U.S-Korea Talent Exchange Through Study Abroad

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S-Korea Talent Exchange Through Study Abroad

Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY25-03

Deadline for Applications: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9)

CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs

Type of Funding: FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

Total Amount Available: $120,000

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

AL Number, funding type, and other award details may be subject to change prior to finalization.

Executive Summary

The U.S-Korea Talent Exchange Through Study Abroad program is a targeted study-abroad initiative designed to identify and develop exceptional Korean students whose skills, values, and ambitions align with U.S. economic, technological, and security priorities. The program fosters mutually beneficial partnerships between U.S. institutions and high-performing Korean students in fields critical to both nations’ futures — including STEM, advanced manufacturing, defense technology, energy, and entrepreneurship.

The program will train a cohort of well-placed Korean teachers, guidance counselors, and international program administrators through a 3-day workshop at the American Diplomacy House on how to effectively guide well-qualified Korean students through the U.S. university admissions processes. After the workshop, participants will travel to the U.S. for 10 days to gain firsthand experience and knowledge of U.S. higher education opportunities. Following the study tour, each participant will be expected to deliver presentations alongside EducationUSA representatives to their Korean peers in person at the American Diplomacy House, American Corners, and networking events across the ROK. 

Goals and Objectives

Proposals must include an American element or connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions and should clearly explain the applicants’ previous experience running similar programs across the Republic of Korea and the United States.

The goal of this program is a focused study abroad and training initiative that recruits Korea’s best and brightest students to study in U.S. institutions in disciplines directly tied to America’s economic competitiveness, technological leadership, and national security. In support of this goal, the program will strengthen the capacity of Korean high school educators and advisors to guide students on pursuing post-secondary education in the United States. The program seeks to increase awareness and understanding of the U.S. higher education system, including admissions processes, financial aid, and various types of higher education institutions.

The program will include:

• A 3-day professional workshop at the American Diplomacy House (ADH) in Seoul, led by EducationUSA advisors, offering training on U.S. university admissions, financial considerations for international students, and building strong applications.
• A 10-day study tour in the United States, including visits to a diverse range of U.S. institutions (e.g., four-year universities, community colleges, and technical schools in both urban and rural settings), as well as cultural and home hospitality components.
• Post-tour in-person presentations by participants, in collaboration with EducationUSA, to share insights with peers at the American Diplomacy House and American Corners.
• Networking events connecting current participants with alumni from previous Embassy-sponsored counselor programs.

Expected outcomes include:

• Enhanced participant knowledge of U.S. higher education systems and admissions processes.
• Increased capacity to support Korean students seeking to study in the U.S.
• Strengthened networks among Korean educators promoting U.S. study abroad opportunities.

Applicants should budget for all program costs, including:

• Participant travel and lodging for both the Seoul-based workshop and the U.S. study tour,
• Domestic and international airfare,
• Per diem, insurance, interpretation (if needed), and transportation,
• Venue rental, speaker fees, and materials for workshops and presentations,
• Coordination of networking events and participant follow-up.

Participants must currently be working as schoolteachers or guidance counselors at Korean high schools that frequently send students overseas. Participants can also be international program administrators with experience advising students on college or graduate school admissions, particularly for U.S. schools or overseas study.

Substantial Involvement:

This program will be funded through a cooperative agreement. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul will be substantially involved in the following aspects:

• Reviewing and providing input on program structure, schedule, and content;
• Approving participant selection criteria and final participant list;
• Coordinating with EducationUSA and Embassy personnel for workshop facilitation and post-program outreach;
• Participating in regular check-ins with the recipient to monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and ensure alignment with U.S. government goals and public diplomacy objectives.

The recipient will be expected to consult closely with the Embassy throughout the program period to ensure effective implementation and consistent messaging about U.S. higher education opportunities.

Note: Not mandatory, but you may use the templates provided here:

Proposal Template / Budget Template

All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]