Pyongyang Film Festival, and even found its way overseas. The film chronicles a girl’s life throughout her school years, full of mundane problems such as peer pressure and concerns over money.

The main character, Suryŏn, is preparing to make a major decision on what to do with her life after school. She analyses her childhood and questions her parents’ difficult life. Suryŏn’s family lives in a rundown country house, her mother is suffering from cancer, and her father is a workaholic who spends days and nights at the factory working on a scientific project. Tensions at home and school translate into depression and disenchantment with her parents. However, one day Suryŏn comes to realise her selfishness and immaturity.

LP

1. Program Objective

The objective of the Korean Government scholarship program for Undergraduate Students is to provide international students with the opportunities to conduct advanced studies at higher educational institutions in the Republic of Korea in order to promote international exchange in education and mutual friendship between countries.

2. The Universities : Konkuk Univ., Gyeongsang National Univ., Keimyung Univ., Korea Univ., Kongju National Univ., Dong-A Univ., Myongji Univ., Paichai Univ., Sogang Univ., Seoul National Univ., SunMoon Univ., Ajou Univ., Yonsei Univ., Wonkwang Univ., Ewha Women’s Univ., Inha Univ., Chosun Univ., Chungnam National Univ., Hankuk Univ. of Foreign Studies, Hanyang Univ.

3. Academic Programs

Undergraduate course for four years after one-year Korean Language Training. After taking one year’s Korean language course in the designated language institutes, scholars will apply up to five universities among designated twenty ones.

4. Total Candidates for Selection

The number of candidates for selection will depend upon the country eligible for the scholarship program. For detailed information, please contact the Korean Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin.

5. Eligibility

To be eligible, an applicant must:

(1) Be a citizen of the country to which this scholarship is offered;

(2) Be under the 25 years of age as of February 29, 2008 ( i.e. born on or after March 1^st, 1983);

(3) Have an adequate health, both physically and mentally;

(4) Have finished or be scheduled to finish a total of 12 year formal education as of February 29th, 2008;

(5) Have earned a top 10% of grade point average or more than 80 scores average (among 100 full scores) for the all educational institution attended.

(6) Possess a good command of Korean (Preferred Korean Language Proficiency Test Level 4 and over)

(7) Possess a good command of English (Over 550 of PBT, 213 of CBT or 80 of iBT Toefl / Over 6.0 of IELTS/ Over 750 of TOEIC)

※ One who does not have a standard test result should submit a recommendation letter of the principal of his/her school);

(8) Not at any time have received a Korean government scholarship for his/her undergraduate study before;

(9) Not have studied an undergraduate course in Korea before;

(10) Be willing to promote amicable relations between his/ her country and the Republic of Korea.

6.  Scholarship Payment

(1) Scholarship Period

ㅇ 5 years in total: 1 year of Korean Language course and 4 years of Undergraduate Course,

(2) Scholarship Benefits

ⅰ. Airfare: The scholars will be paid an economy class airfare from their country to the Republic of Korea, and, thereafter, an economy air ticket from Korea to their country after the completion of their study.   

※ The NIIED does not compensate either for fees for their domestic travel or for an insurance for traveling to and from the Republic of Korea. These costs must be paid by the scholars themselves.

※ Airfare for entry into Korea will not be provided to a scholar who has remained in Korea as of the confirmation date of selection of scholarship students. And should any scholar wish to return home within one-year, airfare for repatriation should be borne by themselves except for the cases approved by the NIIED such as their close relatives' death, serious illness, severance of diplomatic relations, war and other natural disasters.

 ⅱ. Monthly Allowance: Upon arrival and registration at NIIED, the scholars will be paid with 800,000 won per month to cover living expenses during the scholarship period.

 ⅲ. Tuition Fees: the scholars has the benefit of tuition-waiver: The full entrance fee are exempted by the host institution. The full tuition is exempted by the government.

ⅳ. Settlement Allowance: 200,000 won upon arrival

 ⅴ.  Repatriation Allowance: 100,000 won upon completion of studies.

 ⅵ. Language Training Expenses: The NIIED pays the entrusted language training institution the full costs.

 ⅶ. Medical Insurance: The grantees will be provided with a health insurance during the period of their study program in the Republic of Korea. They will be reimbursed against direct payments for the major accidents and illnesses.

7. Cancellation of Scholarship

(1)  If a scholar is found engaged in any of the following during his/her stay in Korea, his/her scholarship will be suspended or the scholarship amount provided to the student till at the time of being found must be returned to NIIED and the scholar will be deported back to his/her country.

ㅇ When any documents of the scholarship application has been found false,

 ㅇ When they failed in getting admission to the university,

ㅇ When punished by the university or involved in any form of political activity,

ㅇ When they violated the regulations they have given pledge to the NIIED,

ㅇ When found violated the guidelines and regulations set by the NIIED,

ㅇ When cautioned more than 2 times due to the absence from the Korean language training without permission or the temporary departure without permission or notification,

ㅇ When they have not earned at least 2/3 of the registered credit courses due to the discontinuation of their study without permission from the NIIED

ㅇWhen they have not submitted a request for re-enrollment to the university and not notified the NIIED of re-enrollment without any proper reasons within one month after the period of leave of absence from study has ended.
 

(2) The scholars studying for undergraduate programs are strongly recommended not to be absent in the Republic of Korea for more than 30 days at one departure. (In other words, they must reenter the Republic of Korea on the 31st day.) Neglecting this rule will cause their monthly allowance to be curtailed for the period of absence exceeding 30 days. Therefore, the scholars ought to obtain a proper approval from the NIIED office in order to exit the Republic of Korea for more than 30 days. Principally, scholars of the Korean language course should remain in the Republic of Korea until the end of their study programs.

8. Extension of Scholarship Period

Extension of a scholarship is available only for the scholars studying for a master's or doctoral degree programs under certain circumstances. The extension will be determined by the NIIED taking into account the grantee's academic performance, the opinion of academic advisor, the NIIED's annual budget, and other factors.

9. Submission of Required Documents

(1) Place of Submission: Documents must be submitted to the Korean Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin.

(2) Deadline of Submission: Decided by the Korean Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin.

(3) Documents to be submitted

① One completed application form (on a prescribed form)

② Two 4cm x 5cm color photos

③ One Copy of a high school diploma

④ One Copy of a transcript from a high school

⑤ One copy of a certificate of English proficiency (and one copy of a certificate of Korean proficiency if any)

⑥ Two recommendation letters from the applicant's teachers or presidents (on a prescribed form)

⑦ One Self-introduction Essay (on a prescribed form)

⑧ One NIIED Pledge (on a prescribed form)

⑨ One Study Plan (on a prescribed form)

⑩ One Certificate of Health (on a prescribed form)

 (4) Notes 

Application form and other program materials are to be filled out either in Korean or in English. Certificates, credentials, etc. issued in other languages but Korean or English must accompany official translation verified by a notary.

 ※ Submitted documents will not be returned to the applicant.

 ※ Incomplete or incorrect documents are subject to rejection by the NIIED.

10. Scholarship Award Procedures

(1) The Korean diplomatic or consular missions abroad make a preliminary selection of applicants based upon the result of their own selection process. (The recommendations of the government of the country to which scholarship is allocated are available for selection.)

(2) The Korean missions abroad recommend the selected candidates to the National Institute for International Education Development (NIIED), along with the documents through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

(3) The NIIED Review Committee selects the final candidates and, through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, informs the Korean Embassies in the countries concerned. And eventually, the Korean Embassy notifies the successful nominees in their home countries. 

11. Academic Study in Korea

(1) Korean Language Course

  Duration: One year(Six months may be extended by the decision of NIIED)

Institution: Designated institution to which the NIIED entrusts Korean language training.
 

(2) Undergraduate Programs

- Undergraduate schools are generally run on a "semester system" basis, hence students may enroll in March. The first semester lasts from March until August, and the second semester from September until February.

- Duration of Study: 4 years for a undergraduate program.

- Language of Instruction: In many higher educational institutions of the Republic of Korea the language of instruction is Korean and English. Therefore, the potential candidates are expected to possess a good command of Korean and English.

12. Important things

(1) Entry

 Grantees must arrive in the Republic of Korea for registration at the NIIED by May 26, 2008.

   Failure to enter the Republic of Korea within the designated period stated above may result in the cancellation of a scholarship award.
 

(2) Preparation for Entry

- Prior to arrival, the grantees should acquire some knowledge about the Korean language, weather, customs, food, and so on.

- Every grantee should read the 「Guidebook for Korean Government Scholarship Undergraduate Students of Developing Countries」 thoroughly, which will be distributed prior to arriving in Korea. They should keep it for their reference while staying in Korea.

- Grantees will begin receiving their monthly allowances on March 1st, 2008. Therefore, they are advised to bring at least US$ 800 (approximately 800,000 won) to cover their living expenses for the first month.

- As far as the visa procedures are concerned, each scholar is required to visit the Consular section of the Korean embassy in their country of residence after being informed of their selection.

- No expenses will be provided for family dependents accompanying the scholar. Accordingly, the scholar

   should make a proper preparation for living with his or her family in Korea prior to coming to Korea.
 

- Useful Websites

ㅇKorean Language Study  http://www.ied.go.kr

 ㅇKorean Universities              http://yuhak.ied.go.kr → Study abroad information for foreign students

 ㅇKorean Culture                   http://www.mct.go.kr

                                                                   http://www.knto.or.kr

                                                          http://www.unesco.or.kr

 ㅇDiplomatic Missions      http://www.mofat.go.kr

ㅇEntry & Residence            http://www.moj.go.kr           or   http://www.moj.go.kr/immi