back street seoul south korea
Seoul, South Korea

Arts + Sciences

AACSB and EQUIS ✓

Study Program

Dates

-

17 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

17 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

TBD

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

43 weeks

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

17 weeks

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

CIEE’s Arts and Sciences program is designed for students to learn at a top-ranked Korean university and experience everyday life in Seoul – a World Design Capital and the center of popular culture featuring the fastest internet in the world. Select from courses taught in either English or Korean at our partner school, Yonsei University, as well as CIEE Seoul across a wide array of subjects, including Korean language, architecture, engineering, computer science, business, international relations, and history. You can also make strides in your language learning by volunteering in the community or practicing with Korean language buddies from the university. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

Select from 1000

courses in English across many disciplines including STEM; opt to boost language skills and take Korean taught at all levels

Experience Korean life

and spend a weekend with a local family (Covid permitting)

Make instant Korean friends

with the CIEE Seoul Mates program

9

UNESCO World Heritage sites

3 M

international residents

123

floors in Lotte World Tower, Seoul’s tallest building

Experience
  • temple seoul south korea
  • students gangnam style statue

Your Destination

Packed with people, it’s no wonder Seoul is the capital and largest city in South Korea. A vibrant business and financial hub, Seoul also brims with culture, with more than 100 museums, numerous religious monuments, parks, markets, festivals, sports teams, and the Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces. The mighty Han River runs through the city, and rugged mountains loom in the distance.  

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Seoul.

The Culture

archery abroad seoul

Excursions & Activities

  • Visit ancient temples, museums, and historic sites. 
  • See the notorious Korean Demilitarized Zone. 
  • Relish the natural beauty of a national park. 
  • Get a taste of family life with a short homestay of one or two nights. Visit Nami Island, a half-moon shaped island that is popular with tourists all year round 
  • Tour ancient palaces while wearing a hanbok, traditional Korean costume 
  • Enjoy CIEE K-pop/ Indie Concerts 
roller skating abroad seoul study abroad

CIEE Seoul Mates

Connect with local Korean students through our Seoul Mates program. Get to know the city, language, culture, and customs with the help of students trained by CIEE to help with orientation, organize social events, host workshops, and more. 

seoul jump rope abroad study abroad ciee

Projects

  • Volunteer. Show appreciation while you connect with members of local communities.  
  • Get to know the city, language, culture, and customs with the help of students trained by CIEE to help with orientation, organize social events, host workshops, and more.   
  • University clubs. Join one of the many clubs and service groups open to international students. Options include music, dance, art, photography, martial arts, hiking, sports, service groups, and many more. 

Program Blogs

Step Back in Time: Exploring Gyeongbok Palace and Tongin Market in Seoul

By Truc H.

Come with me as I explore Gyeongbok Palace and Tongin Market! At Gyeongbok Palace, I was captivated by the grandeur and historical significance of each architectural detail, while also being delighted by the sight of visitors dressed in traditional hanbok. Despite missing the changing of the guards ceremony, I left with a promise to return for this iconic event. Transitioning to Tongin Market, I embarked on a culinary adventure, sampling hearty teokmanduguk and flavorful gogi mandu with chives. Overall, my day in Seoul was a delightful blend of history, culture, and culinary exploration, leaving me eager to return and uncover more of the city's treasures.

As EXO Once Sang: Someone Call the Doctor

By Kristie S.

Imagine this: You arrive in Korea and everything is going well so far. You are exploring Sinchon (신촌), looking around Yonsei (연세대), and clubbing in Hongdae (홍대). However, one Sunday... keep reading

Adventures in Seoul: My Orientation Week and First Week at Yonsei University

By Truc H.

Embark on a thrilling journey as I dive into my orientation week and first week at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea! Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from my Seoul adventure! 🌟🇰🇷

What People are Saying

  • "I had a fantastic time and the CIEE Seoul in staff were so attentive and helpful at all times. They were like my family here while on study abroad. I absolutely love this program and I think it's worth every cent."

    Aaliyah A., Howard University

  • "CIEE did all the hard work of getting to the country and they did a great job of integrating us into daily life in Korea. The staff are very friendly and more than willing to help CIEE participants with anything."

    Carrie L., Belmont University

  • "The experience has been life changing, especially with the help of CIEE in making this so much smoother!"

    Danielle H., Howard University

  • "CIEE provides a lot of on site support that really helps students get aclimated to living in a new country, and helped ease some of the anxiety and fears that I had when I first arrived"

    Heba M., Georgetown University

Housing
Academics

Academics

A special in-depth orientation and extracurricular program helps students get to know the country, along with 16 weeks of courses in English and Korean at Yonsei University. A typical course load at Yonsei University is four or five courses with one having a Korea-related focus. All courses are taught by Yonsei University faculty except for Intercultural Communication and Leadership, which is taught by CIEE staff.  

Yonsei University is the most prestigious private institution of higher education in South Korea with 18 graduate schools, 21 colleges, and a student population of more than 30,000, including more than 14,000 students from 25 countries. The large, beautiful campus offers superior athletic facilities, including a fitness center, pool, gym, and basketball and tennis courts.

CIEE Seoul is conveniently located on the Sinchon campus of Yonsei University, 20 minutes from downtown Seoul.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program and show two completed semesters on official transcripts at time of CIEE application deadline. For the spring and fall semester programs, Yonsei University does not allow students enrolled in 2-year programs. Transfer students must show previous institution transcripts and one completed semester on official transcript from the current institution with a 2.5 GPA at time of CIEE application deadline. Previous transcripts and the current transcript must be 2.5 or above.  

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. 

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students enroll in 4-5 Yonsei University/CIEE elective courses. 

Program Credit

Total credit range: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • Intensive Korean language courses: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 160 contact hours 
  • Yonsei University courses: 1-3 U.S. semester/1.5-4.5 quarter credits; 16-48 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Yonsei University has a strict course attendance policy: students who are absent for more than one-third of the semester are issued an “F” regardless of achievement. Some professors may have stricter rules. The Korean Language Institute, through which the 6-credit Korean language courses are taught, has stricter policies in which a student cannot be absent for more than 20 percent of the course or they will not receive a passing grade. 

Class Format

Yonsei University classes include both seminar and lecture formats. Some include excursions that relate to the course subjects. Students can take classes designed for only international students or classes alongside local students by enrolling in courses offered by a variety of departments and colleges including engineering, science, and business administration, though some courses may have prerequisites and/or restrictions (e.g. business administration courses are restricted to business majors).

Students with near-native Korean language skills have many more options, provided they have university-level Korean  comprehension. Students wishing to study Korean language can choose to take an intensive 6-credit course or a less intensive 3-credit course. 

Grading

Assessment using letter grades is based on attendance, exams, quizzes, presentations, and papers. Attendance is critical and directly affects grades (see below). 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English and Korean

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

One elective course must have a Korea-related focus. 

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

YONSEI UNIVERSITY COURSES

Yonsei University courses are taught in English and available to international students. The following is a representative sample of their extensive course offering. Not all courses are offered every term. The final list of semester-specific Yonsei University course offerings is made available about a month prior to the start of each semester. However, students can get an idea of the courses that will be available by browsing prior terms in the university’s online course catalog.

Korean Language Institute Courses

  • Beginning Korean Language I, II, III 
  • Intermediate Korean Language I, II, III 
  • Advanced Korean Language I, II 


Business and Economics Courses *

  • Business Communication 
  • Corporate Finance 
  • Cost Accounting 
  • Business and Society 
  • Business and the Arts 
  • Microeconomics 


*Note: Most business courses are open only to those who declare business major on the Yonsei University application.

East Asian Studies

  • Philosophy in East Asian Literature 
  • International Relations in East Asia 
  • Introduction to East Asian Art 
     

Intercultural Education

  • Cold War International History 
  • Bargaining Approach to International Relations 
     

Korean Studies

  • Korean Traditional Music and Culture 
  • Korean Language and Society 
  • Introduction to Korean Studies 
  • International Politics of the Korean Peninsula 
  • Introduction to Korean Philosophy 
  • Korean Language (3-credit course) 
     

Architecture/Engineering/Computer/Science

  • Computer Architecture 
  • Ecological Engineering 
  • Electric Power Engineering 
  • Geospatial Information Engineering 
  • Developmental Biology 
  • Organic Chemistry (1) 
  • Discrete Mathematics 


The Yonsei site is challenging to navigate without a guide. To request a guide, please contact CIEE to connect with the CIEE Study Abroad Advisor for the Seoul Arts and Sciences program. 

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 17 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Fall 2024 17 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Calendar year 2024 43 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date
Program Spring 2025 17 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,332**

Housing = $3,000

Insurance = $194

Visa Fees = $124

Total Fees = $18,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $2,385

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $300

Personal expenses = $380†††

Other = $224††††

Total Costs = $4,689

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

††††Korean National Medical Insurance. All international students are legally required to enroll in Korea’s national health insurance program. All are enrolled automatically as soon as they apply for the required Residence Card. A bill is sent on a monthly basis (approximately $56 per month). The insurance covers up to 80% of inpatient treatments and medical services and 30-70% of outpatient treatments and services.

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,332**

Housing = $3,000

Insurance = $194

Visa Fees = $124

Total Fees = $18,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $2,385

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $300

Personal expenses = $380†††

Other = $224††††

Total Costs = $4,689

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

††††Korean National Medical Insurance. All international students are legally required to enroll in Korea’s national health insurance program. All are enrolled automatically as soon as they apply for the required Residence Card. A bill is sent on a monthly basis (approximately $56 per month). The insurance covers up to 80% of inpatient treatments and medical services and 30-70% of outpatient treatments and services.

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Tina Lee

Operations Manager

Tina has extensive experience in student support and academic mentoring and loves to share Korean traditional and contemporary culture.

Teddy Chol

Student Life Manager

Teddy’s passion and love of international education was driven by his life-changing study abroad experience in the US. He tries to go the extra mile for every single student to...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info