seoul-bongeun-sa-temple-buddha-modern-skyline.jpg
Seoul, South Korea

Summer in Seoul

New for Summer 2025!

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your summer in Seoul, a city that seamlessly blends antiquity and modernity, with tall skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology side-by-side next to royal palaces and thousand-year-old temples! This fascinating city is the perfect place to combine fun cultural activities with a deep academic experience in your choice of one or two four-week summer sessions.  

When class is in session, you’ll explore some of the most interesting topics in Korean studies by taking a single intensive course per session, while enjoying CIEE-organized excursions and cultural activities that bring your classroom studies to life. In your free time, you’ll have every opportunity to learn more about Seoul’s history, culture, and society by visiting popular landmarks, connecting with locals, and immersing yourself in Korean society.

Whether you decide to live and learn in Seoul for one month or two, you’re sure to embark on one of the most exciting study abroad adventures imaginable for a life-changing summer!

Unique Experiences

Participate in vibrant cultural events with our 'Seoul Mates'

who will serve as your local buddies and mentors; they'll guide you to hidden gems throughout Seoul, ensuring you experience the city like a true local

Ride a bike along the Han River

using the Seoul's public bike-sharing program, Ttareungyi

\

Try on Korea's elegant traditional clothing, Hanbok

and visit historical sites in the city

11.5

MILES OF HANYANGDOSEONG, SEOUL’S OLD CITY WALLS, HAVE BEEN PRESERVED

14

NATIONAL MUSEUMS, INCLUDING THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA IN SEOUL

24

LETTERS IN HANGUL, THE KOREAN ALPHABET

Experience
  • seoul city skyline
  • seoul cheonggyechon park at night
  • seoul insadong pavilion

Your Destination

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where visitors can see ancient rites performed at a Joseon-era shrine in the morning before dancing the night away to K-pop. The city's rich cultural heritage is evident in its well-preserved palaces, bustling traditional markets, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which share space with sleek, modern architecture like the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Students can immerse themselves in Korean history by visiting landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, while also enjoying contemporary attractions such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Lotte Tower. From the trendy shopping of Apkujeong to the music scene of Hongdae, the quiet alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village to the bustle of Namdaemun Market, Seoul offers something for everyone, and its many juxtapositions can help students find new ways to think about the world around them.  

Summer, with festivals, events, and performances, is a wonderful time to visit Seoul. There’s always lots to do and see, whether it’s a picnic in one of the parks along the Han River, a hike in the mountains leading to a thousand-year-old temple, visiting the boutiques and cafés in the winding alleys of Ikseon-dong, or perusing art at one of the city’s many galleries and exhibits. Seoul’s extensive and inexpensive transit system will get you where you want to go by train, subway, bus, or bike-sharing, and metro lines run all the way to neighboring provinces and cities for easy access around the region. The city is also among the world’s safest and most cosmopolitan, making it a great place to experience a summer abroad as a student.

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

  • Tour the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea for a glimpse into Korea’s tragic 20th century history and the foundation of the modern political system 
  • Try your hand at making traditional food in a Korean cooking class 
  • Tour one of the five major palaces from the Joseon Era 
  • Go on a hike to get acquainted with Korea’s natural environment 
  • Learn a new skill like taekwondo or K-pop dance 

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

Housing
Academics

Academics

All students take one three-credit course, with the option of adding a one-credit Communicative Korean language course. In class work is augmented with co-curricular activities that take the student out of the classroom and into Seoul for more experiential learning.  

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

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 one 3-credit course per session and have the option to take the Communicative Language course, once, for 1 additional credit.  

Program Credit

3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits per session

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
  • CIEE Communicative Language Course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours  

Students studying with CIEE for multiple sessions may take Communicative Korean only once. 

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

Students take one full-credit course per session. CIEE courses are delivered in English and designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes. Attendance is extremely important for CIEE classes and co-curricular activities, and instruction is supported and augmented by CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas.  

Class Format

Courses are taught through the CIEE Center in Seoul. Students enroll in one full-credit course per session and can enroll for up to two consecutive sessions. All courses are taught to U.S. academic standards. Classes typically meet 3-4 times per week, for anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on the course and schedule of activities, with required co-curricular sessions that take place outside the classroom to supplement and enrich student learning. Attendance for both classes and co-curriculars is strictly enforced. CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas, is used to support and augment classes.

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are typically based on participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.

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

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

Summer Session I 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship
  • Trailblazer 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 Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $5,350
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $5,350
Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $9,630

*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 = $3,850*

Housing = $1,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $5,350

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 = $530

International Airfare = $1,600

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $10

Personal expenses = $170††

Total Costs = $2,410

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

*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

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 = $3,850*

Housing = $1,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $5,350

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 = $530

International Airfare = $1,600

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $10

Personal expenses = $170††

Total Costs = $2,410

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

*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

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 = $7,130*

Housing = $2,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $9,630

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 = $1,060

International Airfare = $1,600

Local Transportation = $200

Books & Supplies = $20

Personal expenses = $340††

Total Costs = $3,220

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

*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