At Busan Foreign School, students don’t just learn how to research—they learn how to think, question, collaborate, and communicate with confidence.  AP Seminar, the foundational course of the AP Capstone Diploma Program, remains a key part of our high school curriculum and a valuable opportunity for students to develop college-ready skills.

As one of the first schools in Korea to offer the AP Capstone program, BFS is proud to give students early access to the kinds of inquiry-driven, university-level skills that colleges around the world are looking for. With intentionally small class sizes, AP Seminar students benefit from personalized guidance, close mentorship, and meaningful discussions that push their thinking deeper.

This year’s AP Seminar students are diving into a wide range of compelling, real-world issues through their team research projects, including:

• The link between physical activity, chronic disease, and depression, and how lifestyle choices shape long-term health.

• Whether the world of racing should prioritize entertainment or prioritize safety, and what this tension reveals about society’s values.

• How socioeconomic status influences everyday life in America, shaping opportunity, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Throughout the course, students learn to analyze information from multiple perspectives, craft evidence-based arguments, and present their findings with clarity and confidence. These skills are assessed through both externally scored performance tasks and a final AP exam, giving students the chance to demonstrate college-level readiness in research and communication.

AP Seminar isn’t just another course—it’s the launching point for the full AP Capstone Diploma, a rigorous two-year program recognized internationally for cultivating advanced academic skills. For BFS students, it represents a meaningful step toward becoming active communicators, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners—core SHARK values in action.

According to AP Seminar teacher, Dr. Brock  “AP Seminar is structured in such a way as to help develop academic skills related to critical thinking and research. Even if you are not planning on getting the AP Capstone Diploma, this class is excellent for preparing each participant for university research. The benefits from this class will ripple through every part of a person’s education.”

BFS is proud of our AP Seminar students and excited to see how their ideas continue to grow. Stay tuned for more learning spotlights at BFS!