Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

Study with other motivated students in bustling Seoul

Head to Seoul for a cool contrast of history and modernity, vibrancy and tranquility. You'll make your home base at Sogang University, one of the leading research and liberal arts universities in South Korea. You’ll be among many serious students from South Korea (local students come from the top 1% of their high school classes) as well as numerous international students. Attend the Sunrise Festival at the beginning of the semester hosted by student clubs who welcome new students to the school.

What to Expect

Language(s):

English

Average Courseload:

4-5 classes (12-15 U.S. credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.80

Visa Requirement:

YES - Pre-departure

Other Requirements:

Sophomore standing

Highlights:

AACSB-accredited business school with 40% international student body

Easy access to 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Seoul

Fully-equipped athletic facilities

Numerous cool clubs: tarot card reading, start-up business, comic/video game culture, English conversation club, and more!

Soak up Korean culture straight from the source in the land of Hallyu: K-Dramas and K-Pop!

From day one, the South Korea site director made so much of an effort to help me. Thank you for sharing different Korean foods with us and introducing me to Korean barbecue. Thanks for all your help making my study abroad experience go smoothly!

Benjamin Schneider

University of Texas - San Antonio

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

This program provided me with an opportunity to grow in confidence in my abilities to navigate not only being away from home, but in a city with a language barrier. I was able to begin to find myself as a person and learn more about both how big and small the world is. I learned that laughter is the same in every language and the saying “distance makes the heart grow fonder” is true. I wouldn’t trade this experience, pandemic or not, for the world. CIS Abroad was a wonderful support system while I was in the country, so I am grateful to them.

Marissa Basile

Allegheny College

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

Being abroad made me realize that I had to somehow, someway make my money last till the end of my trip. I set a goal of how much I was not going to spend and how much I could spend per week. I learned to budget and be responsible with my money.

Stephanie Hernandez

University of Houston - Downtown

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

CIS Abroad helped me every step of the way with preparing for my journey abroad. The off-site advisors and on-site advisors were amazing and super helpful when answering all of my questions. I am so glad I chose CIS Abroad because I don’t think I could’ve planned this entire experience by myself!

Deja McLean

Towson University

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

I can’t recommend studying in Korea enough. If you love history, fashion, great food, and just exploring in general, then the Semester in Seoul program is for you. Sogang University is smaller than most of the other universities in Seoul, and as someone whose home university is quite small, I really enjoyed that. I I also loved Sogang because I got to take courses there that are offered at my home university, such as Korean Pop Culture and a Korean course that was fully taught in Korean, which I thought was pretty cool. Food and transportation are very affordable in Seoul, so if you are someone who is on a budget, this program is perfect for you. Also, as a side note, all national museums are free, and websites such as Tracy and Butterfly can give you some great deals on excursions and activities. All in all, studying in Korea was the best decision I have ever made. I got to experience so many amazing things. I met my best friends for life, and I discovered so much about myself during my time abroad. What surprised me the most was how much I changed after I came back home. During my time abroad, I knew I changed at least a little bit, but the reality is I became a completely new person. I am more confident and adventurous now than I have ever been and I am willing to try new foods which I was never willing to try before. I am very proud of myself for that.

Emily Koeper

Wright State University

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

I think studying abroad made me more open to solving new problems and taking on challenges that would otherwise scare me, whether it is just life in general or jobs. I think before I'd be more hesitant to take on these kind of challenges but now I've seen myself face and solve difficult circumstances. I am more prepared to take on things that are a bit out of my comfort zone, so it definitely has positively impacted me.

Marrisa Basile

Allegheny College

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

Our site director was so nice and so helpful. The second I got there, he asked do you need any help with anything, because I had quarantine first. He actually sent everyone in the program fresh strawberries which is very expensive over in Korea. He was always there and very reassuring to know that he was there to help us. I think someone had trouble with visa at one point, so he was always there if we needed him. He tried to get us to figure out things ourselves but if we needed him, he was always there to help us, so that was very comforting and very reassuring.

Marrisa Basile

Allegheny College

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

Program Details

Sogang University

A Jesuit institution, Sogang University is one of the leading research and liberal arts universities in South Korea. You'll be among many serious students from South Korea (local students come from the top 1% of their high school classes) as well as numerous international students (40% of students living on campus are international). Notable alumni include Park Geun-hye, the first woman president of South Korea.

Established in 1960, the university's pristine concrete and glass buildings soar above sweeping green lawns. The athletic facilities are fully equipped with indoor courts, an artificial climbing wall, soundproof music rooms for practicing, and outdoor soccer fields. Eat at one of the two on campus eateries or swing by Gonzaga Plaza to grab some food or something from the convenience store.

This small university cares about the student community. In May, K-pop music performances and food from local bars spring up around campus for the Daedongjae Festival. Each semester, the university also organizes the Sunrise Festival to welcome new students and student clubs host a street festival to recruit new members. You can join the tarot card reading club, the start-up business club, a club all about critiquing comics and video game culture, an English conversation club, martial arts clubs, or something else!

Course Information

Browse Courses

Use the filters when looking for courses offered in a specific term or session. Course listings are for exploratory purposes, final course availability is determined during the enrollment process.

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Life in Seoul

South Korea has everything: the longest subway system in the world, one of the most efficient writing systems, large and abundant forests, AND the world’s fastest internet connections (Take that, Netflix lag!). Seoul is a “dynamic city” that, according to Lonely Planet, “mashes up palaces, temples, cutting-edge design and mountain trails, all to a nonstop K-Pop beat.”

Still have stars in your eyes from the 2018 Olympics opening ceremony? You’re in luck! Just a 2-hour train ride from Pyeongchang, Seoul is the 9th most visited city in the world and the 4th largest earner in tourism. The metropolitan area around Seoul contains five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

Live the Local Life

Outdoor Parks

Walk over the pedestrian-only bridge on your way to Seonyudo Park, an island on the Hangang River that was formerly an industrial water treatment plant, but is now home to the Hangang History Museum and Botanical Gardens.

Cooking Class

Food is a huge staple in Korean culture - everything revolves around it. Learn to cook and then eat like a local.

Local Cultural Festivals

No shortage of celebration here! Seoul boasts the Lotus Lantern Festival, the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, and the Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival, among many more.

Learn to write Hangul

Hangul is the official written language of both South and North Korea, and is touted as the simplest language systems in the world. If you already don't know it, see how quickly you can pick it up!

Visual & Performance Art

Take a selfie in the wildly colorful Ihwa Mural Village, a revitalized artist neighborhood adorned with murals and filled with galleries, cafes. After, check out these gems within walking distance: Lock Museum, Ihwa-dong Village Museum, and Blacksmith Museum.

Sogang University Housing - Gonzaga Hall

Overview

Students will be housed in the modern Gonzaga Hall on campus. Rooms are double occupancy and include a bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, bathroom with a shower, telephone, AC unit, and internet access. Check out the photo gallery to see what your housing in Gonzaga Hall might be like.

Meals

Meal plans are not included, but there are many eateries on campus or very nearby where students love to grab anything from a quick snack to a full meal.

Inclusions and Amenities

Air Conditioning Bathroom - Shared Commute - Public Transportation Desk Laundry - Onsite Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Full-time tuition and fees
Housing
Academic advising
Medical and accident insurance
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Pre-departure orientation
Airport pickup
CIS Abroad on-site orientation
On-site support
Seoul Walking Tour
Day trip to the DMZ and one or more overnight excursions
The Local Life cultural program
Sogang University official transcript
CIS Abroad Micro-credential

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival, take part in both the university and CIS Abroad orientation program. You'll learn the "dos and don'ts" of living in Seoul, South Korea. What will your site director cover? Where to go to enjoy some social, cultural and recreational activities, how to stay safe, and where to shop. Also enjoy a welcome meal, something traditional and yummy, as Korean cuisine is known to be one of the best in the world!

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Though you're not an astronaut returning from space, re-entering your home culture after being abroad can be shocking to the system. Your Site Director will walk you through some of the things to expect and reflect on your experiences abroad so that you can remember the highlights. Also enjoy one last delicious Korean meal before you go!

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Seoul City Tour

Seoul has the old & new, tradition & modernity, history ...

Learn More

Hanbok Wearing Experience

This unique cultural activity will have you looking and feeling ...

Learn More

Jeonju Day Trip

Travel by bus to the important historical city Jeonju and visit one of the biggest Hanok ...

Learn More

Site Directors

Tatum Shannon

Site Director - Seoul, South Korea

I graduated from Florida State University with dual degrees in International Affairs and Chinese Language and Culture. After graduation, I received a Fulbright teaching grant to South Korea where I lived in Sejong City for about 2 years before moving to Seoul. I have taught students of all ages from elementary to college and worked with international students coming to the US and US students coming to Seoul! Currently, I am receiving my degree in International Area Studies at Seoul National University with a focus on China and South Korea. In addition to South Korea, have studied abroad in Dalian and Tianjin in China and Taipei in Taiwan!

Travel Tip! Walk as much as you can! If you find a neighborhood you like, set out on foot and get lost down some side streets. Who knows what you could find – cute cafes, hidden restaurants, or local hotspots you would have never been able to find otherwise!

Soyeon Ham

South Korea Assistant Site Director

I have been working in the international education field for several years and I love interacting with students and their energy! I have studied abroad myself in the US, Canada and Indonesia so I know how influential this experience can be. My son makes me my full self outside of work as he fulfills me in every way!

Travel Tip! It will be helpful to download local apps such as NAVER or Daum in advance to find new destinations as Google Maps is not that accurate in Korea~ and there is free public wi-fi in Korea!

Your Support Staff

Britni Purcell

Senior Program Enrollment Coordinator - South Korea & Japan

I received my BS in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. After my exchange program to Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea I decided to pursue a career in international education. I worked for VCU School of Business as the Academic Coordinator for the International Consulting Program, and had the opportunity to do company visits in Tokyo, Japan as the Staff Advisor for the graduate students. I also served a dual role as the Student Services Specialist for the Office of Student Engagement. Shortly after, I found myself itching to return to Korea, so I earned my international TESOL certification and spent a year teaching English to kindergarten and elementary students in Bucheon, South Korea. Frankly, any opportunity to encourage students to explore another country gets me super excited - namely to East Asia. I'm especially passionate about seeing minority students have and pursue the opportunities, resources, and confidence to study abroad. While I've only been to Japan and South Korea, I'm eager to travel to my other laundry lists of countries - maybe Europe is next...? In my downtime, I'm usually drawing, playing video games, and hanging with my family/close friends - if not resting, we're more than likely engaged in an intense battle of Uno, trying new food, or a chaotic battle in Mario Kart. Also, I love all things art - whether it's digital illustration, destroying a blank sheet of paper with doodles, struggling with watercolor or having art time with my friends, illustration is my favorite way of self-expression. Oh, and Spongebob seasons 1-5 are top tier comedy.

Travel Tip! Find ways to connect with your host community – the language, everyday activities, common gathering places. You'll discover that you can gain the most genuine and life-long friendships just by trying to immerse yourself into the culture.I highly recommend learning some of the language, even a few phrases, before going abroad for an extended amount of time. Don't be afraid to mess up speaking – though you will likely say something wrong and hilarious (I've got too many instances in Korean to count), that's part of the process and the locals will definitely appreciate the genuine effort!

Alexandra Woolner

International Operations Senior Director - Asia Pacific (Australia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea)

Alex studied abroad in the French Alpes when earning her BA at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Following graduation she taught English abroad in China, France, and South Korea. After returning to the states she earned her MA in International Education at SIT Graduate Institute. Alex enjoys exploring culture through food, art, and conversation and has been known to plan travel around best recommendations for street food and immersive museum experiences. In her spare time, Alex participates in community activism through art, repairs vintage typewriters, and gently annoys her cats.

Travel Tip! Expect the unexpected! Sometimes culture shock is stronger in countries where you expect things to be more similar to your home country and environment. Traveling abroad is an excellent way to learn more about your own culture, habits, style, and adaptability.

Kaylee Klinger

Advising & Alumni Relations Manager

Received a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Business Administration from Ohio University. It was there where I discovered CIS Abroad and got the opportunity to study abroad twice; in Paris, France and Stirling Scotland as well as become an Alumni Ambassador. It was during my time in the Scottish Highlands where I discovered my passion for travel. On top of studying in Paris and Stirling, I've been blessed to have traveled to Australia, Canada, Ireland, England and Italy as well! I have a passion for hiking and visiting all of the National Parks in the United States. Also enjoy spending time with my cat, Mumford.

Travel Tip! The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

I am the daughter of an Argentinean immigrant so all of my dad's family still lives in Argentina. I grew up in South Dakota but attended high school and undergrad in the northern Chicago suburbs. I graduated in 2023 from Lake Forest College with a degree in Neuroscience and Psychology. I balanced life as a women's soccer student-athlete, dance team captain, president of the Neuroscience club and working as a medical assistant and babysitter. I studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy and traveled all throughout Europe during my time there. I also frequent Argentina to visit family but my dream destinations are Tokyo, Spain, Seychelles and sooo many more! I feel inspired to work in international education because I want to share the impact that international travels have had on my life and help provide resources for others to travel and gain a world perspective. Outside of work, I love going to concerts, dancing, reading and meeting new people. I am an empathetic and social butterfly that has a lot of compassion for others. At the same time, I value my 'me-time' and am extremely determined to be the best version of myself.

Travel Tip! Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Alumni Ambassadors

Veronika Kostyaeva

Bennington College

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

Ask me about my experience

What was your favorite CIS Abroad cultural immersion that you would recommend to someone?

My favorite cultural immersion programs were about crafting some of the traditional Korean arts — mother of pearl accessory and dojang carving (a stamp). Both of these events allowed me to first hand experience Korean culture and have some fun making a unique piece of art for myself. During the mother of pearl class, our instructor explained the etymology of the word "Najeonchilgi" that Koreans use to describe this handicraft. We were allowed to choose an accessory for our liking (mirror, keychain or hair clip) to decorate with shiny figures made from mother of pearl. Dojang is a personal traditional stone stamp which is used as one's official signature in Korea. During the masterclass we each created a beautiful design of our name in Hangul (Korean alphabet) and carved it out on a stamping stone. These hands-on experiences not only deepened my appreciation for Korean artistry but also left me with cherished and personalized items that symbolize my connection to the culture and will always remind me of my study abroad time.

Aubrey Quagliani

Elizabethtown College

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

Ask me about my experience

What did you love most about your host country?

What I loved the most about my host country, South Korea, was how friendly everyone was. There were many times I would get lost in the subway station and people would come and ask us if we needed help. There was a man who at one point walked us all the way to our train. There was a KBBQ owner who didn't speak English but still bonded with the CIS group and would teach us how to cook the meat and eat certain things. I always felt like whatever situation I was in, I would be able to ask for help from someone and not be judged for it.

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Program Deposit

There is a non-refundable program deposit for all CIS Abroad programs. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program! The deposit deadline and amount can be seen above in the Dates & Prices section.

As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

Study with other motivated students in bustling Seoul

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Program Details

Sogang University

Course Information

Life in Seoul

Live the Local Life

Outdoor Parks

Cooking Class

Local Cultural Festivals

Learn to write Hangul

Visual & Performance Art

Sogang University Housing - Gonzaga Hall

Overview

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Alumni Ambassadors

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP:

Semester in Seoul -
Sogang University