Seoul National University
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.
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Academic Program
Take advantage of the opportunity to study at Korea’s most prestigious university and learning about Korean language culture.
Course Descriptions and Syllabi
During the Fall and Spring semesters at Seoul National University (SNU), you may choose from optional courses in beginning, intermediate, and advanced Korean language, and a wide variety of lecture courses taught in English. You will be asked to choose a preferred department at SNU, but you may take courses in multiple departments.
Searching for Courses
In the SNU Course Catalog, select “Undergraduate Courses” under “Course Classification”. The Seoul National University Course Search Instructions will guide you through the process.
- Click the “English lecture” box.
- If you wish to take courses in The College of Business Administration or Vocal Music, you must major in either of these fields at your home university.
The following Colleges are not open to undergraduate exchange students:
- The College of Medicine
- The College of Dentistry
- The College of Law
Review Seoul National University’s website for more information regarding the program and course offerings.
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.
General Education Information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. Three credits of foreign language study will satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn these general elective credits.
Major/Minor Information for UAlbany Students
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department.
Transcript
All courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
Housing
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. ON CAMPUS HOUSING IS NOT GUARANTEED.
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.
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
Spring 2023
Forthcoming
Fall 2023
Forthcoming
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.