Seoul, South Korea

Arts + Sciences (Yonsei University)

AACSB and EQUIS ✓

Study Program

Select a Term...

Tentative Dates

Aug 23 - Dec 21, 2025

17 weeks

Costs

$18,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

Aug 23, 2025 - Jun 21, 2026

43 weeks

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

Feb 24 - Jun 21, 2026

17 weeks

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

October 1, 2025

Apply Now

Request Information

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.

Becoming a Global Citizen in Seoul

Chase Engel, Vassar College

Becoming a Global Citizen in Seoul

CIEE students take a K-Pop class with Negative Motion in Seoul, led by a renowned choreographer

See More On:

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

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.

The Culture

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

How to do Han River Park Like a Local

By Aishah B.

On a sunny April afternoon, I took a break from classes and headed to Seoul’s beloved Hangang Park for a relaxing picnic with friends. From street food and scenic views to strawberry tanghulu and a stunning sunset, this spontaneous midweek escape was the perfect way to enjoy spring in the city.

Drinking Water in South Korea

By Katharine S.

There were surprisingly few culture shocks when I came to South Korea, but one that stood out the most to me was how water was served and accessed. It may... keep reading

Experiencing School Clubs in Korea

By Olivia Farley

When I came to Yonsei in spring of 2024, my biggest worry was “how am I going to make friends?” as is a typical thought for anyone moving to a... keep reading

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 & Meals

Housing

CIEE Seoul offers diverse housing options to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. From twin rooms on and off campus to single rooms off campus, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing options are in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.    

Standard Housing: Includes a double occupancy room in a residence hall/dorm/shared apartment on or off campus, within 30 minutes of the CIEE center.  

On campus accommodations include lounges, a seminar room, and study rooms as well as a fitness center, shared kitchen, and laundry facilities. A convenience store, food court, and other services are located on the premises. Internet access is provided. Off campus accommodations are similarly equipped.  

Select Plus Housing: Includes a limited number of single rooms in a residence hall off campus under 30 minutes from CIEE Seoul. Residence halls boast kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Internet access is provided. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.    

A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.

Meals

Meals are not included in the program fee and are students’ responsibility. Students can eat at the dorm food court, campus cafeterias, snack bars, and restaurants throughout Seoul. Students can also use the dorm kitchen to prepare meals.  

Standard Housing

Double room

Standard Housing

Double room

Select Housing

Single room

Select Housing

Single room

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.

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: Yes

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.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

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

Online Course Options: substitute up to 6 credits online through ASU (after required minimum 12 credits in-person 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

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. 

ASU Courses: You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. Some are earning their degrees entirely online, while others, like you, are supplementing their education with an online course. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online. Most ASU online courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no set log-in times, but make sure to verify this before the add/drop deadline in case you want to make a change.

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. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5 weeks long in semesters and 6 weeks long in the summer, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end. You’ll need a standard PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer with a download speed higher than 25 Mbps, as well as access to email, productivity software like Microsoft Office and other applications needed to perform a variety of educational functions. Most course materials you will need are available online. Since you are working mostly or entirely asynchronously, you’re given deadlines for your assignments by your instructor or in your syllabus, but you can work at your own pace within these due dates. Most instructors suggest a recommended pace to optimize your learning, but you have the flexibility to complete your ASU courses while pursuing your studies at your CIEE location.

Grading

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

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. As a U.S. institution of higher education, the grading practices should be familiar to any CIEE student. ASU awards grades of "A+," "A," "A-," "B+," " B," "B-," "C+," "C," "D," or "E.” “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. Please see the CIEE Academic Manual for Students for more information about your grades.

Language of Instruction

English and Korean

Course Information

One elective course must have a Korea-related focus.

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course

Language

Semester Credit

Course (GI) COMM 3301 KSEO: Intercultural Communication and Leadership

Language English

Semester Credit 3

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course

Language

Semester Credit

Course (GI) COMM 3301 KSEO: Intercultural Communication and Leadership

Language English

Semester Credit 3

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course

Language

Semester Credit

Course KORE 1005 KSEO: Korean Language - Beginning I

Language Korean

Semester Credit 4

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. Yonsei 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.

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

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 & 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
Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
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

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 Fall 2025 17 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date August 23, 2025 ^*	End Date December 21, 2025 ^*	Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 43 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date August 23, 2025 ^*	End Date June 21, 2026 ^*
Program Spring 2026 17 weeks	October 1, 2025	Start Date February 24, 2026 ^*	End Date June 21, 2026 ^*

^*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

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. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Plus Housing Fee

$3,825

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

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

^*non-refundable fee

^**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

^***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

^†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.

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

Our Staff

Teddy Choi

Senior Program 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...

Beatrice Eunbyeol Cho

Senior Academic Coordinator

Beatrice Eunbyeol Cho holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Andrews University. After moving back to Korea, Beatrice joined CIEE Seoul as a Senior Academics Coordinator in April...

Get Started

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

Start an Application

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

Apply Now

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

Contact Us

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

Arts + Sciences (Yonsei University)

Tentative Dates

Costs

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Tentative Dates

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Tentative Dates

Credit

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Unique Experiences

Select from 1000

Experience Korean life

Make instant Korean friends

9

3 M

123

Your Destination

The Culture

Excursions & Activities

CIEE Seoul Mates

Projects

Program Blogs

What People are Saying

Housing & Meals

Housing

Meals

Academics

GPA

Language Requirements

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Requirements

Program Credit

Course Credit

Academic Culture

Class Format

Grading

Language of Instruction

Course Information

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Languages and Cultural Studies

Scholarships & Grants

Dates & Fees

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Fees

Optional Housing

Financial Aid

Estimated Costs

Program Fees

Financial Aid

Estimated Costs

Program Fees

Financial Aid

Estimated Costs

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

On-site Staff

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

Senior Program Manager

Senior Academic Coordinator

Get Started

Start an Application