U.S. Embassy Seoul’s Public Diplomacy Section Offers ‘Discover U.S.’ Grant for Cultural Engagement

Applicants must:
• Be based in the Republic of Korea and able to conduct their program at one of the five American Corners: Busan, Gangneung, Gwangju, Jeju, or Pyeongtaek.
• Be either:
o an American citizen with demonstrable teaching experience in English, or
o a Korean citizen with extensive experience in the United States and expertise teaching U.S. history, culture, and values.
• Have professional or native-speaker fluency in English.
• Reside in Republic of Korea through December 2026 and be available to conduct regular programming.
• Indicate which American Corner they intend to serve (if applying for more than one location, applicants must rank their preferences and provide a justification).
• Have experience teaching English and/or serving as a speaker for educational or cultural programs.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of both American and Korean cultures.
• Have experience in developing and implementing educational or cultural programs, including curriculum design and assessment.

Funding Opportunity Title: Discover U.S.

Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY25-06

Deadline for Applications: Monday, August 11, 2025, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9

CFDA Number: 19.441 – Public Diplomacy Programs (American Spaces)

Type of Funding: FY25 Fulbright-Hays, American Spaces Support Funds 

Total Amount Available: $30,000

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Executive Summary

The U.S. Embassy Seoul’s Public Diplomacy Section is pleased to announce the “Discover U.S.” Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), a program celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This initiative seeks to engage Korean youth through interactive, English-language programs focused on U.S. culture, history, and values at American Corners throughout the Republic of Korea.

The Embassy is seeking five individual grantees—one for each American Corner in Busan, Gangneung, Gwangju, Jeju, and Pyeongtaek—to implement customized programs such as film screenings, discussion sessions, and workshops. Each grantee will conduct a minimum of 20 sessions over a 10–12-month period, working closely with the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section and American Corner staff.

Applicants must be individuals based in the Republic of Korea—either American citizens or Korean citizens with significant U.S. experience and proven expertise in teaching academic subjects related to the United States. Each grantee may receive up to $6,000.

Potential applicants are encouraged to review the official America250 site before applying: https://america250.org

Purpose of the Program

The ‘Discover U.S.’ program aims to deepen Korean audiences’ understanding of American culture, history, and values through targeted educational activities. These may include film screenings, discussions, and lectures designed to foster positive perceptions of the United States and reinforce the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

Goals and Objectives

• Educational Engagement: To deliver comprehensive educational programs that explore U.S. culture, history, and values, fostering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of American ideals and principles among local audiences.
• Cultural Exchange: To facilitate cultural exchange through film screenings, discussions, and lectures that promote mutual understanding, foster appreciation, and highlight shared values and connections between the United States and local communities at our five American Corner locations.
• Audience Development: To cultivate and sustain a dedicated audience that actively engages with American Corner programming, fostering lasting relationships and positive perceptions of the United States.
• Local Outreach: To highlight American achievements, values, and culture in ways that strengthen U.S. soft power and advance diplomatic engagement.

Key Activities

• Film Screenings: Screenings of American films that highlight significant historical events, cultural milestones, and societal values. These screenings will be followed by moderated discussions to encourage critical thinking and dialogue.
• Discussion Sessions: Interactive sessions will allow participants to engage in open discussions about U.S. culture, history, and values. These sessions will be led by knowledgeable facilitators and may feature guest speakers from various fields, approved by U.S. Embassy Seoul.

·        Workshops: Hands-on sessions that delve into specific aspects of American culture, including recognizing cultural celebrations, highlighting American ingenuity and excellence, and proficiency in English.

Grantee Expectations

• Funding and Location: U.S. Embassy Seoul is seeking five grantees, each receiving up to $6,000, to implement the “Discover U.S.” program at one of the American Corners in Busan, Gangneung, Gwangju, Jeju, or Pyeongtaek. Grantees must specify at which American Corner they intend to carry out their program. If applying for multiple American Corners, please rank your preference and provide a justification. Each American Corner will only receive one grantee.
• Program Delivery: Deliver a minimum of 20 sessions in English over a 10- to 12-month period at the selected American Corner.
• Content Development: In consultation with the Public Diplomacy Section at U.S. Embassy Seoul, select program topics, design content, and carry out the sessions accordingly.
• Reporting and Evaluation: Provide regular progress reports and evaluations to the Public Diplomacy Section to ensure the grantee is meeting program objectives.
• Community Engagement: Actively engage with local communities to promote participation and foster mutual understanding.

Substantial Involvement

The U.S. Embassy Seoul’s Public Diplomacy Section will remain substantially involved throughout the program. Embassy involvement will include the following:

• Coordination and Support: The American Corner coordinators at host institutions will serve as key partners, offering critical support to ensure smooth implementation. The Public Diplomacy Section will provide procedural guidance and ensure alignment with the America250 initiative. The American Corners will also be responsible for recruiting program participants. Depending on the specific context of each location, participants may include high school students, university students, and young professionals.
• Resource Provision: The embassy will provide relevant Office of American Spaces resources, such as access to the e-Library.

·        Monitoring and Evaluation: The embassy will oversee program implementation, assess outcomes, and report on the program’s effectiveness in meeting its goals and objectives.

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

Proposal Template / Budget Template

All application materials must be submitted by email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov