This paper examines the characteristics, educational outcomes, and challenges of a study abroad programme in Korea operated by Hokkai School of Commerce, a small private university in Japan, in partnership with Daejeon University in Korea. The programme is offered to first-year students for approximately five months and integrates intensive Korean language instruction, cultural experiences, and interaction with Korean students into the regular curriculum and credit system. The programme has contributed to improvements in Korean language proficiency and confidence in communication, as well as to a deeper understanding of Korean society and culture. At the same time, several challenges have emerged, including students’ financial burden and the resulting limitations on participation, as well as proficiency gaps between participants and non-participants after students return to Japan. Based on this case, the paper discusses ways to enhance the sustainability of the programme through increased financial support, flexible curriculum design that takes proficiency differences into account, and expanded opportunities for international interaction through online exchange.