arts + sciences

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By Term

• Fall 2014
• Spring 2014
• Spring 2015
• Academic year 2014-2015
• Calendar year 2014

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Program Overview

Whether you’re interested in studying business, language, or culture, there’s something for you in Korea.

The capital city of Seoul is South Korea’s cultural and educational heart, as well as its political and economic epicenter. And with an international buddy program, university clubs, and a variety of cultural excursions, CIEE study abroad in South Korea gives you access to this wonderful culture and ensures an immersive international experience like none other.

Study abroad in Seoul and you will:

• Take courses, taught in English or Korean, in international business, humanities, social sciences, and the arts; have access to intensive Korean language courses for all learning levels
• Receive ongoing support, guidance, and care provided by a long-time American resident in Korea and a local university graduate
• Have access to the Yonsei School of Business (YSB) and its Creative Leadship Forum which offers a series of discussions on investment banking, management consulting, media, and entrepreneurship.

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

In addition to an intensive Korean language class, you’ll have access to a host of elective courses through direct enrollment at Yonsei University. From East Asian studies and business administration to communications, science, and engineering, CIEE has the classes you need to indulge an interest and satisfy major or minor credit.

Cultural Activities

Complementing your classroom work are special lectures, excursions, and cultural activities. Visit Korean organizations, museums, temples, and historic sites. You'll see the DMZ, take a trip to a national park, and visit other locations of great natural and cultural significance. CIEE also arranges one or two-night homestays with Korean families, allowing you to experience life in a Korean home.

Volunteering

Give back to your host community. Through The Back Project, a CIEE community service program, you can work with North Korean refugee students from two schools in Seoul to help them learn English as well as learn more about the world in general. It involves some tutoring as well as activities like bicycling, kayaking on the Han River, exploring the city, cooking, and sharing different cuisines.

CIEE also has an ongoing program with a nearby orphanage where you can volunteer to work with infants and unwed mothers. Other volunteer activities can be arranged for you by the CIEE staff.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2014

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$15,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$13,435

Housing

$1,850

Insurance

$102

Visa Fees

$163

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$2,300

International Airfare *

$1,450

Local Transportation

$150

Books & Supplies

$300

Personal expenses

$2,200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

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

Spring 2014 (18 wks)

10/01/2013

02/13/2014

06/22/2014

$15,850

Program Date Notes

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

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$13,435

Housing

$1,850

Insurance

$102

Visa Fees

$163

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$2,300

International Airfare *

$1,450

Local Transportation

$150

Books & Supplies

$300

Personal expenses

$2,200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

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

Spring 2015

10/01/2014

TBA

TBA

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2014-2015

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$30,100

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$25,835

Housing

$3,700

Insurance

$102

Visa Fees

$163

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$4,600

International Airfare *

$1,450

Local Transportation

$300

Books & Supplies

$600

Personal expenses

$4,400

Expenses during break **

$1,700

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

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

** academic year students are responsible for meals during the semester break

Calendar year 2014

10/01/2013

02/13/2014

TBA

Program Date Notes

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

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate program at the time of application
• Completed two semesters in their undergraduate program prior to applying to the program
• Transcript demonstrating the completion of work is required at the time of application

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit for a semester is 15–17 semester/22.5–24 quarter hours and total recommended credit for the academic year is 30 semester/45 quarter hours.

For content courses, there are 45 contact hours are and recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per course. Korean language courses have 90 contact hours and recommended credit is 6 semester/9 quarter hours.

Program Requirements

All study abroad students take three elective courses for a total of nine credits and one intensive Korean language course at their level for six credits. At least one of the elective courses must be directly related to Korea. Students that exhibit fluency in Korean, orally, aurally, reading, and writing, may be able to take certain elective courses in Korean alongside local Korean students. Students may also take the CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Seoul as an additional elective.

About The City

South Korea, one of the “economic dragons” in Asia, is a country that embraces both a modern and traditional way of life. Seoul, the capital, has many museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as historic monuments and sites. These give study abroad students a historical perspective into Korea’s dynastic periods, which established the intellectual and cultural foundation for modern Korean society. Seoul also offers many stores filled with the latest in mobile technologies, fashion, and “K-pop” music, providing a great backdrop to learn about modern youth culture in Asia.

Meet The Staff

Suzanne Crowder Han

Suzanne Han’s love of Korea began over 30 years ago as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer. Suzanne completed her two-year term of service in a rural health center in Chungju and later became an in-country Peace Corps staff. She has taught at several Korean universities, including Yonsei University, Chung-ang University, and Hankook University of Foreign Studies, and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. An accomplished author, Suzanne has written many books and articles on Korean customs and traditions. Her stories based on Korean folk tales are included in a number of anthologies and children’s reading textbooks in North America. Suzanne is currently President of the International Dragon Circle, a cross-cultural women’s group dedicated to the study and appreciation of Korean culture. In addition, she is a member of the board of Friends of Korea (a Peace Corps organization), and vice president of the Royal Asiatic Society-Korea Branch.

Read More

I have spent over half my adult life in Korea—a land of contrasts and harmony, a pleasant blending of historic majesty and bustling modernity, soaring mountains and wide plains, traditional craftsmen and high-tech industries. Seoul—its capital and the city I call home—is both ancient and youthful. It is an exciting, fascinating city that has been the capital of Korea for over 600 years. Modern high-rise buildings coexist with ancient palaces and shrines. Men and women dressed in Korean traditional garments brush shoulders with those clad in everything from business suits and well-worn jeans to rock fashions and designer creations. The heart of Korea’s culture and education, as well as its politics and economics, Seoul is a great place for a semester or year of study. Koreans take great pride in their language and culture and are happy to help others learn about their customs and traditions, music and art, history, and development.

Come and learn firsthand about the city of Seoul, as well as the dynamic country of Korea and its remarkable people. Come study, learn, and enjoy!

— Suzanne Crowder Han, Resident Director

“”

boram kim

Boram Kim is a graduate of the College of William and Mary with a BA in International Relations and Chinese. She is glad to introduce a rich and dynamic Korea culture to CIEE study abroad participants.

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“”

Where You'll Study

The CIEE Study Center is based at Yonsei University, the most prestigious private institution of higher education in Korea. Founded in 1885, the school has 18 graduate schools, 21 colleges, and a student population of over 30,000, which includes more than 1,000 students from 20 countries. The University is located less than 20 minutes from downtown Seoul on a large sprawling campus that is hilly and forested. A full range of sporting facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, gymnasium, and basketball and tennis courts, are available.

Housing & Meals

Housing is included in the study abroad program fee. Students typically live with other international or CIEE students in the SK Global House dormitory located on campus near the CIEE Study Center. Details about the facility are provided to students in their pre-departure materials. Students may live with their relatives in a homestay environment if available.

Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Meals may be eaten at a food court attached to the dormitory, other on-campus cafeterias, restaurants, and snack bars, and restaurants throughout Seoul. The dorm also has kitchens that students can use.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Seoul even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

A mandatory orientation of about two weeks takes place in Seoul prior to the beginning of courses. The CIEE orientation introduces you to the country and the culture, provides practical information about living in Korea, and prepares you for their upcoming international experience. The orientation also includes visits to places of cultural and historical significance, an excursion to the DMZ that separates North and South Korea, and a three- or four-day trip to the countryside during which meals are provided. In addition, Yonsei University’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provides an academic orientation that includes a Korean language placement exam. You'll also receive ongoing orientation on various aspects of Korean culture through the co-curricular program and individual appointments with the CIEE resident staff.

If you are a student of Korean Heritage with native language skills in Korean you may opt to receive components of orientation in Korean given your different priorities and family obligations while in the program in Seoul. You will be required to do a community service project in the program and particpate only in mandatory group and individual meetings. Other program activities will be optional for you. The goal of this specialized support is to provide discreet programming while acknowledging your needs.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. Free wireless Internet is available in the dorm and most places on campus. You will also have access to computers and the Internet in a media center and lounges in the dorm as well as in the library, Global Lounge in the Student Union Building, and many other locations on campus.

Culture

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

Complementing the classroom work are special lectures, excursions, and cultural activities, such as visits to Korean organizations, museums, temples, and historic sites; a trip to the DMZ; and a trip to a national park or some other location of great natural and cultural significance. These organized activities are a required part of the CIEE study abroad program, and you should expect to participate fully in each activity.

Short-term Homestay

CIEE arranges one or two night homestays with Korean families to enable you to experience life in a Korean home. This experience provides you with a wonderful understanding of Korea and the Korean family.

Cultural Reimbursement Program

To help you enrich your study abroad experience in Seoul, CIEE offers the Cultural Reimbursement Program. This program reimburses you for your participation in local cultural activities, such as Korean movie screenings, traditional music concerts and theater, and visits to local museums and historic places of interest within Seoul.

Immersion

International Buddy Program

Yonsei University organizes an International Buddy Program to promote interaction between international and Korean students. A mentor, who is a student volunteer, is matched to interested international students who would like to exchange their experiences, culture, and general perspective with a local Korean student on the Yonsei campus. The Global Lounge organizes several activities for the buddies, but buddies are free to organize their own activities as well.

Volunteering

Through The Back Project, a CIEE community service program, you can work with North Korean refugee students from two schools in Seoul to help them learn English as well as learn more about the world in general. It involves some tutoring as well as fun activities such as bicycling, kayaking on the Han River, exploring the city, cooking and sharing different cuisines.

CIEE also has an ongoing program with a nearby orphanage whereby you can volunteer to work with infants and unwed mothers. Other volunteer activities can be arranged for you by the CIEE staff.

University Clubs

You can join regular Yonsei University student clubs which cater to every interest. A sampling includes music, dance, art, photography, martial arts, hiking, and sports. There are also a number of service groups that you can join.

Academics

Academic Program

Established in 2006, the CIEE Study Center in Seoul provides study abroad students a supportive environment in which to study at a top-ranked Korean university and experience life in Seoul. While participants enroll in Yonsei University courses, CIEE resident staff organize a special orientation and co-curricular program designed to provide a deeper understanding of Korea. Program participants take courses in English and Korean through the Underwood International College (UIC), a division of Yonsei University.

Academic Culture

At Yonsei, large classes tend to follow a lecture format, whereas smaller classes tend to be seminar-oriented. Some classes include excursions to related sites (for example, a Mass Media class may include an excursion to a broadcast center). All courses are taught by Yonsei University faculty.

The academic calendar runs from mid-August through late June and is divided into two semesters. The spring semester (February–June) is the first semester of the academic year and the fall semester (August–December) is the second. The program at Yonsei is offered both semesters and consists of a 10-day CIEE orientation and 15 weeks of classes. The academic-year program consists of two consecutive semesters. Housing between semesters is included in the academic year fee.

Nature of Classes

Participants take classes with CIEE and other international students. Study abroad students may enroll in many, but not all, of the classes offered by the UIC due to the enrollment caps for full-degree students. Participants may enroll directly in Yonsei University English-language courses and take classes with Korean students in departments including engineering, science, and business administration. Courses in business and economics are restricted to business and economics majors. Students with near-native Korean language skills also have many other options available to them should they be able to take content courses in Korean. Taking courses in Korean requires more than oral and aural proficiency in the language; one must be reading and writing literate in the language as well; and depending on the course, have some knowledge of Chinese characters. To succeed in regular Yonsei courses one must have a comprehension of university-level Korean.

Grading System

Assessment is based on attendance, exams, quizzes, presentations, and papers. Letter grades of A-F are given with pluses and minuses. Yonsei University has a strict attendance policy: a student who is absent from a course for more than one-third of the semester is issued a “F” regardless of their achievement in the course; however, some professors may have even stricter rules. The Korean Language Institute, through which Korean language courses are taught, has an even stricter attendance rule: a student cannot be absent for more than 20% of the course or they will not receive a passing grade.

Language of Instruction

English
Korean

Faculty

All courses are taught by Yonsei University faculty.

Course Description

Program Blog

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