The Ewha Womans University Exchange program offers students of any gender the opportunity to study at the world's largest female educational institute and one of the top universities in Korea for a semester, academic year, or calendar year. Participation in this program does not require any prior knowledge of the Korean language, as there are diverse course offerings in English. Students with a wide variety of majors can find courses that align with their academic goals.

Academic Program

Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Calendar Year

Ewha’s extensive course offerings in English enable students to pursue coursework in humanities, liberal arts, fine arts, and music. Students also have the option of studying Korean language, which is offered in levels ranging from beginner to advanced and is recommended to facilitate daily communication. Students hoping to fulfill General Education requirements while abroad will find many course options at Ewha.

Exchange students are required to take a minimum of 12 s.h. per semester and are able to take up to 18 s.h. per semester while studying at Ewha. Credit received from Ewha will be treated as transfer credit. Interested students should make an appointment with the UI Study Abroad advisor for more information on transfer credit and be prepared to consult with their academic advisor, as well.

Note: UI students are not allowed to enroll in K-MOOC courses due to pass/fail only grading.

Cultural Activities

Ewha offers exchange students the chance to participate in optional, structured cultural activities. These activities range from an International Mini-Olympics in which international students compete in soccer, dodge ball, relay races, and other fun events, to trips to see the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), Changdeok Palace, and Nanta performances.

Ewha also has an optional PEACE Buddy program that pairs exchange students with a Korean student who can ease their transition to life in South Korea. Past participants have cited this program as a highlight of their experience.

Program Dates

Fall semesters are typically from late August through mid-December.

Spring semesters are typically from early March through mid-June.

Please refer to Ewha's academic calendar for further information.

For More Information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with Ewha Womans University, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

  

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email:study-abroad@uiowa.edu

Ewha Womans University

Ewha Womans University opened its doors in 1886. It is currently one of the largest women's universities in the world, though Ewha accepts international students of any gender. The word “Womans” in Ewha’s title is an intentional spelling choice. The founders of Ewha wanted to respect the individuality of every woman, so “woman” became “womans.” With a population of over 800 international students, Ewha provides a global atmosphere in which exchange students can study alongside peers from around the world.

Seoul

Seoul is the political and cultural capital of South Korea. Its population of 10.5 million are spread throughout a city about the same size as Chicago. Neon signs, skyscrapers, and an incredibly computer-savvy populace are juxtaposed with the city's 2,000-year-old history. Seoul’s international atmosphere has turned it into one of the most cosmopolitan cities in not just Asia, but the world.

South Korea

South Korea is a country of about 50 million people located on the Korean Peninsula. Its neighbor North Korea grabs more headlines due to military exercises and political tensions, but South Korea is not a country to be overshadowed. With a strong, industrialized economy built after the Korean War, South Korea is one of the most economically successful nations in Asia. The Visit Korea website has a lot of good information about this fascinating country.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Ewha does not guarantee on-campus housing for incoming exchange students. On-campus housing is assigned on a first come, first served basis and correlates with the timing of the student's application. Students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of receiving on-campus housing.

The on-campus International House is a recently built residence hall with views of Seoul's cityscape. The building has both single and double occupancy rooms. Each room includes a bed, desk, closet, bookshelf, and small refrigerator. The housing office typically provides 2 bed sheets, 1 pillow, and 1 pillow case. They have blankets available for rent. Students can also visit local stores if they would prefer to purchase additional bedding items.

Bathrooms facilities may be private or shared. Wireless internet and communal laundry facilities are also available. Additional amenities include a computer room, study room, lounge, and small gym.

Cost information and photos are available on the International House webpage. Please note that students must pay Ewha directly for their housing costs each semester.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements

Students are advised not to purchase airline tickets until they receive acceptance confirmation from both UI and Ewha. If you have questions and/or concerns, please contact the UI Study Abroad Advisor at 319-335-0353.

Students are expected to find their own flights to South Korea, though UI Study Abroad can assist by providing advice regarding airline booking options. Ewha will provide accepted students with more information on arrival details closer to the date of departure.

Local Transportation

Ewha University is located in downtown Seoul and is connected to the city via multiple bus stations and two subway stops (Green Line #2). The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is quite impressive, allowing travelers to get almost anywhere in the city where they would like to go. It is the world's most extensive system by length and is the second largest in the world by number of stations (after the NYC Subway).

For more information on local transportation options, please look at Visit Seoul's Transportation Guide.

Eligibility

The Ewha Womans University Exchange is open to UI students of all majors who fulfill the following requirements:

• Clear interest and commitment: Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program's subject matter and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
• Preparedness and maturity: Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA: Students must have at minimum a 3.0 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.
• Sophomore, junior, or senior standing: Students must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing at the time the program begins. First year students cannot participate in this program.
• Approval of UI Study Abroad advisor: A student's application must be reviewed and approved by their UI Study Abroad advisor.
• Acceptance by host institution: The number of participants is limited by reciprocity in the numbers to be exchanged, and meeting the minimum requirement for eligibility does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Even if a student is nominated by their UI Study Abroad advisor to participate in the exchange, the final acceptance decision is made by the international student office and the sponsoring departments at Ewha based on their own internal requirements.

Costs

Tuition

University of Iowa students pay their regular University of Iowa tuition and mandatory student fees and study at our partner university without further tuition payment. However, students should be prepared to pay the host university directly for certain expenses, such as housing. These expenses are included in the program cost sheet (more information below).

Study Abroad Administrative Fees

University of Iowa study abroad administrative fees are charged for all participants. They are based on tuition set by the Iowa Board of Regents. Please check the Costs of Study Abroad page for more information on these administrative fees.

Cost Sheets

Cost sheets are documents that outline the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. They include fees charged on students’ U-Bill, as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

The cost sheet includes the Study Abroad Administrative Fee and Mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance. Please see the respective websites for further details. Please contact your UI Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding this cost sheet by calling 319-335-0353 to schedule an appointment.

The following cost sheet applies to the Fall 2023 session.

Cost Sheet Ewha Exchange- Fall 2023 CLAS Students

Scholarships & Financial Aid

For more information about receiving financial aid while studying abroad, please review the following:UI Financial Aid Information

You can find more information about options for funding your study abroad experience including scholarships on Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad.

How to Apply

Spots for UI students: Enrollment for the 2024-25 Academic Year is limited to 4 semester students.

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of three major steps:

Step 1: After meeting with the UI Study Abroad advisor, students must complete the online UI Study Abroad Application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.

Step 2: The UI Study Abroad Application is reviewed. If the student meets the requirements for the program and there are sufficient spaces available in the exchange, the UI Study Abroad advisor nominates them for study at Ewha.

Step 3: Once nominated, the student completes the online application process for Ewha. The application is reviewed by Ewha, which makes the final acceptance decision.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Spring Semester and Calendar Year programs are due on Oct. 1.

Applications for the Fall Semester and Academic Year programs are due on Mar. 1.

Any supplemental materials are due to the UI Study Abroad office by the deadlines stated above.

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Prepare for Departure

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

Any students who will need to apply for a South Korean visa will need to wait until receiving their official admission letter from Ewha before they can begin applying for a visa. UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance and advising on the South Korean visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by the host university. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your UI Study Abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu