Information for term Arts + Sciences
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenCIEE’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.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Select from 1000
courses in English across many disciplines including STEM; opt to boost language skills and take Korean taught at all levels
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Experience Korean life
and spend a weekend with a local family (Covid permitting)
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Make instant Korean friends
with the CIEE Seoul Mates program
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UNESCO World Heritage sites
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international residents
3 M -
floors in Lotte World Tower, Seoul’s tallest building
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Location & Culture
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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

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

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.

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
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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HOUSING
Campus Dorm: Most students stay in a dorm on campus. With separate floors for men and women, rooms house two students and have private baths. There are 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 on the premises. Internet access is provided.
Stay with relatives: CIEE participants can talk to our Study Abroad Advisors about opting out of CIEE-provided housing to live with relatives who reside in Seoul.
Housing for academic year students: Housing between semesters must be arranged and paid for by students. CIEE resident staff can provide guidance.
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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 or, at the serviced residence, the en suite kitchenette to prepare meals.
Seoul, South Korea Where You'll Study
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CIEE SEOUL
Based at Yonsei University, one of the most prestigious private institutions of higher education in Korea with 18 graduate schools, 21 colleges, and a student population of more than 23,000, including more than 4,000 international students. Less than 20 minutes from downtown Seoul on a large, attractive campus. Sports facilities including include a fitness center, pool, gym, and basketball and tennis courts.
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YONSEI UNIVERSITY
Seoul
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 Prerequisites
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.
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.
Program 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
Click to OpenCourse Information
One elective course must have a Korea-related focus.
Spring 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenCommunication, Journalism, and Media
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenCommunication, Journalism, and Media
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenYONSEI 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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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 |
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Spring 2023 17 weeks | Deadline Passed | Feb 22, 2023 | Jun 22, 2023 |
$20,950
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $17,846 ** Housing = $2,520 Insurance = $167 Visa Fees = $117 Total Fees = $20,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $3,600 International Airfare = $1,250 † Local Transportation = $150 Books & Supplies = $300 Personal expenses = $2,200 Other = $100 †† Total Estimated Costs = $7,600Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Mandatory Covid test upon arrival in Korea |
Calendar year 2023 17 weeks | Deadline Passed | Feb 22, 2023 | TBD | |
Fall 2023 17 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | Aug 24, 2023* | Dec 22, 2023* |
$20,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $17,816 ** Housing = $2,520 Insurance = $197 Visa Fees = $117 Total Fees = $20,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $3,800 † International Airfare = $1,250 †† Local Transportation = $300 Books & Supplies = $300 Personal expenses = $2,200 Other = $350 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $8,200Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students † During quarantine you will spend an average of $8/meal to be delivered †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Covid tests upon arrival in Korea and Korean National Insurance (medical care and medicine will cost lots less for students. Korean insurance covers 70% of most treatment costs) |
Spring 2024 17 weeks | Oct 1, 2023 | Feb 22, 2024* | Jun 22, 2024* | |
Academic year 2023-2024 43 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | Aug 24, 2023* | Jun 22, 2024* |
*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.
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What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Suzanne Crowder Han
Director
Suzanne’s love of Korea began more than 30 years ago as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has an M.B.A. from Yonsei University.
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Tina Lee
Operations Manager
Tina has extensive experience in student support and academic mentoring and loves to share Korean traditional and contemporary culture.
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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 help them bring back unforgettable and fond memories.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
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CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.