Cornish - Sogang University Exchange
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About this Program
The Sogang Exchange Program seeks to develop a cross culturally competent, global perspective by providing a semester of transformative, experiential learning focused on an international perspective in the Korean context. Sogang offers 24 majors and 10 interdisciplinary degrees in its undergraduate program of 8,000 students. In addition to taking subject courses in English, students have the opportunity to study Korean Language. Sogang University was founded in 1960 by the Society of Jesus and is the only Jesuit higher educational institution n Korea. A little over 1,350 foreign students study year round at Sogang University. It is located in the heart of Seoul where students will be able to explore the city's nightlife, culture, and, of course, Korean food.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Locals
- Local University Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Language Intensive Program
- Buddy Program
- Housing is not included in the program fee. The program will provide housing in the following accommodation types:|Dorm
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 12-15
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 4-5
- Credit Per Course: 3
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Sogang University
- Credit Conversion Rate: Not specified
- Quarter Range: Not specified
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $0*
- Spring Semester: $0*
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
No valid buttons givenParticipation Costs
Payment
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Cherry blossoms and spring festivals make this a popular time for travel.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temperatures between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) and a monsoon season in July and August. Rainfall is frequent.
- Autumn (September to November): Cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Autumn foliage and clear skies make it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Winter (December to February): Cold and dry, with temperatures between -5°C and 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Snow is common in northern areas and mountainous regions, making it a popular time for skiing.
Travel Resources
- Air: Major international airports include Incheon International Airport (Seoul) and Gimhae International Airport (Busan). Domestic flights connect cities across the peninsula.
- Train: The KTX high-speed train network connects major cities, such as Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, providing fast and efficient travel.
- Public Transport: Cities have extensive subway, bus, and taxi networks. T-money and Cashbee cards are widely used for easy access to public transportation.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Key attractions include Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Jeju Island, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Haeundae Beach in Busan.
- Language: The official language is Korean, though English is commonly understood in tourist areas, especially among younger generations.
- Festivals: Major events include Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Harvest Festival), Boryeong Mud Festival, and Busan International Film Festival.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Traditional Korean dishes include kimchi (fermented vegetables), bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), bulgogi (marinated beef), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, though traditional cuisine is often meat- or fish-based. Major cities have a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Seoul: 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Phone: +82 2-397-4114)
- U.S. Consulate in Busan: #993, Joongangdae-Ro, Busanjin-Gu, Room 612 (Lotte Gold Rose), Busan
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: South Korea is increasingly accessible, with public transportation and new buildings equipped for individuals with disabilities. Older areas may still pose challenges.
- LGBTQ+: South Korea is socially conservative regarding LGBTQ+ issues. While there is a growing LGBTQ+ community, public displays of affection may not be widely accepted.
- Religion: South Korea is religiously diverse, with Buddhism and Christianity being the major faiths, alongside a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious or practicing traditional Korean spiritual beliefs.
- Race & Ethnicity: South Korea is largely ethnically homogeneous, though increasing immigration has introduced more diversity; racial minorities and mixed-race individuals may face social challenges.
- Gender: Gender equality is improving in South Korea, with growing female participation in education and the workforce, but traditional gender roles and gender-based workplace discrimination remain prevalent issues.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by Sogang University.
U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a student visa to study in South Korea (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). Students will apply through the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle. Required documents will be sent from Sogang University pre-departure. Sogang University will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in Sogang University’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.