John P. Daly Summer Scholarships

All full-time LMU students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above are eligible to apply for the scholarships. Applicants will be required to demonstrate these qualifications and submit a qualifying essay.

In their applications, students will write an essay (500 words) explaining why they wish to participate in the program and what they hope to learn. Students should submit their essay, a short introduction video (90 seconds), resume, and unofficial transcripts to the Korean Language and Culture Scholarship Application

Application deadline has been extended to April 26, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Scholarship recipients will be expected to spend four weeks attending all classes at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea and to submit a report on their cross-cultural experiences. Specific details about these reports will be given to the scholarship students. Recipients will also be asked to help promote the scholarship program in the future.  

The scholarships are named in honor of the late John P. Daly, S.J., former director of the Center for Asian Business at LMU. He worked in Korea as a young Jesuit from 1961 to 1981 to help develop Sogang University, where he served as president for 12 years. Fr. Daly’s lifelong goal was to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of culture and history between Asia, Korea in particular, and America. In this age of globalization, the need for such understanding of history and culture and of the effects of cultural differences on our daily lives has never been greater. Sogang faculty and alumni have contributed to an endowment to make the scholarships possible.

These scholarships will provide an opportunity for students to learn the Korean language, experience Korean culture, and become global leaders in academia, business and politics.

Successful applicants will receive reimbursement for round trip coach airfare (up to $1700 maximum). The Sogang Korean Immersion program, in-country accommodations and travel arrangements are included in the scholarship. Students will need insurance and money for some meals. Sogang University will supervise the program in Korea.

Korea is a country strongly influenced by Confucianism with a philosophy of harmony and right conduct based on relationships that create a "vertical" society. Like other Asian countries, Korea is a collectivist society, a "we" society, which is very different from America, where individualism prevails. By studying the language and culture of Korea you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the people of Asia and their culture.

Korea is less than half the size of California, but has a population of 48 million. The capital, Seoul, founded in 1392, still has several of its ancient gates and sections of the city walls. It is a modern city, rebuilt from the devastation of the Korean War 60 years ago.

Korea is the only divided country in the world. South Korea may be the most democratic of Asian countries, while North Korea is a completely isolated communist state. Since the Korean War ended in 1953, the world's third and fifth largest armies have faced each other across the border, the Demilitarized Zone (the DMZ), North Korea with 1,000,000 regulars and 5,000,000 reserves, the South with 500,000 regulars and 3,000,000 reserves. Currently there are over 28,000 U.S. forces serving in Korea.

The Korean language belongs to the Ural-Altaic language group that includes Japanese, Turkish, Hungarian, Finnish, Mongolian and Tibetan. Korean bears considerable resemblance to Japanese in grammatical structure and both languages have many Chinese leased words. The Korean alphabet, which is considered one of the most scientific writing systems in use in the world, was invented in 1446 by a group of scholars under King Sejong. Korea is a world leader on broadband Internet speeds. In fact, the U.S. is only about one fourth as fast. Korea's leading exports are semiconductors, wireless telecommunications equipment, motor vehicles, computers, steel ships and petrochemicals. It is one of the world's leading Internet games and mobile entertainment developers. Entertainment is very important with Korean soap operas sweeping Asia and a high-quality movie industry.

"The John P. Daly, SJ Scholarship gave me a great look into major Korean companies, and the factors that contribute to their success. I learned about the difference between Korean and American business practices, and about how interconnected the economy and global trade really is." - Luke Vetter

"My trip to Korea was a life-changing opportunity that I will always cherish. Being exposed to different customs and values confirmed my strong belief that I can learn a great deal from those who are very different from me." - Patrick Sampson

"Whether personal relationships like my Korean host family or casual day-to-day encounters with Korean shoppers, vendors, workers and commuters, the Korean people were very friendly and welcoming. They were glad to accompany me to dinner to chat or exchange ideas and experiences and patient enough to help me find my way on the metro." - Deborah Southern

"I signed up for the trip to Korea not knowing exactly what it would entail. This trip changed my life for the better - ask anyone who went, we all enjoyed it so much. None of us wanted to leave! 100% amazing. No words can describe it." - David Johnstone

"I had an amazing time in Korea and learned a great deal. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to attend this trip and will definitely recommend this scholarship to all the students back at LMU." - Audrey Lo

"The John P. Daly, S.J. Summer Scholarship was an amazing immersion experience. I was able to gain an understanding and appreciation for Korean culture. I observed a culture with a high regard for respect and personal duty. It was enlightening to experience a culture so different from my own. In the future I know this cultural understanding will improve any business interactions I have with Koreans." - Ashley Hudson

"The Daly Scholarship's arrangement to provide us with Sogang University student-guides made the trip so rewarding for me. Being able to see the country through the eyes of locals instead of more superficial tourism gave me such incredible insight into the culture, customs and world outlook that South Koreans possess. I had so much fun with our guides, and as a result of this program, I know I will always have two great Korean friends! I recommend it to any LMU student looking to broaden their horizons as it has made me much more aware of both Korea and the Asian continent's place on the global landscape." - Kyle Peerless

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to experience Korea firsthand, thanks to the John Daly Scholarship. I have long had an interest in the country, its amazing culture, and success, and I am so glad I was able to experience it for myself. Over the two weeks we saw much of the incredible city of Seoul, as well as Busan and Jeonju. Our guides helped us become more familiar with Korea, its history and the lives of its people. The experience definitely opened my mind to an area of the world I had never before visited and I am sure that it will greatly affect my future and international ambitions." - Caleb Nyberg