temple seoul south korea sunset
Seoul, South Korea

Summer Korean Studies

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 9 semester hours

9 - 13.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Considered a UNESCO World Heritage city, Seoul is celebrated for its outstanding design and firmly rooted ancient traditions, making it a fascinating location to study abroad. Spend your summer exploring Korean culture, language, business, history, literature, and more on this exciting study-abroad adventure.

When class is in session, you'll take courses in English at CIEE's top-ranked partner school, Yonsei University. Select from a wide variety of courses, including Korean language, culture, business practices, history, literature, and more. Whether you focus on Korean language learning, cultural exploration, or fulfilling general distribution requirements in areas like business or STEM, all your courses will be complemented with co-curricular activities designed to enhance classroom learning and increase intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

Choose from a vast range of courses

at top-rated Yonsei University in arts, humanities, East Asian and Korean studies, economics, sciences, technology, and more.

Visit museums,

temples, historic sites, the Korean Demilitarized Zone, and other significant places.

Fast-forward your Korean

language skills with courses at all levels.

9

UNESCO World Heritage sites

3 M

international residents

123

floors in Lotte World Tower, Seoul's tallest building

Experience
  • summer seoul study abroad students park
  • seoul sign abroad cloudy day study abroad

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

taekwondo class study abroad seoul

Excursions & Activities

  • Start with an excursion beyond Seoul to get to know the country, its people, and its natural beauty.
  • Learn taekwondo during Friday morning sessions at the University.
  • Take a Korean cooking class along with a street food tour.
  • Learn about the Korean Wave, a.k.a. Hallyu, at the source, and see what’s behind the spread of South Korean culture kicked off by K-Pop.
seoul mate friends abroad ciee park laying picnic

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.

Program Blogs

Pop-Up Culture in Seoul

By Hannah G.

Being from the US, I’ve never really experienced anything like the pop-up culture that is active in Seoul. With pop-ups designed by makeup companies to luxury brands, these stores are... keep reading

Spontaneity in Seoul: From Rock Themed Bungeoppang Cafes to Ear Piercings in Hongdae

By Hannah G.

Having a list of destinations to visit in Seoul is always great to keep in the back of your mind, but I will say that some of the best experiences... keep reading

A Hanbok Cultural Experience

By Asher Ruth P.

While exploring the beautiful palaces of Korea, I was fortunate to rent a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress known for its vibrant colors, flowing lines, and elegant design. Wearing a... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "CIEE has really changed my life! I can really tell that the South Korea Seoul team really put in a lot of thought and effort into making this trip full of fun cultural memories and experiences that will benefit our growth."

    Tyra B., Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

  • "I have already recommended CIEE to friends because I believe CIEE does a very, very good job of getting everyone acclimated to their whereabouts and giving us good resources to use for any occasion. They also cover a large amount of fees, making it more enjoyable for the student. CIEE is very welcoming, and it is something I will never forget."

    Mariam L., Pennsylvania State University

  • "CIEE Study Abroad made the process easy to handle when studying abroad or planning to study abroad. All members of CIEE have been welcoming, friendly and helpful and take care of their participants."

    Marciela S., Washington State University

  • "The program offers a lot of amazing extracurricular opportunities, and also makes the initial application and course approval process much easier!"

    Claire K., University of Colorado-Boulder

  • "I'd recommend CIEE because of the structure it provides students when studying abroad, especially knowing you have a staff advocating for you in the host country. I'd also recommend CIEE for the program/itinerary it includes when studying abroad -- the experiences/activities can be very educational and fun."

    Elizabeth M., New College of Florida

Housing
Academics

Academics

This rigorous summer program is designed for students to immerse themselves in the rich Korean culture while taking two or three language or area study courses with local and international students at the prestigious Yonsei University. The program starts with a one-week orientation that covers various facets of Korean society. Professors are visiting scholars and professors from Korean, U.S., and other international universities. Many courses are taught by faculty from the University of California system, with which Yonsei has a longstanding partnership. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.

Yonsei University is one of the most prestigious private institutions of higher education in Korea with 18 graduate schools, 22 colleges, and a student population of more than 23,000, including more than 4,000 students from 25 countries. The large, beautiful campus offers superior athletic facilities, including a fitness center, pool, gym, and basketball and tennis courts. 

GPA

2.0

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in a four-year or two-year undergraduate program. Transcript required. 

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 2-3 Yonsei University courses. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 6-9 U.S. semester/9-13.5 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • Korean language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 48-69 contact hours 
  • Yonsei University courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 46-69 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

To complete a full semester’s study in six weeks, courses are intensive and fast paced. Yonsei has strict attendance policies. If students are absent from a class for more than 30% of the semester, they will receive an “F.” Students absent from language class for more than 20% of the time will also receive a failing grade. 

Class Format

Korean language classes meet four days a week, Monday through Thursday, for three hours a day. Other classes meet two hours each day, Monday through Thursday. Students take classes with CIEE students and other international students. 

Grading

Assessment using letter grades A-F 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. 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

Students may only choose Yonsei University courses available to the 6-week program.

YONSEI UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOL COURSES 
Students enroll directly in Yonsei University summer school courses. View course listings and syllabi. The following is a sampling of courses available. Course offerings change from year to year. They are typically listed, along with syllabi, on the Yonsei University website under the Yonsei International Summer School section at the beginning of the application period and are available in CIEE enrollment materials. Students are advised to remain flexible in their course selection as some classes may be canceled due to low enrollment. Students are encouraged to have course alternatives in the event their first choice is unavailable.

Note: CIEE participants can only enroll in 6-week courses, not 4-week courses.

  • Korean Language 
  • Introductory Philosophy 
  • World Literature: English & American Literature 
  • Marketing 
  • Contemporary Korean Culture & the Korean Culture Wave 
  • International Economics 
  • Media Psychology 
  • Korean Cinema 
  • East Asian Art History 
  • Korean Political Economy 
  • General Chemistry 
  • Asian American Literature 
  • East Asian Cinema 
  • Social Psychology 
  • Organic Chemistry 
  • Innovation and Technology Management 
  • Topics in Korean Culture: Globalization and Multiculturalism 
  • Introduction to Corporate Finance 
  • Principles of Microeconomics 
  • East Asian Fiction 
  • Genetics 
  • Principles of Managerial Accounting 

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

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

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

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

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

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 Summer 2025 6 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $8,750

*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 = $7,040**

Housing = $1,210***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $8,750

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 = $795

International Airfare = $1,600

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $150

Personal expenses = $210††

Other = $200

Total Costs = $3,105

Financial Aid

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

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***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.

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

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

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

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Tina Lee

Center Director

Tina brings an impressive 16 years of professional experience in international education to her role. She holds a Master’s degree in Lifelong Education from Korea University and a BA in...

Teddy Choi

Student Life Manager

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

Get Started Steps

Get Started

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

1

Start an Application

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

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

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

3

Contact Us

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

Request Info