back street seoul south korea
Seoul, South Korea

Arts + Sciences (Yonsei University)

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

Dates

TBD

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

17 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

17 weeks

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

43 weeks

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Arts + Sciences program in Seoul lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Korean culture. Live and learn in Seoul!

Unique Experiences

Boost Your Language Skills

and take Korean taught at all levels

Experience Korean Life

and spend a weekend with a local family

Make Instant Korean Friends

with the CIEE Seoul Mates program

Experience
  • seoul student group city wall

Your Destination

Seoul is South Korea’s high-tech capital, celebrated for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and cutting-edge advancements in science and technology. The city seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovation, offering world-class museums, historic palaces, and futuristic skyscrapers. Whether you are studying the arts or sciences, Seoul provides top-tier academics and a thriving creative industry. With its energetic nightlife, diverse cuisine, scenic parks, and fast-paced urban life, Seoul is the perfect place to study abroad.

seoul jump rope abroad study abroad ciee

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join university clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
archery abroad seoul

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Seoul will open doors for you to explore South Korea’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.      

Samples of past excursions and activities: 

  • Tour ancient palaces while wearing a hanbok, traditional Korean costume
  •  Visit Nami Island, a half-moon shaped island that is popular with tourists all year round
  • See the notorious Korean Demilitarized Zone

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  

Program Blogs

From Midterms to Mosh Pits: Turning 21 at EDC Korea

By Aishah B.

Electric Daisy Carnival or EDC is a vibrant international music festival with editions all over the world, the biggest being the neon-drenched, glitter-bombed madness in Las Vegas. But did you... keep reading

I Got a Saju Reading So You Don't Have To

By Aishah B.

Aside from a few tarot readings from friends and reviewing each others’ astrological birth charts, I’ve had little to no professional experience with “fortune telling.” I’d only heard of Saju... keep reading

A Week of Celebration: Yonsei's Muak Festival

By Olivia Farley

Last week, Yonsei University's Sinchon campus transformed into a vibrant hub of culture, music, and community during the 2025 Muak Festival, held from May 27 to May 30 . As... 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
Academics

Academics

CIEE Seoul: Study in the Seodaemun district on the campus of Yonsei University, where CIEE Seoul is located. Students are encouraged to enjoy all the facilities Yonsei offers, including its numerous cafés, cafeterias, coffee shops, printing facilities, classrooms, and a conference room for academic advising and student life support. The campus is conveniently located near the city’s public transportation network, making it easy to navigate to cultural attractions and landmarks.

Yonsei University: 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.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar. 

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.  

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. 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 

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.

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.  

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

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 the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

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. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

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.

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. 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.

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

Languages and Cultural Studies

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. 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

 

Program Options
Program Options

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
  • 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

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 End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date TBD* Fees & Housing $36,950
Program Spring 2026 17 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Fall 2026 17 weeks Start Date * End Date *
Program Calendar year 2026 43 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

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.

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 $29,832 **
Housing $6,500 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $124
Total Fees $36,950

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.

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 $14,832 **
Housing $3,500 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $124
Total Fees $18,950

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 $2,253
International Airfare $1,250 ††
Local Transportation $150
Books & Supplies $300
Personal expenses $400 †††
Other $224 ††††
Total Costs $4,577

*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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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