Seoul
Seoul, South Korea

Engineering, Technology + Sciences

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable STEM journey in Seoul! The Engineering, Technology, and Sciences program offers students a unique chance to immerse themselves in an enriching academic experience while enjoying the culture and innovation of this dynamic city. With access to CIEE courses, our local business school partners, and an extensive catalog of more than 3,000 online classes available through Arizona State University (including lab-based courses), you can tailor your studies to fit your interests and degree requirements.

Seoul is an ideal location for STEM majors, boasting numerous established and emerging companies in engineering, technology, and sciences, such as LG, Samsung, and Hyundai. With its thriving industry landscape, Seoul provides abundant opportunities for site visits, guest lectures, and networking with leading experts. This program also offers optional credit-bearing internships, providing you with invaluable practical experience and insights into the local professional landscape. Imagine stepping into a role that complements your studies while building a global network of contacts!

Beyond academics, you’ll have ample opportunities to enrich your cultural experience. Engage in extracurricular and co-curricular activities that take you off the beaten path, exploring hidden gems and enjoying immersive excursions throughout Seoul. Whether you’re visiting historical landmarks or experiencing local traditions, you’ll gain a better understanding of South Korean culture. Both in and out of the classroom, this program is an opportunity to broaden your horizons, make lasting memories, and set yourself apart in the competitive world of STEM! 

Unique Experience

Tour Samsung innovation museum

including an exhibit on the semiconductor

Experience Seoul’s Science Center

and see the scientific principles at work in the ecological environment and urban structure of Seoul

Visit

palaces, Buddhist temples, shamanist shrines, and traditional villages

23

rapid subway lines

8

original gates in Seoul’s city wall

5

royal palaces

Experience
  • Seoul
  • market abroad students seoul south korea
  • seoul-gyeongbokgung-palace-stone-sculptures

You Destination

Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, beckons with its irresistible blend of tradition and modernity. Ringed by mountains, dotted by parks, and divided into north and south by the Han River, Seoul offers a dynamic environment for personal and academic growth. The city's streets pulse with energy day and night, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences ranging from traditional tea houses and ancient palaces to trendy cafés and gleaming skyscrapers. 

As the educational, financial, cultural, and political capital of South Korea, Seoul is at the center of everything. This megacity is home to more than 9 million people, but each neighborhood has its own distinct unique charm. Insadong, Bukchon, and Ikseondong are filled with winding alleys lined with hidden cafés, craft studios, restaurants, and boutiques in traditional Korean Hanok houses, while Apgujeong, Jamsil, and Cheongdam-dong’s wide avenues create a park-like atmosphere for shopping, gallery hopping, and socializing between towering skyscrapers. You can use Seoul’s bike-share system to take a ride along the Han River Park in the morning, drop in at Sewoong Maker City Arcade to do some 3D printing at city-provided startup and tech facilities in the afternoon, and then take in the sunset from a mountainside temple, all without leaving the city. 

Moreover, Seoul's unparalleled transportation system ensures easy access to all corners of the city and beyond, allowing you to explore its diverse neighborhoods and hidden gems. Whether relishing a hearty meal of dumplings and savory pancakes at Gwangjang Market, wearing traditional clothes for a photo shoot at Changdeok Palace’s famed gardens, strolling along the picturesque Cheonggye Stream, or checking out the latest trends in fashion and technology in Gangnam, Seoul offers endless possibilities for fun and learning. With its captivating blend of tradition and innovation, there’s no more intriguing and exciting place to embark on your journey. 

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. 

seoul students posing next to the sign for the 38th parallel in the south korean dmz

Excursions & Activities

To learn about the development and innovation in the STEM field in Korea, students might:  

  • Visit T.um, a high-tech information and communications technology museum in Seoul, run by SK Telecom that showcases the latest advancements in telecommunications, including virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies 
  • Visit the National Science Museum where you can engage with interactive exhibits and displays that cover various fields such as physics, biology, and engineering, providing a hands-on learning experience that complements academic studies 
  • Visit Pangyo Techno Valley, often referred to as Korea's Silicon Valley, for an opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology and startups, gaining insights into the operations of leading tech companies and emerging enterprises in areas like IT, biotech, and clean tech  
  • Visit Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources to learn about the field of biology and ecology in Korea  
seoul student at internship in office

Professional Development

  • For-credit Directed Independent Research: For qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by CIEE Seoul Academic staff and home institution and must reflect a topic that is relevant to South Korea. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with a topic of exploration, significance of research topic as it relates to the country, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics.   
  • For-credit Part-time Internship: Allows students the opportunity to have practical work experience in a company within the computer science and engineering sectors, including areas such as AI. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience. Students with higher levels of Korean proficiency may have more internships opportunities available. 
  • Volunteering: Engage in community service activities, such as teaching English to senior citizens, making audiobooks for the blind, and mentoring refugees from North Korea.   

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Living Through History: A Night of Martial Law in South Korea

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Sophia Quick I was awake when President Yoon Sukyeol declared martial law in South Korea. It was only about 10:30 pm, but the events that followed were large enough... keep reading

From CIEE

Chinese New Year: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Red envelopes, firecrackers, and a feast that puts your college meal plan to shame – Chinese New Year is the celebration of the year, and you don’t want to miss... keep reading

From CIEE

An Ode to my Favorite Neighborhood in Seoul: Seongsu-dong

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Kaitlyn Kong When people think of Seoul, many may immediately envision the hustle and bustle of districts like Gangnam or Myeongdong. However, for me, there’s one neighborhood that stands... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Seoul: Situated on the campus of Yonsei University, CIEE Seoul boasts a student lounge, a modest library, and Wi-Fi access. CIEE Seoul's location in the Seodaemun district means students study only 20 minutes from downtown Seoul. Students can easily use the city's excellent public transportation options to visit Seoul's most iconic landmarks and cultural attractions, like ancient palaces, museums, and galleries.

Hanyang University: One of Asia’s top universities for STEM, humanities, and the arts, Hanyang was originally founded as an engineering college, and has developed into a powerhouse of innovation, with a huge variety of facilities for students to create media, work with transformative technologies, and connect with students and faculty across a broad range of disciplines. Located in the very heart of Seoul, near the Han River and a quick bus or subway trip to most parts of the city, Hanyang offers students an exceptional academic experience.

The Korean academic year begins in March, with the first term running until mid-June. Fall semester begins in early September and concludes in mid-December. Most university courses use lectures as the main component, combined with group work and presentations.

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 sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Program open to sophomore year and above.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Seoul ETS students take courses for a total of 12-18 U.S. semester credits, choosing from:  

  • CIEE courses  
  • At least one 3 or 4-credit course taught in English at Hanyang University  
  • Students may choose to take courses taught in Korean at their own discretion.  Students should think carefully about their language proficiency before enrolling in Korean-language courses as advanced proficiency is required. Korean language courses (Level 1 & 2 only) are only taught in Korean.    
  • Up to two ASU online courses (max 8 total credits)  
  • Fall term: Students can choose to enroll in ASU Session A and/or B  
  • Spring term: Students can choose to enroll in ASU Session B only  
  • One course in the area of engineering, technology, or sciences offered at CIEE, Hanyang University, or ASU online is required   

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-18 U.S. semester/18-27 quarter credits with 15 recommended 

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours  
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours  
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours 
  • Hanyang University Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-64 contact hours   
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and maximize their time in Seoul. Attendance is mandatory in CIEE courses, with absences impacting final grades. This emphasizes the importance of active participation and engagement in the learning process, encouraging students to commit to their academic pursuits fully. 

Hanyang University undergraduate courses are mostly lecture-based and meet twice or thrice weekly, depending on the course's contact hours. This allows students to learn, engage with the material, and familiarize themselves with the course concepts. The academic environment emphasizes respect for professors and university rules, a hallmark of Korean academic culture. Students in Korean education settings are expected to show respect through regular attendance and polite interactions with both professors and fellow students. 

Class Format

Compared to the U.S., Korean teaching styles lean toward lectures and may be less interactive than students are used to. Typically, classes meet 2-4 times per week, for 1-3 hours depending on the course.  Hanyang University courses are usually mixed to include both local and international students, but some high-demand courses may have separate sections exclusively for international students. STEM courses often demand a higher level of mathematical proficiency compared to their U.S. counterparts. Attendance holds significant weight, and students missing 30% or more of class meetings will fail the course. Hanyang employs its own learning management system, which is based on Canvas.  

Courses taught at CIEE Seoul are typically for CIEE students only. Classes at CIEE meet 2-4 times per week, for anywhere from 1-3 hours per class session, depending on the course. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Instruction is supported and augmented online by CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas.  

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5 weeks long in semesters and 6 weeks long in the summer, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end. You’ll need a standard PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer with a download speed higher than 25 Mbps, as well as access to email, productivity software like Microsoft Office and other applications needed to perform a variety of educational functions. Most course materials you will need are available online. Since you are working mostly or entirely asynchronously, you’re given deadlines for your assignments by your instructor or in your syllabus, but you can work at your own pace within these due dates. Most instructors suggest a recommended pace to optimize your learning, but you have the flexibility to complete your ASU courses while pursuing your studies at your CIEE location. 

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.  

Hanyang University courses are graded using letter grade equivalent scale of A-F, and primary assessments usually include course, presentations, written examinations, with final exams typically worth 25-50% of the final grade for the course. 

ASU: As a U.S. institution of higher education, the grading practices should be familiar to any CIEE student. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” grading options are not allowed for CIEE students. Please see the CIEE Academic Manual for Students for more information about your grades.   

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Korean 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Hanyang University 

Not all courses are offered every semester, and some courses have prerequisites. Typically, the first course in a series will be offered in spring, with the next step in the course series offered in the fall, in line with the Korean school year which begins in March. To get an idea of what will be available in any given semester, consult the online catalog from the desired semester in the previous year. A final list of courses and syllabi for the term will be made available during the course enrollment process. To see a list of courses, please visit the following site and click first on the American flag to see the page in English, then on “course catalog”: https://portal.hanyang.ac.kr/sugang/sulg.do 

The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of English-language STEM course offerings from Hanyang University and is subject to change.  In some cases, prior background knowledge or prerequisites may be required to enroll in a class. 

Sample courses

  • Philosophical Understanding of Science and Technology (GEN4091) 
  • Computer Networks (ENE4019) 
  • Artificial Intelligence (CSE4007) 
  • Field & Wave Electromagnetics (PHY2014) 
  • Signals and Systems (ECE3008) 
  • Microprocessor (CSE2011) 
  • Introduction to Materials Science (COE1004) 
  • Numerical Analysis (MAT3008) 
  • Algorithm Analysis (ITE2023) 
  • Energy Science and Technology (EGY1001) 

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

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:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 Fall 2025 18 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $17,950

*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 $13,456 **
Housing $4,000 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $0
Total Fees $17,950

Optional 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 $4,050

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.

See Scholarships

Estimated 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 $4,689

*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

†††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.

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

Staff

Our Staff

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...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

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.

Request Info