G.O.A.’L. is excited to announce the return of our First Trip Home program!
First Trip Home was started in 2008 and became an annual program up until the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a unique homeland tour that not only introduces overseas adoptees to Korea, but also focuses on individual birth family searches for each participant.
This is a program for overseas adoptees who are looking to come back to Korea. It has been made for the adoptee only and does not include spots for family, friends, partners, etc.
FTH will include active birth family search as well as cultural activities around Korea like seeing palaces and other landmarks, a trip outside of Seoul, eating delicious Korean food, and meeting other adoptees living in Korea.
Program Details
| DURATION | September 4 ~ 11, 2023 (8 days) |
| LODGING | Covered |
| MEAL EXPENSES | 2 meals per day covered |
| FLIGHT | Not covered |
APPLY TODAY!
and we hope to see you in Korea this year!
Application deadline is May 7, 2023 23:59 KST
Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be contacted about whether or not they will move to an interview round.
If selected for an interview, a time will be scheduled and interviews will take place mid-May.
Final selections will be made and applicants will be notified by the end of May.
For questions, please email program@goal.or.kr
Things to keep in mind before applying:
- If you are able arrive before or stay longer than the 8-day program period, it is recommended. However, expenses will not be covered during this period.
- Embarking on an origin search journey can be very overwhelming, especially if it is your first time back to Korea. It is important that you have a strong support system in place to help you cope with any emotions or feelings that might come up due to this program.
- Once the program starts, it will be fairly fast-paced and active. Adjusting well to the time difference to combat jet lag will be important as the itinerary will be rigorous.
- While not a requirement, we will try to prioritize adoptees who have never returned to Korea or did not stay long in Korea. Anyone is eligible to apply, but please note that this may effect your chances of selection.
- This program is for the individual adoptee only. Family, friends, partners, etc. are not included in the program.
- First Trip Home is for G.O.A.’L. members. If selected, we will ask that you become a member of G.O.A.’L.
PLEASE NOTE:
We also suggest writing your responses to the essay questions in a separate Word document, etc. in case something goes wrong with the submission process and your application does not go through.
For questions, please email program@goal.or.kr
