Description

The Arts and Sciences study abroad program at the CIEE Study Center at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea is designed to provide students with cross-cultural training by way of offering a range of courses in various disciplines, a co-curricular program that will take students within the city of Seoul and internationally to communities of the Korean Diaspora, and providing on-site staff to support the students during their time in Seoul, Korea.

Academic Program
Established in 2006, the CIEE Study Center in Seoul provides students a supportive environment in which to study at a top-ranked Korean university and experience life in Seoul. While participants enroll in Yonsei University courses, CIEE resident staff organize a special orientation and co-curricular program designed to provide a deeper understanding of Korea. Program participants take courses in English and Korean through the Underwood International College (UIC), a division of Yonsei University.

Academic Culture
At Yonsei, large classes tend to follow a lecture format, whereas smaller classes tend to be seminar-oriented. Some classes include excursions to related sites (for example, a Mass Media class may include an excursion to a broadcast center). All courses are taught by Yonsei University faculty.

The academic calendar runs from mid-August through late June and is divided into two semesters. The spring semester (February-June) is the first semester of the academic year and the fall semester (August-December) is the second semester. The program at Yonsei is offered both semesters and consists of a 10-day CIEE orientation and 15 weeks of classes. The academic year program consists of two consecutive semesters. Housing between semesters is included in the academic year fee.

Highlights

• Receive ongoing support, guidance, and care provided by a long-time American resident in Korea and a local Seoul University graduate.
  
• Take courses taught in English or Korean in international business, humanities, social sciences, and the arts; intensive Korean language courses for all levels.
  
• Go on an international excursion to Japan for insight into the Korean Diaspora and Korea's influence on Japanese art and architecture
  
• The business school at Yonsei University is accredited by AACSB

International Excursion to Japan: Perspectives on the Korean Diaspora - A critical component of this program is to provide students an understanding of Korea's modern role in Asia. To achieve this, CIEE leads an international excursion to Koreatown in Osaka, Japan, giving students the benefit of a comparative perspective and the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the Korean Diaspora that exists in that country. During the visit to Tsuruhashi, students visit a Korean cultural center and walk the streets of Koreatown and the adjoining residential and market areas. Students also visit cultural sites in Nara to gain a better understanding of the influence Korea has had on Buddhism, architecture, and the arts of Japan. Students spend a night in Kyoto and have a full day to visit the historic and cultural sites in the Kyoto area, including the famed Gion district.

Students who continue in the program for a second semester do not participate in the Japan excursion a second time. Instead, these students work with the CIEE Resident Director to design an alternative field trip in Korea that enhances their understanding of the country by focusing on a particular topic or region that the student wishes to explore in greater depth.

Cultural Reimbursement Program
To help students enrich their study abroad experience in Seoul, CIEE offers the Cultural Reimbursement Program. This program reimburses students for their participation in local cultural activities, such as Korean movie screenings, traditional music concerts and theater, and visits to local museums and historic places of interest within Seoul.

Immersion
International Buddy Program
Yonsei University organizes an International Buddy Program to promote interaction between international and Korean students. A mentor, who is a student volunteer, is matched to interested international students who would like to exchange their experiences, culture, and general perspective with a local Korean student on the Yonsei campus. The Global Lounge organizes several activities for the buddies, but buddies are free to organize their own activities as well.

Volunteering
Although there are no formal community service activities in this program, volunteer opportunities can be arranged by CIEE Staff.

University Clubs
CIEE students can join regular Yonsei University student clubs catering to every interest. A sampling includes music, dance, art, photography, martial arts, hiking, and sports. There are also a number of service groups that students can join.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, site visits and cultural activities, group excursion, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

Overall GPA 3.0

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947