First Year Abroad in Seoul
Unique Experiences
Shop in Myeongdong’s
famous fashion and beauty district
Hike Namsan mountain
for sweeping city views
Visit the DMZ and 38th parallel
for powerful historical context
Your Destination
Seoul is South Korea’s renowned capital, where centuries-old palaces stand alongside neon-lit skyscrapers. Spend 12 weeks savoring street food at Gwangjang Market, exploring the tranquil trails of Bukhansan National Park, and experiencing the exciting entertainment and cafe culture of Itaewon. Whether you’re studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Seoul is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Tutoring + Academic Support: Receive personalized one-on-one tutoring to help you excel in your courses and stay on track with your studies.
- First Year Workshops: Participate in a life skills workshop led by experienced on-site staff to develop your communication, self-management, and personal skills. (Required; non-credit bearing; 1.5 hours/week, including dinner.)
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic interests.
- 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.
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. Each semester typically includes two day-trips and one overnight trip.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace, exploring its ornate gates and colorful halls while uncovering Korea’s dynastic history and traditions
- Step into Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood of traditional houses, and enjoy a hands-on workshop featuring a tea ceremony and Korean calligraphy
- Dive into Gwangjang Market, sampling bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) as you soak up the sights, sounds, and flavors of one of Seoul’s oldest markets
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.
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Seoul offers diverse housing options to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. We strive to accommodate your preferences, offering shared or single rooms off campus. All housing options are in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, convenience stores, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a double-occupancy bedroom in a residence hall off campus, within a 30-minute commute by public transportation to CIEE Seoul. Residence halls feature kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities, all shared by residents. Internet access is provided.
Select Plus Housing: Includes single rooms in a residence hall off campus, within a 30-minute commute by public transportation to CIEE Seoul. Residence halls feature kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities, all shared by residents. 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 provided as part of the program; however, Seoul offers an array of dining options – from street food vendors to upscale restaurants – allowing you to explore Korean cuisine at your leisure.
Academics
CIEE Seoul: Study in the heart of downtown Seoul in Jonggak, just steps from Jonggak Station (Line 1, Exit 10). The CIEE Center features cozy lounges, quiet study spaces, and fast Wi-Fi, with cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks just around the corner. With easy access to public transportation and nonstop city energy, Jonggak is the perfect home base while abroad.
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.
Transcripts: Tulane University is CIEE’s School of Record for First Year Abroad. Tulane ensures that our academic programs meet the highest standards of quality and, upon completing your program, they will issue you an official U.S. transcript for any First Year Abroad courses you've successfully completed abroad (with the exception of CIEE x ASU online courses;). Students taking ASU courses online will receive an Arizona State University transcript.
Course Information
Course Notes
Block Numbers
During the Fall semester, the courses below will be listed as available in Blocks II & III, rather than Blocks I & II. This is because the First Year Abroad program runs during the final two blocks of the Fall semester which is otherwise split into three blocks on CIEE’s Academic Calendar.
Language Classes
During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be instructed to take an online language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
You have the flexibility to choose from a selection of in-person courses taught by CIEE instructors and from over 3,000 asynchronous undergraduate ASU Online courses.
In the table below, you can explore some of the exciting courses we offer. On the left are examples of the in-person First Year Abroad classes you can take with CIEE. On the right are just a few examples of the thousands of ASU Online courses available to you while you're abroad.
| Sample CIEE Courses (in-person) | Sample ASU Courses (online) |
|
|
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework at no additional charge.
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.
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.
Interested in an academic year program? CIEE offers exciting customizable First Year Abroad programs in select locations. Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2026 12 weeks | Start Date | End Date | ||
| Program Spring 2027 12 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 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.
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.
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
Our Staff
Philip Jung
Center Director
Raised in Toronto, Canada, one of the world's most culturally diverse cities, Philip developed a deep passion for cross-cultural connections and education. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics with...
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 Jaeeun Cho
Senior Academic Coordinator
Beatrice Jaeeun 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...