Study abroad in Seoul, South Korea’s capital. Come to a city filled with energy where you can see traditional palaces and temples just as much as high-end shops and cafés while hearing the latest K-Pop music. Seoul’s highly-rated mass transportation system makes it easy to get around the city and take in all this vibrant metropolis has to offer. You will be part of Seoul National University, one of Korea’s top three most prestigious universities.
Program Information
- Academics
- Accommodations
- Costs
- Eligibility
- Excursions
- Scholarships
- Testimonials
- Contact
- Location
- Duration
- Overview
Academic Program
Take advantage of the opportunity to study at Korea’s most prestigious university and learning about the Korean culture.
The following Colleges are NOT OPEN to undergraduate exchange students:
- The College of Medicine
- The College of Dentistry/Medicine/Nursing
- The College of Law
- The College of Fine Arts
The following Colleges/Departments are COMPETETIVE and RESTRICTIVE to undergraduate exchange students:
- The Department of Computer Science & Engineering (you must have earned 15 credits in Computer Science & Engineering related courses on your UAlbany official transcript to be considered)
- The College of Business Administration (you MUST be a Business or Economics major at UAlbany to be considered)
- The College of Vocal Music (you MUST be a Vocal Music major at UAlbany to be considered)
- The Departments of Korean History/ Psychology/ Statistics/ Pharmacy requires applicants to provide proof of Korean language proficiency. You should have Level 5 or above on TOPIK (the Korean language proficiency test).
Searching for Courses
Please follow this step-by-step process on how to search on the SNU online course catalog HERE. You will be able to find past syllabi of the courses that have been offered at SNU.
The SNU Korean language course information can be found HERE. Please note: Korean language courses at Seoul National University are offered through the Korean Language Education Center. Korean language courses are a separate charge; the cost is not included in UAlbany’s Estimate of Costs. Additionally, depending on the Korean language course option you choose, the courses may conflict with several of the English-taught courses you plan to take.
Housing
Please note, SNU ON CAMPUS HOUSING IS NOT GUARANTEED. On-campus housing for exchange students at SNU is available at the Gwanak Residence Halls. If you choose to live on campus, you will be in a living environment with students from more than 80 countries. The apartment-style suites, made up of three double-occupancy rooms, include a bed, desk, bookshelf, closet, private bathroom, and phone. Personal items, including blankets and pillows, are not provided.
The shared living room includes a sofa, table, AC, refrigerator, washer, and shoe rack.
Off-campus housing is available near campus. If you choose to live off campus, you will be responsible for arranging your own accommodations.
Meals
There is no meal plan for this program. You may choose to purchase meals in the cafeteria, cook, or eat out at local restaurants.
ESTIMATE OF COSTS
Review this program’s Estimate of Costs. Note, there may be several tabs in the Estimate of Costs. Please be sure that you are reviewing the tab for your anticipated semester abroad.
Please note: Korean language courses at Seoul National University are offered through the Korean Language Education Center. Korean language courses are a separate charge; the cost is not included in UAlbany’s Estimate of Costs. Additionally, depending on the Korean language course option you choose, the courses may conflict with several of the English-taught courses you plan to take.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
Academic Requirements
Second-semester freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in all majors, with at least a 2.5 GPA, are eligible to apply. If your GPA is lower than a 2.5 (even if it’s a 2.49), or you are a freshman at the time of application, you are not eligible to apply for the program. AP credits from high school do not count, as you will need to have at least 2 semesters of completed college grades on your transcript prior to applying for the program.
If you are a transfer student, you must have completed at least one semester at your previous institution, plus at least one semester at your current institution, in order to apply.
This program is only open to UAlbany students.
Prior knowledge of Korean is not required.
Experiential Learning
University-arranged excursions are not included in this program, but you may enjoy tourist attractions and events off campus, on your own.
Student Clubs and Organizations
The SNU International Student Association (SISA) arranges several trips throughout the year that are available for you to join. SNU also offers a variety of student activities and sports clubs that you can join.
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
Speak with an Advisor
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About the City
Seoul National University’s main campus is located in Gwanak, Seoul, on the southern side of the nation’s capital. Seoul has a very organized public transportation system, making it easily to access Seoul National University via bus and subway.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. If you are a U.S. citizen, you are required to obtain a visa to enter Korea.
For all other nationalities, please check with your government and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea website to determine whether you are required to obtain a visa for this program.
More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring/Winter/Spring Break programs: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Academic Year 2023-2024
Forthcoming
Fall 2024 (TENTATIVE DATES)
Saturday, August 31, 2024 – Friday, December 20, 2024
*Please Note: The Fall 2024 program dates are TENTATIVE. For the most updated SNU academic calendar, you can find it HERE. Friday, December 20 is the last day of make-up classes at Seoul National University, which could also include final exams and papers.
Spring 2024
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 – Friday, June 21, 2024
*Please Note: Friday, June 21 is the last day of make-up classes at Seoul National University, which could also include final exams and papers.
About the Program
The University at Albany’s exchange affiliation with Seoul National University (SNU) enables you to study in the heart of Seoul, South Korea and is intended for U.S. students interested in experiencing Korean daily life and culture while developing Korean language skills and pursuing coursework in English in diverse subject areas. You are sure to make life-long friends, build your networks, expand and deepen your academic and cultural horizons, all while experiencing life in Seoul, one of Asia’s coolest, yet largely undiscovered cities.
Ranked as the best global university in South Korea, and a top 100 university worldwide by U.S. News & World Report, Seoul National University has proven to be a leading higher education institution.
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted the Saturday before the end of Spring UAlbany classes and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at Seoul National University, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
Seoul National University’s International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.
Program Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | March 1, 2024 | March 15, 2024 | August 31, 2024 | December 21, 2024 |
| Academic Year 2024 | March 1, 2024 | March 15, 2024 | August 31, 2024 | June 21, 2025 |
Additional Details
| Locations |
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| Subjects |
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| Terms |
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| Minimum Class Standing | Freshman |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 |
| Program Open to Visiting Students | Yes! |
| Additional Program Requirements | If your GPA is below the level indicated, consult with us about whether or not you should apply |
| Credit Load | 12-18 per semester |
| Exchange Program | Yes! |
| Faculty-Led | No |
| Language of Instruction | English, Korean |
| Language Requirement | No previous language study required |
| SUNY code | 1307 |
| Partner University | Seoul National University |