Location
  • South Korea
    • Seoul
Term
Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Anthropology Design East Asian Studies Education Food Science and Nutrition History Liberal Arts Mathematics Philosophy Religious Studies
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory
Language
English
Sep 25, 2024
Nov 27, 2024
53 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Come study abroad at Yonsei University with USAC in South Korea! Program options include summer, semester, and academic year terms, all in one of the most 'wired' cities in the world: Seoul. Explore the 'Land of the Morning Calm,' which received its title due to the mild coastal and mountainous climate.

Yonsei University is among the top 200 universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education. Students can take a large variety of courses, including Korean language classes at any level as well as Korean and East Asian Studies.

For more information, take a look at the USAC Website.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

There are LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and allies throughout the world. However, cultural understanding of gender identity and sexuality does vary from country to country. USAC has compiled a lot of resources to help you through that learning process.
USAC is dedicated to working closely with students with disabilities to ensure the best study abroad experience possible. You may request reasonable accommodations after your initial application is complete. We routinely receive requests for scheduling, material, and environmental accommodations for the classroom setting, which may include assistive technology, scribes and readers, printed material, and interpretation.

Impact

Environmentally-conscious students choose USAC because many of our programs are held in some of the most sustainable countries in the world. There are options to take coursework in sustainability and the environment, as well as field trips and studies where students can leave a lasting impact on their host country.

Program Highlights

  • Explore historic and modern Korea, known as the Land of the Morning Calm because of its mild coastal and mountainous climate
  • Learn calligraphy, danso (bamboo flute), Korean cuisine, and more from eminent local and foreign professors
  • Enjoy bike or ferry rides along the Han River, entertainment and shopping, and visits to local temples through the center of bustling Seoul
  • Choose from a diverse range of courses at Yonsei or the other University location, Kookmin, all while living in in one of the most “wired” cities in the world
  • Study in Yonsei for a January, Summer, Semester, or Yearlong session.

Program Reviews

4.73 Rating
based on 26 reviews
  • 5 rating 76.92%
  • 4 rating 19.23%
  • 3 rating 3.85%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.8
  • Support 3.8
  • Fun 4.8
  • Housing 4.2
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 26 reviews
Default avatar
Jannette
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

This is your sign to study abroad in South Korea

South Korea is one of the best cities you could travel to they have so many activities and events that my home country does not have. Yonsei University has an amazing student environment with lots of school spirit and sports games that’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced before. As a Mexican-American I was even able to feel at home because of the amount of Taco places all over Seoul. There is even a Latin American restaurant that incorporates food my mom would cook for me at home. Coming here is a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll remember forever so if you’re even thinking about coming to Seoul, just do it! USAC is here to help you with the process.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers is to learn a bit of Korean before coming here even though a majority of people here speak English it’s helpful to know some Korean.
Pros
  • Walkable city
  • Public transportation
  • Lots of pop up events
Cons
  • Language barrier
  • Rush hour
  • Crowded
22 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Scout
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Live your life to the fullest in Seoul!

Seoul has many many things to offer, so no matter who you are, you will find something!

Here at Yonsei University- the classes are super laid back. With that being said, your final exams will weigh a lot more than what they do in the US ( most being 50%). Along with that, attendance is almost mandatory here.

I would say Seoul is very affordable- as you can get a great meal for less than 11 dollars! Convenient stores are also a good choice! As well as food, a subway trip will cost around 99¢. Have fun in Seoul!

What was your funniest moment?
A guy in my program sat in one of the pink seats ( context: the pink seats on public transportation are for pregnant women only!!!)
Pros
  • Great public transportation
  • Seoul is an international hotspot
  • You'll never go hungry!
Cons
  • You won't be able to leave Korea for a couple months as you need to apply for residency before you can leave!
  • You may need to pay for monthly health insurance
  • Be ready to walk up a lot of hills/ stairs!!
14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cadence
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad in Seoul - Spring 2024

I loved staying in Seoul at one of South Korea’s sky universities. I had a lot of fun, and I want to keep going back. I am excited to see where my future will take me, now that I have had a unique experience abroad and have learned a new language. Seoul has so many cafes, noraebangs, craft workshops, and tours you can book. Additionally, traveling outside the city, I loved Busan the most. It had a rich culture distinct from Seoul, and the people were so welcoming, despite having less of a foreigner population than Seoul. The beautiful temples, palaces, and rich cultural and historical preservation will forever be ingrained in my memories.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would go to more cities outside Seoul, such as Nami island. I did not get to explore the whole of the country. Each city and town has its own dialect, cultural events, and monuments, that I did not get to fully experience.
Pros
  • Cultural immersion
  • Language aquisition
Cons
  • Many times people will automatically speak English to you, so you have to go out of your way to speak Korean even if they continue to speak English to you.
27 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience I'll truly never forget.

Studying abroad in Seoul was one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was embraced by the vibrant culture, accessible transporation, and an exciting blend of traditional and modern life.

The city has so much to offer—whether it’s exploring ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung, taking the train to Busan, or even eating all the dlicious Korean street food. Seoul is a city that never sleeps, so there is always something new to discover or a new place to explore.

What made my experience truly special was the opportunity to connect with people I otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to meet. Whether through classes, student groups, or just striking up conversations in cafes, I formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime. The support system, both from my peers and the program/university staff, made transitioning to a new culture much easier. Academically, the experience was both challenging and enriching. I got to study topics I wouldn’t have explored back home, all while gaining a global perspective. The professors were knowledgeable, and I loved how engaging and interactive the classes were.

If I had to sum it up in one sentence, studying in Seoul was a beautiful balance of personal growth, cultural immersion, and non-stop adventure. It was an experience that helped me grow not just academically but also as a person. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone considering studying abroad in South Korea!

What was your funniest moment?
Me and some of my friends stayed up till 4 am singing in a karaoke booth! Even though we were sleep deprived the next day, I wouldn't replace all the laughs we shared (and terrible singing we all endured) for anything.
Pros
  • It is a very English accessible country. I was able to get around with English and my limited Korean.
  • Food is very accessible and cheap.
  • Transportation is super accessible and cheap.
Cons
  • I went to Korea during monsoon season so it was constantly humid and rainy.
  • The T-Money system only took cash for refilling the card so bring cash if you plan on using public transportation.
  • Navigation apps can be a little hard to figure out at first.
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Shaelynn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Unforgettable Experience at Yonsei University

I spent an unforgettable spring semester at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, from February 22 to June 22—truly the best 120 days of my life! Yonsei offers a diverse array of unique courses not available at my home university. I enrolled in four classes: Contemporary Korean Culture & the Korean Wave, Intensive Korean Language, Understanding K-Pop, and Pre-Modern Korean History. Each class deepened my understanding and appreciation of Korean culture.

My language course, in particular, significantly enhanced my Korean skills. Before arriving in Korea, I knew the Korean alphabet (Hangul) and could speak a few basic words. By the end of my semester, I was able to hold simple conversations and read the signs throughout the city.

Located in Sinchon, Yonsei University is a stunning campus right in the heart of Seoul. The city's extensive 233.69 square miles offers endless adventures, from exploring new districts to discovering cozy cafes perfect for studying and sampling traditional Korean dishes at various restaurants.

The hardest part was saying goodbye—not only to the beautiful country of Korea but also to the incredible friends I made during my time abroad. Although I arrived alone, I left with countless friends from all over the world.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could go back to my first day in Seoul I would choose be more adventurous. I would choose to try new food, explore different areas of Seoul, and even travel outside of Seoul more. When I was in Korea, once I found something I liked, I stuck with it. When looking back on it, I should have tried more things out of my comfort zone to have a more wide variety of experiences.
Pros
  • Experienced and learned about living in a different culture
  • Became more independent
  • Made many friends from around the world with similar interest as me
Cons
  • Language barrier
  • Sometimes treated differently as a foreigner
  • Large city, easy to get lost in
32 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alaina
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I loved my semester in Seoul!

I studied abroad at Yonsei in Seoul, South Korea! I had an amazing time getting to immerse myself in the Korean academic culture with all of my classes. I was lucky enough to get a dorm on campus, which was an amazing experience and allowed me to be close to campus and really feel what student living was like! One of my favorite classes was my Korean Art History course where I not only got to learn about the cool artistic developments throughout Korean and East Asian history but also got to deep dive into the Korean history itself. Outside of my classes, I loved getting to explore the city from the street markets to historical landmarks right there in the city center. I also enjoyed trying the local food, meeting new people, and experiencing everything that Seoul had to offer. The whole experience was unforgettable both academically and personally.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I decided to plan a solo trip to Busan. I was scared to go alone as I had never solo traveled myself before, but I had an amazing time! My favorite part of this trip was the day I spent in the Gamcheon culture village. It was rainy that day, which at first I was a little upset about, but it ended up adding to the beautiful scenery and creating a really wonderful atmosphere. I loved getting to visit all of the local shops and bakeries, hike on the trails, and learn all about the history that the Gamcheon culture village had to offer!
Pros
  • Amazing food
  • Easy and accessible public transportation
Cons
  • Hot and humid summers
24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Owen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Would recommend!

Studying abroad at Yonsei University was an overall very positive experience! The living situation with SK Global was great, Seoul is a very safe and easily navigable city, and it was overall very foreigner friendly. There were some drawbacks in terms of class offerings (though the classes were taught in English, many still made the learning experience very difficult for foreigners), working with HireVise and NHIS (having you pay unexpected medium amounts of money throughout the semester), etc. But generally, it was a great experience and I would recommend it.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Eating live octopus (sanalkjji) was scary, but I tried to have an open mind about all the new food and experiences.
38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hao
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying Abroad Allowed Me To Live My Youth To The Fullest

Studying abroad in Korea has truly changed my life for the better, and it has opened so many new doors for what and where I want to achieve things in life. Sometimes, I feel like it was all a whimsical fever dream because studying abroad in Korea was like a twinkling fairytale where I got to enjoy my youth to the fullest. Unlike a typical abroad trip to Korea, where you're in full-on tourist mode, studying abroad gives you a whole new perspective because you meet people from all over the world who share similar interests and liven up your life with their different personalities. Together with these like-minded people, this program allows you to explore the wonders of Korea and make memories that are etched in your mind forever. Everyone I met, whether it was local or exchange students like me, gave me courage and happiness to live my best life here in Korea.

Studying abroad in Korea gives you a chance to make memories you'll never want to forget and make you want to continue this magical journey. From the cozy neighboring cities you get to explore to the mouth-watering foods you get to eat, every day studying abroad is an adventure you can't get enough of! South Korea is such a boisterous and wonderful place to visit, filled with convenience, an enchanting culture, and, seriously, the most delicious food ever. During my time abroad, I got to go cafe hopping with friends, fly to Japan, and go to the k-pop concert of my dreams! As a k-pop fan, it was truly a dream come true where I can go to exclusive pop-up events and music shows for comebacks! So, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone and anyone who is even considering studying abroad in South Korea to do it because I guarantee it is the single choice you'll never regret.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Going to the local immigration office to get my required ARC card was daunting at first because, surprisingly, they don't speak much English there despite being an immigration center to help foreigners. But, as long as you have all your required documents and filled them our correctly, do not worry because the process is actually quite easy! Even without English, just the word ARC is enough to have people help you by pointing out where you should go. And once your number is called, just go to the booth and hand over the documents and the workers will help you with the rest. So don't fret too much about the ARC application! If you want to make it easier for yourself, of course, you can apply for the group application that Yonsei provides! But sometimes, the group application can take a while, and it's a gamble where you might not receive your card until 3 months in. And you will need your ARC if you want to travel to neighboring countries like Japan or Hong Kong. So, getting the ARC by yourself is doable and way faster so don't be afraid about this option too! That's what I did and I got my ARC way faster than some of my friends who opted for the group
Pros
  • You get to eat the most amazing, delicious, and mouth-watering foods without having to make a dent in your wallet.
  • Don't know Korean? It's okay because most likely, many people there actually know the most basic English! And if all else fails, there's papago and google translate to the rescue!
  • You get to meet lovely people from all over the world and share beautiful memories together!
Cons
  • Depending on the season you go, there will come a period where it will either be super hot or super cold so just be prepared for that!
  • If you go in the fall semester, be prepared to battle some mosquitoes in the dorms because they get you when you sleep! (Buying some mosquito incenses at daiso should work well!)
37 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

As long as you fit the eligibility requirements for your specific program, you are very likely to be accepted. You can reach out to studyabroad@usac.edu to discuss eligibility requirements and any application needs.