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CIEE: Seoul, Arts and Sciences (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Johnna Weston Click here for a definition of this term Housing: Dormitory, Homestay
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5 Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2.5 - Second Semester Sophomore
Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: School of International Affairs, Undergraduate Type of Program: Direct Enrollment
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Korean Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 0 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: No Click here for a definition of this term Program-Specific Scholarships: CIEE-PSU Scholarship
Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Anthropology, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Asian Studies, Business, Communications, Economics, Engineering, Film Studies, Finance, History, International Business, Korean, Music, Political Science, Sociology
Program Description:
Visit the Global Programs COVID-19 site for current information on the status of Education Abroad programming.

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
  • Second-semester sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 

Program Description 

The CIEE Seoul, Arts + Sciences program is designed to support students while they learn at a top-ranked Korean university and experience everyday life in Seoul. A special in-depth orientation and extracurricular program helps students get to know the country, along with 16 weeks of courses in English and Korean administered by Yonsei University’s Office of International Affairs (OIA). Students will be directly enrolling in courses at Yonsei University.

Yonsei University classes include both seminar and lecture formats. Some include excursions that relate to course subject matter. Students can take classes designed for only international students or they can take classes alongside local students by enrolling in classes in a variety of departments and colleges including engineering, science, and business administration, though some courses may have prerequisites and/or restrictions (e.g. business administration courses are restricted to business majors). Students with near-native Korean language skills have many more options, provided they have Korean university-level comprehension. Students wishing to study Korean language can choose to take an intensive 6-credit course or a less intensive 3-credit course.

Dates

Academic Year: late August - late June
Fall: late August - late December
Spring: late February - late June

Note: The Korean academic calendar runs from mid-August through late June and is divided into two semesters. Unlike in the U.S., the spring semester (February-June) is the first semester of the academic year and fall (August-December) is the second.

Refer to CIEE's website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

Recognized by UNESCO for outstanding design yet firmly rooted in ancient traditions, Seoul is full of intrigue and inspiration for students of arts and sciences. You’ll find it easy to make the most of the city’s live-wire environment, with access to Korean culture through the Seoul Mates program, university clubs, a variety of unforgettable excursions, and our dedicated team to guide you at every step. 

Packed with people, it’s no wonder Seoul is the capital and largest city in South Korea. A vibrant business and financial hub, Seoul also brims with culture, with more than 100 museums, numerous religious monuments, parks, markets, festivals, sports teams, and the Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces. The mighty Han River runs through the city, and rugged mountains loom in the distance.    

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Anthropology, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Asian Studies, Business, Communications, Economics, Engineering, Film Studies, Finance, History, International Business, Korean, Music, Political Science, Sociology

Course Listings

To find courses on the CIEE Seoul program, follow the instructions on the CIEE Seoul website.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on CIEE's and Yonsei University's website before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with CIEE and Yonsei University

Program-specific Course Information

  • Students enroll in four to five elective courses for a total of 15-18 credits
  • 1 elective must have a Korea-related focus (ex: CIEE course - Intercultural Communication and Leadership, or Yonsei courses - Korean History, Korean Economics, Korean Cinema, Korean Language, etc…)

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 15 credits and a maximum number of 18 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Program-specific Academic Policies

  • Yonsei University has a strict course attendance policy: students who are absent for more than one-third of the semester are issued an “F” regardless of achievement. Some professors may have even stricter rules.
  • Policies are stricter at the Korean Language Institute, through which the 6-credit Korean language courses are taught: A student cannot be absent for more than 20 percent of the course or they will not receive a passing grade.

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
A  A
A-  A-
B+  B+
B  B
B-  B-
C+  C+
C  C
D  D
F  F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 credits per course  3 credits per course

Housing and Meals

Housing

Campus Dorm
  • SK Global House is connected to New Millennium Hall – where many classes are held – and the Korean Language Institute. With separate floors for men and women, rooms house two students and have private baths. Each floor has a lounge, a seminar room, and study room. The dorm also has a computer room, a sound-proof music practice room, a fitness center, a large shared kitchen, and coin-operated laundry facilities. A convenience store, food court, and other services are on the premises. Internet access provided.
Homestays
  • Living with a Korean family is by far the best avenue for language and cultural immersion. Families live within a 40- to 80-minute commute of Yonsei University. Students have their own rooms and share bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facilities. Students are responsible for telephone fees; internet access provided. 

Independent housing (i.e. living with family) is NOT permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.

Meals

Campus Dorm
  • Meals are not included in the program fee, and are students’ responsibility. Students can eat at the dorm food court, campus cafeterias, and restaurants, and snack bars, and restaurants throughout Seoul. Students can also use the dorm kitchen to prepare meals.
Homestays
  • Families provide breakfast and dinner daily. Students will be responsible for all other meals.

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Fall Costs
Spring Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Program-specific Scholarships

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of CIEE's website.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website. 

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2021 03/15/2021
03/25/2021 TBA TBA
Spring 2022 09/10/2021
** 		Rolling Admission 02/20/2022 06/24/2022
Fall 2022 03/01/2022 03/11/2022 TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Indicates that deadline has passed