South Korea: Soonchunhyang University

SCH has 80 foreign instructors and about 500 international students of various nationalities. It is an ideal place to study and experience Korean culture and pick up a language that has been designated a priority language by the U.S. government. Korean Language classes are usually taught by non-native English speakers, therefore the language courses will be authentic with native speakers. 

Students take an average of 5-6 classes each semester in a variety of subjects. There are courses available in the following areas listed below. The courses listed online are not offered every semester and will be confirmed with a final schedule upon arrival during orientation.

• Literature and Culture
• Business and Economics
• Political Science and Diplomacy
• Sociology and History
• Education
• Korean Studies
• International Studies
• Korean Language

For courses and academic calendar, visit Soonchunhyang University's website.

Credits:
Credits at Soonchunhyang are the same as UNI.

Grades:
GPA    Score                   UNI Equivalent
4.5      A+ (95-100)          = A
4.0      A (90-94)              = A
3.5      B+ (85-89)            = B+
3.0      B (80-84)              = B
2.5      C+ (75-79)            = C+
2.0      C (70-74)              = C
1.5>    D+, D, F (0-69)   = no transfer

NOTE: Soonchunhyang, as a South Korean university, grades on a curve, with the top 30% being able to receive an A. Classes are also very strict in attendance--typically students can only miss class three times before they fail automatically. 

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to South Korea, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more.  From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to South Korea.

Immigration Information:

Students going to South Korea (Republic of Korea) for more than 90 days will need to apply for a student visa. 

Your Study Abroad Advisor will help you through this process but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the latest updates related to their destination country.

Housing:

Global Village is dormitory housing capable of providing accommodation for up to 12 students. It is a spacious area, consisting of 4 buildings in the complex. Students have access to internet, public telephones, study rooms, laundry facilities and a fully equipped media room. Each section has a comfortable communal area fitted with a sofa suite, and is fully air-conditioned. It is surrounded by six rooms and two large bathrooms. The Global Village has 24 hour in-house security, employed by Soonchunhyang University to ensure students peace of mind and well being. 

Living in the Global Village, you will be surrounded by many different people from all around the globe! Every International student will have a Korean roommate, but will have other suite mates from all across the world! It is a great way to meet many new people and make tons of great, lifelong friends!

Meals:

Students have the option to eat meals on-campus or off-campus. Meals in the cafeterias range in price from 2,500 to 4,000 won (or about $3-4 USD). Off-campus food is usually a 10-15 minute walk from campus. Most restaurants do not have menus listed in English, so it is a good idea to bring a Korean buddy with you!

More information on housing and dining can be found here! 

International Students in this program will all participate in a "Cultural Exchange" Internship. You will have 7-10 exchange partners who you will meet with once a week for an hour each. These exchanges are to help the Korean students get more conversational English practice. You will meet your partners in the Global Lounge, and usually either play some games or grab a bite to eat! There are several events for International students throughout the year! In the fall semester there is a "Sports Night", where groups compete in friendly competition in games like three-legged races and basketball! Also in the fall is a large festival hosted by the university with live music, food, and lots of fun! In the spring, the cherry blossom trees bloom and there is a Cherry Blossom Festival, with lots of live performances, photo opportunities, and tons of cherry blossomed themed snacks! 

This internship is what pays for your room and board at SCH. You are also reimbursed for your flight to Korea, up to around 700 USD. On top of all of this, by participating in the Language Exchanges, you will receive a weekly stipend of around 100 USD.

This is a great opportunity to strengthen local friendships as well as receive financial support.

For further information, you can check out Soonchunhyang's website!