University Study in South Korea: Korea University —

Program Details

Program Eligibility

About University Study in South Korea: Korea University

With a centuries-old heritage and cutting-edge technology, Seoul is a city of contrasts where the old and new exist in harmony. The bustling city of 10 million residents is surrounded by tranquil mountains, and the peaceful seaside is less than an hour away from the buzz of city life. 

Korea University (KU) is home to 37,000 students, with a 25% international student population. Living on campus, you will have the opportunity to learn and share culture with students from around the globe. Over 40% of classes at KU are taught in English, and with over 24 colleges and divisions, classes are available in almost any academic field. 

The International Summer Campus (ISC) attracts over 1600 students from all over the world annually, offering more than 110 classes taught in English, and internship placements at top Korean companies and organizations. 

Housing & Meals

Korea University offers on-campus housing in one of two residential facilities, where you will live and learn alongside students from Korea and all over the world. KU is also able to assist students wishing to live off-campus in apartments near KU. 

Excursions

As a student in full-standing at KU, you will have access to hundreds of clubs and societies for students with various hobbies and interests. The KU International Office organizes a Buddy Program to introduce you to locals, as well as various social events through the semester and summer, such as taekwondon classes, Korean cooking, and traditional music. 

Learning Outcomes

Students studying at Korea University will:

• augment their cross-cultural understanding through interaction with Korean and international students and community members;
• gain appreciation of the academic culture of Korea and differences between the Korean and US educational systems through direct enrollment;
• gain awareness and appreciation of Korean culture through dorm-style placements with Korean students, as well as access to a wide range of student organizations and clubs;
• become more self-reliant through the experience of obtaining enrollment, housing, catering, and transportation independently;
• become more effective at navigating differences by spending four to ten months of full integration in a foreign academic, cultural, and political climate;
• and experience Korean and international perspectives on academic disciplines through direct enrollment at a local host university.

Faculty & Staff

Faculty at KU come from all over the world, and are leaders in their fields. As one of the top-ranked universities in Asia, KU has a reputation for academic strength and excellence. 

Program Structure

Korea University operates on the traditional Korean calendar. Fall semester runs early August to mid-December, while the Spring term begins late February and runs to mid-June. Credits are awarded at a 1:1 ratio, and most classes carry 3 credits, making 5 classes a typical semester. 

The summer program has 4-week and 6-week classes from late June to early August, as well as an optional 4-week internship placement during June. The winter program offers 2-week and 3-week options, typically beginning after Christmas and ending in mid-January.  

Coursework

Courses

Grade & Credit Conversion Scale

NOTE: the following subjects are typically off-limits to visiting students at KU:  medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law, teacher education, art / design, and cyber defense.  

Searching for courses: KU Course Catalogue; click on "English" in the upper left corner. Click on "+Major Subject" on the left side. Select the year and term, keep "Seoul(Anam)" as the campus, use the dropdown menu to choose the College and then Department. For Korean Language Courses, click on "+General Subject" on the left side. Select the year and term, keep "Seoul(Anam)" as the campus, keep the first dropdown menu as "General Studies," in the second dropdown menu select "Electives." Korean Language courses will be listed near the bottom with the IFLS designator.

For more information including dates, immigration, housing and more, visit KU's study abroad page. Note: You are considered a "Visiting" student at KU, not an "Exchange" student.

Summer

KU's International Summer Campus (ISC) offers more than 110 classes taught in English, as well as credit-bearing internship placements at top Korean businesses and organizations. Earn 3 to 9 credits across a wide range of academic fields, spending between 4 and 10 weeks in Seoul. 

The optional internship program takes place in June, and precedes the academic program. The internship cannot be completed as a stand-alone program; students participating in an internship must also stay for either the 4-week or 6-week academic program in July and August. All internship placements are concluded by the time the academic program begins in late June; placements do not continue during the academic program. 

Winter

KU's International Winter Campus offers more than 20 classes taught in English. Earn 3 to 6 credits across a range of academic fields.  

Major Advising Pages

Korea University offers coursework that has been identified as a strong curricular match for the following UofM degree programs and student populations:

• Asian Languages & Literatures: Korean Language & Culture concentration
• Business & Marketing Education
• College of Science & Engineering (all majors)
• Economics
• Environmental Sciences, Policy & Management
• Global Studies
• Honors Students
• Psychology

Global Identity

Dates & Deadlines

Note: University of Minnesota students must submit their application materials by the above deadlines, even if KU's published deadlines are later.

Also note, the Summer internship program cannot be completed as a stand-alone program; students participating in an internship must also stay for either the 4-week or 6-week summer academic program. 

A complete academic calendar for KU can found online. 

Orientation Dates & Locations

Fees for University Study in South Korea: Korea University

Summer 2020 - 1 course

Summer 2020 - 2 courses

Summer 2020 - 3 courses

Fall 2020

Winter Break 20/21 - 1 course

Winter Break 20/21 - 2 courses

Spring 2021

Academic Year 2020/21

The Total Program Fee reflects the host university’s international tuition rate converted into US dollars, plus the Learning Abroad Center’s APAAC ($1000 summer, $2050 one semester, $3100 for Academic Year) and required UofM international health insurance.

Housing is not included in the program fee; housing is paid directly to the host university, not to UofM.

Billing & Payments

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Bridging Loan

Cancellation Policy

Prepare

Submit

Complete

Upon submitting the online application you will be sent a link to Korea University's online application portal.  Create an account there, and upload the requested items.  These items include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Statement of Purpose essay (semester program only)
• Official transcript(s)
• Passport-sized photo
• Passport copy
• Certificate of Health (semester program only)
• Proof of international health insurance (provided by the LAC)
• One academic reference (semester program only)

Affiliate organizations and partner universities will not accept applications from UMTC students without the endorsement of the Learning Abroad Center.  Students must participate in affiliate organization and partner university programs through the standard Learning Abroad Center application process.