Arts + Sciences
AACSB and EQUIS ✓
Unique Experiences
Select from 1000
courses in English across many disciplines including STEM; opt to boost language skills and take Korean taught at all levels
Experience Korean life
and spend a weekend with a local family (Covid permitting)
Make instant Korean friends
with the CIEE Seoul Mates program
9
UNESCO World Heritage sites
3 M
international residents
123
floors in Lotte World Tower, Seoul’s tallest building
Your Destination
Packed with people, it’s no wonder Seoul is the capital and largest city in South Korea. A vibrant business and financial hub, Seoul also brims with culture, with more than 100 museums, numerous religious monuments, parks, markets, festivals, sports teams, and the Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces. The mighty Han River runs through the city, and rugged mountains loom in the distance.
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
Excursions & Activities
- Visit ancient temples, museums, and historic sites.
- See the notorious Korean Demilitarized Zone.
- Relish the natural beauty of a national park.
- Get a taste of family life with a short homestay of one or two nights. Visit Nami Island, a half-moon shaped island that is popular with tourists all year round
- Tour ancient palaces while wearing a hanbok, traditional Korean costume
- Enjoy CIEE K-pop/ Indie Concerts
CIEE Seoul Mates
Connect with local Korean students through our Seoul Mates program. Get to know the city, language, culture, and customs with the help of students trained by CIEE to help with orientation, organize social events, host workshops, and more.
Projects
- Volunteer. Show appreciation while you connect with members of local communities.
- Get to know the city, language, culture, and customs with the help of students trained by CIEE to help with orientation, organize social events, host workshops, and more.
- University clubs. Join one of the many clubs and service groups open to international students. Options include music, dance, art, photography, martial arts, hiking, sports, service groups, and many more.
Program Blogs
Tourist Sites in Korea You Actually Have to Visit
When you are planning your next trip to South Korea, there are a ton of tourist spots to choose from but what is really worth a visit? Read to find out what are my top tourist pics in Seoul!
Tasting Jeju: A Foodie’s Adventure and Scenic Escapes on Korea’s Paradise Island
Look into some of my favorite eats and excursions on Jeju Island. If you are looking for some things to add to your itinerary, then this is for you! The world is yours to explore and Jeju is the next stop.
5 Essential Tips for Navigating the Seoul Subway System Like a Pro
Five essential tips for navigating the Seoul Subway System with ease. Drawing from experience with various train systems around the world, the post covers practical advice such as using Naver Maps for route planning, understanding platform signs and train door indicators, and knowing where to sit or stand on the train. It also offers guidance on exiting the station smoothly and remembering to tap out the card. With these tips, readers will be well-equipped to explore Seoul efficiently and confidently.
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Seoul offers diverse housing options to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. From twin rooms on and off campus to single rooms off campus, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing options are in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a double occupancy room in a residence hall/dorm/shared apartment on or off campus, within 40 minutes of the CIEE center.
On campus accommodations include lounges, a seminar room, and study rooms as well as a fitness center, shared kitchen, and laundry facilities. A convenience store, food court, and other services are located on the premises. Internet access is provided. Off campus accommodations are similarly equipped.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a limited number of single rooms in a residence hall off campus under 20 minutes from CIEE Seoul. Residence halls boast kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. 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.
Meals
Meals are not included in the program fee and are students’ responsibility. Students can eat at the dorm food court, campus cafeterias, snack bars, and restaurants throughout Seoul. Students can also use the dorm kitchen to prepare meals.
Academics
A special in-depth orientation and extracurricular program helps students get to know the country, along with 16 weeks of courses in English and Korean at Yonsei University. A typical course load at Yonsei University is four or five courses with one having a Korea-related focus. All courses are taught by Yonsei University faculty except for Intercultural Communication and Leadership, which is taught by CIEE staff.
Yonsei University is the most prestigious private institution of higher education in South Korea with 18 graduate schools, 21 colleges, and a student population of more than 30,000, including more than 14,000 students from 25 countries. The large, beautiful campus offers superior athletic facilities, including a fitness center, pool, gym, and basketball and tennis courts.
CIEE Seoul is conveniently located on the Sinchon campus of Yonsei University, 20 minutes from downtown Seoul.
Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.
Course Information
One elective course must have a Korea-related focus.
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Communication, Journalism, and Media
YONSEI UNIVERSITY COURSES
Yonsei University courses are taught in English and available to international students. The following is a representative sample of their extensive course offering. Not all courses are offered every term. The final list of semester-specific Yonsei University course offerings is made available about a month prior to the start of each semester. However, students can get an idea of the courses that will be available by browsing prior terms in the university’s online course catalog.
Korean Language Institute Courses
- Beginning Korean Language I, II, III
- Intermediate Korean Language I, II, III
- Advanced Korean Language I, II
Business and Economics Courses *
- Business Communication
- Corporate Finance
- Cost Accounting
- Business and Society
- Business and the Arts
- Microeconomics
*Note: Most business courses are open only to those who declare business major on the Yonsei University application.
East Asian Studies
- Philosophy in East Asian Literature
- International Relations in East Asia
- Introduction to East Asian Art
Intercultural Education
- Cold War International History
- Bargaining Approach to International Relations
Korean Studies
- Korean Traditional Music and Culture
- Korean Language and Society
- Introduction to Korean Studies
- International Politics of the Korean Peninsula
- Introduction to Korean Philosophy
- Korean Language (3-credit course)
Architecture/Engineering/Computer/Science
- Computer Architecture
- Ecological Engineering
- Electric Power Engineering
- Geospatial Information Engineering
- Developmental Biology
- Organic Chemistry (1)
- Discrete Mathematics
The Yonsei site is challenging to navigate without a guide. To request a guide, please contact CIEE to connect with the CIEE Study Abroad Advisor for the Seoul Arts and Sciences program.
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
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.
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
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 Spring 2025 17 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $18,950 |
| Program Fall 2025 17 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $18,950 | |
| Program Calendar year 2025 | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | Fees & Housing $18,950 |
| Program Fall 2024 17 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $18,950 |
| Program Academic year 2024-2025 43 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $36,950 |
*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 = $15,332**
Housing = $3,000***
Insurance = $194
Visa Fees = $124
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated 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 = $2,385†
International Airfare = $1,250††
Local Transportation = $150
Books & Supplies = $300
Personal expenses = $380†††
Other = $224††††
Total Costs = $4,689Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
Select Plus Housing Fee = $2,500
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.
*non-refundable fee
**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.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
††††Korean National Medical Insurance. All international students are legally required to enroll in Korea’s national health insurance program. All are enrolled automatically as soon as they apply for the required Residence Card. A bill is sent on a monthly basis (approximately $56 per month). The insurance covers up to 80% of inpatient treatments and medical services and 30-70% of outpatient treatments and services.
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 = $15,332**
Housing = $3,000***
Insurance = $194
Visa Fees = $124
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated 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 = $2,385†
International Airfare = $1,250††
Local Transportation = $150
Books & Supplies = $300
Personal expenses = $380†††
Other = $224††††
Total Costs = $4,689Financial 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.
*non-refundable fee
**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.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
††††Korean National Medical Insurance. All international students are legally required to enroll in Korea’s national health insurance program. All are enrolled automatically as soon as they apply for the required Residence Card. A bill is sent on a monthly basis (approximately $56 per month). The insurance covers up to 80% of inpatient treatments and medical services and 30-70% of outpatient treatments and services.
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 = $15,332**
Housing = $3,000***
Insurance = $194
Visa Fees = $124
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated 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 = $4,770†
International Airfare = $1,250††
Local Transportation = $300
Books & Supplies = $600
Personal expenses = $760†††
Other = $448††††
Total Costs = $8,128Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
Select Plus Housing Fee = $2,500
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.
*non-refundable fee
**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.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
††††Korean National Medical Insurance. All international students are legally required to enroll in Korea’s national health insurance program. All are enrolled automatically as soon as they apply for the required Residence Card. A bill is sent on a monthly basis (approximately $56 per month). The insurance covers up to 80% of inpatient treatments and medical services and 30-70% of outpatient treatments and services.
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 = $15,332**
Housing = $3,000***
Insurance = $194
Visa Fees = $124
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated 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 = $2,385†
International Airfare = $1,250††
Local Transportation = $150
Books & Supplies = $300
Personal expenses = $380†††
Other = $224††††
Total Costs = $4,689Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500
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.
*non-refundable fee
**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.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
††††Korean National Medical Insurance. All international students are legally required to enroll in Korea’s national health insurance program. All are enrolled automatically as soon as they apply for the required Residence Card. A bill is sent on a monthly basis (approximately $56 per month). The insurance covers up to 80% of inpatient treatments and medical services and 30-70% of outpatient treatments and services.
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 = $30,332**
Housing = $6,000***
Insurance = $194
Visa Fees = $124
Total Fees = $36,950Estimated 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 = $4,770†
International Airfare = $1,250††
Local Transportation = $300
Books & Supplies = $600
Personal expenses = $760†††
Other = $448††††
Expenses during break = $2,700†††††
Total Costs = $10,828Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500
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.
*non-refundable fee
**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.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
††††Korean National Medical Insurance. All international students are legally required to enroll in Korea’s national health insurance program. All are enrolled automatically as soon as they apply for the required Residence Card. A bill is sent on a monthly basis (approximately $56 per month). The insurance covers up to 80% of inpatient treatments and medical services and 30-70% of outpatient treatments and services.
†††††academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break
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
Tina Lee
Interim Center Director/Operations Manager
Tina has extensive experience in student support and academic mentoring and loves to share Korean traditional and contemporary culture.
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
1
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.
You might also like
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Diversifying your resume with international experience in a city that never sleeps.
- Big City
- Study Program
Spend your winter break in the South Korea’s captivating capital, Seoul! During this exciting three-week program, you’ll discover the city’s special blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations.
- Big City
- Study Program
Spend your summer in Seoul, a city that seamlessly blends antiquity and modernity.
- Big City