235 students to benefit as rural study-abroad centers expand specialized programs

The government is expanding support for specialized programs at rural study-abroad centers nationwide to promote rural study-abroad opportunities.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced Wednesday that it is partnering with the NH Foundation to carry out the "2026 Rural Study-Abroad Center Program Support Project."

The rural study-abroad program places urban students in rural communities for an extended period, where they attend local schools. The initiative aims to revitalize rural areas and broaden educational exchange between cities and the countryside.

This year, 13 rural study-abroad centers across the country are taking part. A total of 235 students are expected to benefit — 140 rural study-abroad students and 95 local students.

The project has also grown in scale. Last year, the NH Foundation invested 200 million won to run more than 80 programs at 16 centers nationwide; this year's budget has been raised to 300 million won ($198,000).

Each center will run programs tailored to the history, culture and natural environment of its region.

The Yangji Center in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, will offer traditional calligraphy, kendo and folk percussion, while the Huimang Forest Center in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, will hold regular ensemble music lessons. The Unju Center in Wanju, North Jeolla Province, plans to run a rural study-abroad homecoming event and a content-creator education course, and the Omnaetgol Center in Gangjin, South Jeolla Province, will offer a stargazing program.

The ministry said this year's project places greater emphasis on long-term, sustained education programs rather than one-off experiential activities. The goal is to strengthen program quality so students can build emotional stability, develop self-esteem and explore future career paths.

The ministry also plans to conduct on-site monitoring and consulting during the project, and to share successful cases after it concludes to help spread best practices nationwide.

"The rural study-abroad program provides a valuable opportunity for children from cities and rural areas to learn and grow together," said Jeon Han-young, director general of the ministry's Rural Policy Bureau. "We hope it will serve as a catalyst for expanding sustained exchange and a foundation for mutual benefit between urban and rural communities."