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. 

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! For example, in the Fall the university hosts a large festival hosted 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 is a great opportunity to strengthen local friendships as well as receive financial support.

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. 

For further information, you can check out Soonchunhyang's website or by viewing the PDF version here! 

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. Students can visit the on campus cafeteria or utilize off-campus dining options. Off-campus options are 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!

Please see here for more information on housing and dining! 

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

• Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
• Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
• Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

• Review your destination-specific health risks
• Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
• Provide guidance on food and water safety
• Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
• Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

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.

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.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

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.