Location
  • South Korea
    • Seoul
Term
Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Spring, Summer
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Dormitory
Oct 22, 2024
Nov 21, 2024
5 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The Seoul program offers courses that introduce you to the business, politics, economics, philosophy, religion, and language of Korea, one of the most rapidly developing nations in East Asia. Seoul is a city of opposites bustling with palaces, city gates, and temples next to government offices, embassies, theatres, shopping, and more. Seoul is also home to many IT corporations and is emerging as one of the most “wired” cities in the world, allowing you to experience the opportunities offered by the communications revolution.

Korea University (KU), founded in 1905, is widely acknowledged as one of the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious universities in Korea. Its reputation for quality is based on excellence in teaching, research, and service to Korean society. Eminent faculty, outstanding students, and internationally recognized research programs all contribute to Korea University’s academic fame.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

There are LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and allies throughout the world. However, cultural understanding of gender identity and sexuality does vary from country to country. USAC has compiled a lot of resources to help you through that learning process.
USAC is dedicated to working closely with students with disabilities to ensure the best study abroad experience possible. You may request reasonable accommodations after your initial application is complete. We routinely receive requests for scheduling, material, and environmental accommodations for the classroom setting, which may include assistive technology, scribes and readers, printed material, and interpretation.

Impact

Environmentally-conscious students choose USAC because many of our programs are held in some of the most sustainable countries in the world. There are options to take coursework in sustainability and the environment, as well as field trips and studies where students can leave a lasting impact on their host country.

Program Highlights

  • Explore historic and modern Korea, known as the Land of the Morning Calm because of its mild coastal and mountainous climate
  • Enjoy bike or ferry rides along the Han River, entertainment and shopping, and visits to local temples through the center of bustling Seoul
  • Choose from a diverse range of courses at Korea University while living in in one of the most “wired” cities in the world

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 4 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.75
  • Support 4
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Default avatar
Lindsay
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A wonderful time

Seoul, South Korea was a blast! I highly recommend traveling there (on study abroad or otherwise) because of exciting places, the general safety, and the noteworthy food. Walking around new parts of the city, either alone or with friends, was my favorite part. Stopping to go to a random cute cafe was a daily occurrence. As an introvert, South Korea is also very introvert-friendly, and I loved people-watching and all the street performers. I experienced so much in so little time, and I am planning on traveling to South Korea again because I still didn't see all I wanted to see!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I'd bring an empty suitcase because I wanted to buy so many things!
Pros
  • Affordability
  • General Safety
  • Food Quality
5 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime opportunity!!

My experience with this program through USAC was amazing! I stayed in the dorms on campus with another USAC member. She and I as well as other participants in the program are all friends to this day! This was a great opportunity to explore Korean culture and experience a new lifestyle. We had Korean students that were our buddies in case we needed any help and that would give us recommendations for good restaurants or places to visit. We met with our buddies and other exchange students weekly at different restaurants to make friends and try traditional Korean dishes. This experience was once in a lifetime and I am so glad I got to embark on this journey! Thank you USAC!!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate many different types of dishes while in Korea but the most unfamiliar had to be raw octopus. It was only seasoned with sesame oil and because it is fresh, it is still moving for up to 20minutes.
Pros
  • Incredible history
  • Easy to make friends/communicate
  • Easy to learn how to travel within the country
Cons
  • Wasn’t enough time to do everything, wish I could’ve stayed longer!
  • Buying tickets for events can be hard without a Korean bank account
  • Their curriculum was built a little different than I was used to
9 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Esther
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wouldn't change a thing!!!

This program was life-changing for me! The USAC staff was very helpful during the preparation/application process so I could complete my application and course registration without stress.
Korea University was the right choice for me. The campus is beautiful, spacious, and clean. There is a vibrant student culture, many fun traditions, and tons of school spirit!
There were also many opportunities to make friends and connections. At KU, you are automatically enrolled in an international student club where you can meet people from all different countries and backgrounds (including Korean students). You are assigned a group in which your Korean student leaders will teach you KU traditions and Korean culture. You will have many opportunities to experience life as a Korean student.
For those who wish to improve their Korean ability, there is a Language Exchange program where you can be paired with a Korean student to meet with throughout the semester for language and cultural exchange. I had an incredible experience with this and made lots of progress with my Korean proficiency.
I mainly took Korean language courses. The professors were all very kind, engaging, and helpful. Classes were challenging, but not overwhelming. I was able to balance school and personal life and manage my coursework while still having time to travel and meet with friends.
There are also many cute cafes and delicious restaurants around campus. It's a lot of fun to discover new study spots and places to hang out with friends. It didn't take long before I felt right at home at Korea University, and I will always think of it as a second home.
I have grown so much and made many lasting friendships through this program, and I wouldn't change a thing.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of the Korea University Buddy Assistants (KUBA). You will automatically be enrolled in this program. It is an amazing way to make friends and to experience Korean culture. There are so many events and opportunities that you can participate in, and it's by far the easiest way to make connections and start to feel at home in during your time in Korea.
Pros
  • Rich Culture
  • Beautiful Campus
  • Delicious Food
Cons
  • Cultural Differences
  • Lots of Walking
  • Strict Class Attendance
20 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Teisy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience Something New by studying at Korea University!

The USAC Program at Korea University truly transformed my journey as a media student. Because of it's academic opportunities and cultural immersion, it not only enriched my academic growth but also broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined. Coming from a small town, the busy city of Seoul and Korea's culture was a contrast but helped in expanding my understanding of the world and exposing me to new perspectives.

Having previously studied in Korea, I had certain expectations, but the USAC Program exceeded them all. The availability of great academics and cultural experiences created a diverse learning environment that very fulfilling. From experiencing classroom discussions and learning from other students to exploring the busy streets of Seoul, every moment was an opportunity for personal and professional development.

Overall, I highly recommend the USAC Program at Korea University for those seeking a difference from their regular educational experience. It's not just about earning credits; it's about experiencing a journey of self-discovery, learning a new language and culture, and learning from amazing professors. If you're ready to expand your horizons and unlock some new amazing opportunities, this program is the perfect choice for you.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I've said this many times before but I really want to help future travelers on Korea University's program. It's not easy to venture on such a journey like this one so if you're reading this, it means you're considering it and your one step ahead. Being in Korea will change your life but you wont regret it. Everyone I've met after their trip says that they wish they could do it over again and they wouldn't change a single thing. The people you will meet will be some of the best people you ever meet, and you will have the opportunity to create a bond with them that can last a lifetime. The time for this journey is now, don't push it off to another year, if you have the chance to do it then do it. I started my journey in 2022 when I traveled to Korea for the first time and I enjoyed it so much that I returned for a second semester. So, if you are curious about South Korea and are not sure if you can do it, I can assure you that you can. You can do it and you will and when you arrive and step foot on Korean ground, I want you to explore Korea everyday and have fun!
Pros
  • Quality of Academics: Korea University has many high quality classes for all majors.
  • Personal growth: More Independence with new environment.
  • Experiencing a new Culture: South Korea's culture is very rich for everyone to enjoy.
Cons
  • Language barrier: If you don't learn the language it can be difficult navigating around Korea.
  • Cultural Adjustment: There are many differences from my home country and South Korea so initially it can be difficult to adapt and might cause culture shock.
  • Workload: There is a difference in the education system of the US and Korea. Korea gives a bigger workload to students.
23 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers