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
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!
Learn More About This and Other Programs
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
On my arrival, CIS Abroad offered me a course that would help me acclimate myself to some basic cultural differences, such as the way to address elders, table etiquette, subway etiquette, etc. But one thing they couldn’t prepare me for was how a young Black man was able to integrate into one of the most homogenous societies in the world. Well, I learned a few tricks.
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!
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
Location
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
Bathroom - SharedCommute - Public TransportationDeskLaundryLaundry - Onsite
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
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 & contemporary. Look down the feature of megacity having 10 million population, Seoul at Seoul Tower. Have a concept of Gangnam (South of Han River) and Gangbuk (North of Han River) by looking through the city riding on the chartered bus. You will rapidly soak into the city, seeing a lot of vivid places where people live.
Hanbok wearing experience
Experience wearing Hanbok and walking through Gyeongbokgung palace like a prince & princess or a nobleman in Josun dynasty. You will try very authentic traditional Hanbok costumes with matchable hair make-up.
K-pop dance lesson
Did you know that K-pop is the third-largest export in Korea? You will enjoy the dance moves with English speaking instructor. Any K-pop songs and motions in mind? Just let the site director know it, and you will get it as your motion. This is one of the fun experiences you must do in South Korea!
Site Director
Tatum Shannon
Seoul, South Korea Site Director
About:
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!
Your Support Staff
Britni Purcell
Program Enrollment Coordinator - South Korea & Japan
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
Director of International Operations
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
Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator
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!
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.
Adventure Awaits!
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Hear what students, interns, and alumni have to say
BOLDLY COMMITTED to providing the best experiences abroad
Brittany Joy
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
Get to know your Irish classmates; you can learn about the country and culture from them. I have met people from around the world and from around America. Many of them I still stay in contact with them because we had become close friends and learned a lot from one another. These friendships would not be possible without CISabroad.
... Read On
Brittany Joy
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
Get to know your Irish classmates; you can learn about the country and culture from them. I have met people from around the world and from around America. Many of them I still stay in contact with them because we had become close friends and learned a lot from one another. These friendships would not be possible without CISabroad.
Warda Aden
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
One aspect I enjoyed the most was the freedom that I had to be a student and visitor. My site director was the best at guiding me and always being there in any circumstance, yet I still felt like an adult.
... Read On
Warda Aden
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
One aspect I enjoyed the most was the freedom that I had to be a student and visitor. My site director was the best at guiding me and always being there in any circumstance, yet I still felt like an adult.
Sara Platt
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
This program changed my life in many ways, but most importantly it taught me how to be adaptable. I thoroughly enjoyed the intern mixers that allowed us to meet others in our program.
... Read On
Sara Platt
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
This program changed my life in many ways, but most importantly it taught me how to be adaptable. I thoroughly enjoyed the intern mixers that allowed us to meet others in our program.
Alexa Valenta
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
Come in with an open mind, make friends, and don't pass up an opportunity to explore. I now want to go on more adventures and feel more cultured.
... Read On
Alexa Valenta
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
Come in with an open mind, make friends, and don't pass up an opportunity to explore. I now want to go on more adventures and feel more cultured.
Katie Barton
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
I will forever have a respect for all cultures and people. My favorite aspect of the program was the weekend trips and weekly activities planned for the students.
... Read On
Katie Barton
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
I will forever have a respect for all cultures and people. My favorite aspect of the program was the weekend trips and weekly activities planned for the students.
Ellie Ashbrook
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
The excursions included in the CISabroad program were amazing. The site directors chose awesome tour guides for our excursions and made it a great experience. Both the site directors and the tour guides were extremely caring and knowledgeable about their job. I felt safe at all times.
... Read On
Ellie Ashbrook
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
The excursions included in the CISabroad program were amazing. The site directors chose awesome tour guides for our excursions and made it a great experience. Both the site directors and the tour guides were extremely caring and knowledgeable about their job. I felt safe at all times.
Alex Krell
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
I stepped outside of my comfort zone and met so many friends while studying on the Gold Coast, which has allowed me to stay in contact with people on almost every continent. Being a marketing student, this diverse network will also benefit me on a professional level.
... Read On
Alex Krell
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
I stepped outside of my comfort zone and met so many friends while studying on the Gold Coast, which has allowed me to stay in contact with people on almost every continent. Being a marketing student, this diverse network will also benefit me on a professional level.
Rebecca Garibaldi
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
CISabroad created a comfortable and eventful atmosphere. This program opened my eyes to the world and allowed me to grow comfortable in my own skin when placed in new surroundings.
... Read On
Rebecca Garibaldi
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
CISabroad created a comfortable and eventful atmosphere. This program opened my eyes to the world and allowed me to grow comfortable in my own skin when placed in new surroundings.
Morgann McKunes
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of the world and showed me how small my problems really are. It showed me that I can be whoever I want and do whatever I want and that money isn't everything. Lastly, it introduced me to my CISabroad family.
... Read On
Morgann McKunes
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of the world and showed me how small my problems really are. It showed me that I can be whoever I want and do whatever I want and that money isn't everything. Lastly, it introduced me to my CISabroad family.