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Seoul & Suwon: Sungkyunkwan University (Exchange Program) (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
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 3.0 Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore
Type of Program: Exchange Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Korean
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: No Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Accounting, Archaeology, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Asian Studies, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Business, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Communications, Computer Science, Data Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Engineering, English, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Studies, Film Studies, Finance, Food Science, Global Studies, History, Information Sciences and Technology, Information Systems, International Business, Journalism, Korean, Labor and Employment Relations, Literature, Management, Marketing, Materials Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Media Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Plant Science, Political Science, Psychology, Risk Management, Russian, Science, Sociology, Statistics, Sustainability, Theatre
Click here for a definition of this term Research: No Click here for a definition of this term Maymester: No
Program Description:

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 

Program Description 

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) is a private, highly ranked research university in South Korea, founded in 1398, offering many majors including library and information science, computer science, law, life sciences, literature, psychology, medicine, and business, as well as MBA and other professional masters, masters of science and doctorates. Sungkyunkwan University was founded at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty in 1398 as the highest national educational institute in the early years of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. As the oldest university in East Asia, it has fostered leaders of our society for over 600 years.

On this exchange program, students can choose from hundreds of courses offered in English and have the option to enroll in SKKU's Korean Language Program. Students can enroll in courses at SKKU's Humanities and Social Sciences Campus in Seoul and/or the Natural Sciences Campus in Suwon. Students can take courses at one or both campuses and may choose to live on one of the two campuses, but take courses at the other. There is a shuttle bus that operates throughout the day taking students back and forth between campuses (free of charge and can take up to one hour and ten minutes or more one way depending on traffic). Learn more about the shuttle bus and campus transportation by visiting SKKU's website.

Humanities and Social Sciences Campus in Seoul

At SKKU's Seoul campus, students can take general education courses, elective courses, and non-STEM related courses. Fields of study include Confucian Studies and Eastern Philosophy, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Economics, Business, Education, and Art. Students must meet with their academic adviser before choosing their courses.

Natural Sciences Campus in Suwon

At SKKU's Suwon campus, students can choose from STEM related courses in the fields of Science, Information and Communication Engineering, Software, Engineering, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, and Sport Science. Students must meet with their academic adviser before choosing their courses.

Dates

Academic Year: early September - mid June
Fall: early September - mid December
Spring: early March - mid June

Please note that the Korean academic calendar runs from spring through fall, which is opposite of the Penn State academic calendar. In addition, their spring semester starts much later and ends later than the normal Penn State spring semester. 

Program Note

This program may have limited space, so we recommend that you identify an appropriate backup program and complete the Education Abroad Backup Questionnaire in your Penn State Application when applying to this program.  Should you not be accepted for your first-choice program, you will automatically be reviewed for your backup choice. For help on choosing an appropriate backup, please contact your education abroad adviser.

Location

Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a huge metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces, and street markets. Notable attractions include futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Jogyesa Temple to name a few.

SKKU's Humanities and Social Sciences Campus is located inside the city walls, within the original capital of Joseon. Located on the original Sungkyunkwan site, the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus is spread over a hill looking down on Jongmyo Royal Shrine, which has been designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. 

Suwon

Suwon is the capital and largest metropolis of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea's most populous province which surrounds Seoul, the national capital. Suwon lies about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Seoul. Suwon has existed in various forms throughout Korea's history, growing from a small settlement to become a major industrial and cultural center. It is the only remaining completely walled city in South Korea. The city walls are one of the more popular tourist destinations in Gyeonggi Province. Samsung Electronics R&D center and headquarters are in Suwon. The city is served by two motorways, the national railway network, and the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. Suwon is a major educational center, home to 11 universities.

SKKU's modern Natural Sciences Campus was established in 1978. This campus is situated 45km away from Seoul, on a 250-acre site. The campus is home to 5 Schools, 2 Colleges as well as various graduate schools. The management of the Natural Sciences Campus is considered a paragon of educational administration in Korea. When the new campus was built, the idea of a dual campus system was revolutionary in Korean higher education; this system remains unique in Korea. 

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 Penn State Global website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Accounting, Archaeology, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Asian Studies, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Business, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Communications, Computer Science, Data Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Engineering, English, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Studies, Film Studies, Finance, Food Science, Global Studies, History, Information Sciences and Technology, Information Systems, International Business, Journalism, Korean, Labor and Employment Relations, Literature, Management, Marketing, Materials Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Media Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Plant Science, Political Science, Psychology, Risk Management, Russian, Science, Sociology, Statistics, Sustainability, Theatre

Course Listings

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 SKKU'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 your SKKU

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 12 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

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 Penn State Global 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
N/A B-
C+  C+
C  C
D/D+ D
F  F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
1 credit per course  1 credit per course

Housing and Meals

Housing

All students participating in this program (in Seoul and/or Suwon) will live in campus dormitories administered by SKKU. Students can choose from double or quad rooms. The cost is about $1,700 per semester (4 months) and is not included in your tuition bill from Penn State. 

Students are permitted to choose which campus they wish to live on, Seoul or Suwon. For example, students may prefer to live on campus in Seoul, but take most of their classes in Suwon using the campus shuttle bus to transport between the two campuses. Be mindful of the commute between the two campuses, however (the shuttle bus only operates at certain times in the day and can take up to one hour and ten minutes or more one way depending on traffic).   

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.

Meals

Meals are not included on this program - students are responsible for all 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 Penn State Global. 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.

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 Penn State Global 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 Penn State Global 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 Penn State Global 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 Penn State Global 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 Penn State Global 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 Penn State Global website. 

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


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2024 09/10/2023
** 		Rolling Admission 01/27/2024 06/22/2024
NOTE: Start date marks arrival in host country. End date marks departure from program housing.
Fall 2024 03/01/2024
03/12/2024 08/30/2024 12/21/2024
Spring 2025 09/10/2024
** 		Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Fall 2025 03/03/2025 03/12/2025 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