The 2026 Harvard Undergraduates in Asia Program (HUAP), which brought together students from Ewha Womans University and Harvard University, has come to a successful conclusion. This academic and cultural exchange program connects students from Harvard University with leading universities across Asia to build international networks and cultivate the next generation of Asian leaders, and is conducted as a two-way conference held in both Boston and Seoul. Since 2007, Ewha has been the program’s sole partner university in Korea, steadily strengthening students’ global competencies.
The program consists of two conferences held in Boston and Seoul. A delegation of ten Ewha students participated in the Boston conference at Harvard University in January, joining academic lectures, workshops, and cultural exchange programs under the theme “An Interdisciplinary Approach to a Shared Future.” In particular, participants deepened their understanding of global issues through special lectures across a range of academic fields, problem-solving sessions, and academic presentations (HUAPx). In particular, their presentation on Korea’s aging population and shifting demographic structure resonated with an international audience. Cultural exchange activities—including a K-pop performance and an introduction to Korean cuisine—met with a particularly enthusiastic response.
The Seoul conference, held at Ewha in March, brought together Ewha and Harvard students to engage in discussions, lectures, and workshops and gain a deeper appreciation for collaboration and empathy. Participants addressed a range of global issues—including Generation Z literacy challenges and the expansion of official development assistance (ODA)—and explored solutions incorporating AI and emerging technologies. They also deepened their understanding of Korean society through traditional cultural activities and visits to major cultural sites.
In this way, HUAP has evolved beyond a simple study abroad or short-term exchange into a practice-based global education model in which students are encouraged to actively plan and run the program, gaining hands-on experience in international collaboration. In particular, Ewha students not only participated in the Boston conference but also played a leading role in organizing and hosting the Seoul conference, further strengthening their planning skills and leadership.
