Semester in Seoul
New for Spring 2025!
Unique Experiences
Explore cultural and historical landmarks
such as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung palaces, and Bukchon Hanok village
Enjoy a picnic and relax by the Han River
in the expansive surrounding parklands
Discover traditional Korean arts and crafts
and try you hand at them yourself
100,000
COFFEE SHOPS NATIONWIDE, WITH CAFÉ-HOPPING A NATIONAL PASTIME
7
ISLANDS IN SEOUL ALONG THE HAN RIVER, INCLUDING YEOIDO, WHERE THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IS LOCATED
3
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAMS, INCLUDING THE LG TWINS, DOOSAN BEARS, AND KIWOOM HEROES
Your 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 vibrant 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.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
CIEE programs boast frequent co-curricular, social and cultural activities as well as day and overnight trips uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance cultural immersion.
Co-Curricular Activities
Every course offers different co-curricular opportunities depending on the curriculum and study field. Some may feature guest speakers, laboratory work, workshops, or excursions. Activities may include site visits to relevant landmarks or locations in Korea that illustrate content explored during class sessions or hearing from relevant guest speakers who will bring their expertise to show students a different cultural, academic, and professional perspective. CIEE Seoul also organizes activities with local undergraduate students (through the Seoul Mates Program) who engage in language exchange activities to practice Korean, English, and share cultural notes
Academic Projects
Students interested in one of the following Academic Projects must submit additional materials as part of their course selection:
- Internship: This optional part-time internship (in English) allows students the opportunity to have practical work experience in a company within a variety of industry sectors. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience.
- Directed Independent Research: This research opportunity is for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by CIEE Seoul and the home institution. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with a topic of exploration, significance of research topic on how it relates to South Korea, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones.
Program Blogs
Top 20 Korean Slang Words and Phrases You Must Know
Are you worried about traveling to South Korea and feeling lost in conversation with locals, struggling to understand the Korean slang they're using? Don't worry; you're not alone. Just like... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Seoul offers diverse housing options to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. From twin rooms on or off campus to single rooms off campus, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes double occupancy rooms in modern residence halls on Hanyang’s campus (space-available basis) with access to various amenities within the building or in similarly equipped housing off-campus. Internet access is provided.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hotel off campus within 30 minutes of CIEE Seoul. Each room features an ensuite toilet and shower, and access to kitchen and laundry facilities. Internet access is provided. Select Plus housing is limited and 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. However, Hanyang University has several cafeterias and on-campus restaurants that offer nutritious meals at affordable prices. Off campus, many restaurants cater to students with affordable meals, and a wide variety of restaurants representing many different cultures, and diets such as halal food, and vegetarians, among others.
Academics
Semester In offers a flexible program for students to take full advantage of the program’s location in Seoul. Participants will take many of their courses from Hanyang University, choosing from hundreds of English-language courses in disciplines from STEM to Korean Studies to art and architecture, combined with courses offered directly by CIEE’s Seoul Center, including classes in Korean language and culture. Hanyang is one of South Korea’s top universities and was founded as one of the first engineering schools in the country before developing into a leader in STEM and overall education.
Students can register in a mix of courses from both Hanyang University and CIEE, with a minimum of one course from Hanyang. Korean language proficiency is not required, but students with advanced language skills may also take Korean language courses from the host university.
The Korean academic year begins in March, with the first term running until mid-June. The fall semester begins in early September and concludes in mid-December.
CIEE Seoul
The CIEE Seoul Center is located in the historic downtown area of Jongno, within minutes of some of the city’s most famous cultural sites, such as Gyeongbok Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, and the Cheonggye Stream, hosting Korea-related courses and providing support services for students.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Social Sciences
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 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.
- Principles of Architectural Representation
- Design Fundamentals 1 & 2
- Fundamentals of Computational Media Design
- History of Korean Architecture
- Introduction to Engineering Design
- Software Design Programming
- Discrete Mathematics
- System programming
- Numerical Analysis
- Strategic Marketing & Case Studies
- Behavioral Economics for Business Strategies
- Consumer Behavior and Content Creation
- Macroeconomics
- Digital Marketing
- Culture of Korea and Korea Wave
- History of Korean Cinema
- Theories of Mass Communications
- Animal Ethics
- Aesthetic Awareness in the Modern World
- Civil Society and Social Movements
- Ancient History of Korea
Students may choose to take university courses taught in Korean at the student’s discretion. Students should think carefully about their language proficiency before enrolling in Korean-language courses, as advanced proficiency is required.
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.
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 | Start Date * | End Date * |
*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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
International Airfare = $1,250†
Local Transportation = $150
Other = $224††
Total Costs = $1,624Financial 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.
†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
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.
Jennifer Flinn
Academic Director
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Social and Cultural Activities
While in Seoul, participants might: