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.
Devon Ellis
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!
Areas of study with 8 or more classes available
Art & Design
Business
Communications
Engineering
Humanities
Natural & Applied Sciences
Social Sciences
World Languages
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
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
Air ConditioningBathroom - SharedCommute - Public TransportationDeskLaundry - OnsiteWi-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
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
This unique cultural activity will have you looking and feeling like royalty. You'll don the handsome clothing worthy of 14th century nobility while strolling through Gyeongbokgung Palace like a prince or princess. Talk about awesome photo ops!
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!
Serenah Quiroga
Advising & Communications Coordinator
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.
Dates & Prices
Spring 2024
Application Deadline:
November 15, 2023
Arrival:
March 1, 2024
Departure:
June 22, 2024
Program Fee:
$12,190
Fall 2024
Application Deadline:
May 1, 2024
Arrival:
August 23, 2024
(Estimated)
Departure:
December 20, 2024
(Estimated)
Program Fee:
$12,390
Spring 2025
Application Deadline:
November 15, 2024
Arrival:
February 28, 2025
(Estimated)
Departure:
June 21, 2025
(Estimated)
Program Fee:
$12,390
(Estimated)
Fall 2025
Application Deadline:
May 1, 2025
Arrival:
August 22, 2025
(Estimated)
Departure:
December 19, 2025
(Estimated)
Program Fee:
$12,390
(Estimated)
Current Offers:
2024 Fall Semester Program Discounts
$1,000 Discount
Fall Semester Program Discounts
Imagine what you can do with an extra $1,000!
We're excited to offer $1,000 discounts for the Fall 2024 programs below! Simply apply by the program's Fall 2024 application deadline and use the corresponding code in the "Promo Code" box of the application to save $1,000 off your final invoice.