CIEE Internships

Administered by our provider partner, CIEE, this English-speaking international 8-week summer internship takes place in Seoul, South Korea. CIEE Summer Global Internship programs combine a full-time internship with an integrated academic seminar to provide professional exploration and specific skills development. Placements are individualized, based on the career goals of the student who is applying

This credit-bearing internship comes with 6 semester UIowa resident credits, 30 integrated academic seminar hours, and 200-240 internship placement hours. This is great way to explore your future career options, while having an amazing adventure abroad.

This program is administered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) on behalf of an academic consortium of which the University of Iowa is a member. UI participants on the program join a group of students from other U.S. colleges and universities. University of Iowa students earn resident credit for this program.

Academic Program

Students enroll in 1 internship academic seminar course (6 sh) during the eight-week session:

• One internship placement, with accompanying weekly seminar
• Note: During the internship, students are expected to complete 200-240 internships placement hours, as well as 30 integrated academic seminar hours throughout the session

The internship selection process accounts for a student's job qualifications, background and professional attitude. Placements will be confirmed in advance of a student's departure from the United States. Final intern selections are determined by Indian firms and companies; as a result, placement at a particular organization is not guaranteed. Attendance is mandatory.

For updated course offerings, descriptions, and syllabi, visit CIEE's program webpage.

Excursions, Cultural Activities

Throughout their program, student interns will have an experience like no other as they encounter the industry and energy of one the most fascinating cities in the world.

Visit a digitally native company, a consulting firm, or a local non-profit foundation to gain an in-depth understanding of the work environment in Seoul.

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace while wearing traditional Korean clothing (Hanbok

Take a day trip to the DMZ to gain insights into the history and geopolitical significance of this border.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Refine your resume and interviewing skills for the local business culture

Explore the professional working world of Seoul through organizational site visits, industry networking events, and guest lectures

Participate in workshops that will help you make the most of your internship

Program Dates

Summer – 8 weeks: Early/Mid-June to Early/Mid-August

For exact program dates, visit CIEE's program webpage.

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with CIEE, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students will receive an email with their study abroad advisor assignment.
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

CIEE Seoul, South Korea

CIEE Seoul: Study in the heart of downtown Seoul in Jonggak, just steps from Jonggak Station (Line 1, Exit 10). The CIEE Center features cozy lounges, quiet study spaces, and fast Wi-Fi, with cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks just around the corner. With easy access to public transportation and nonstop city energy, Jonggak is the perfect home base while abroad.

At CIEE, students will find classrooms, a computer room, student services, the Language Resource Center and resident staff.

The work scene in Seoul is fast-paced, with high-tech offices, collaborative spaces, and a strong focus on teamwork and innovation. It thrives amidst the city's vibrant street culture and bustling urban life, offering a dynamic environment for professionals across various sectors.

Seoul is South Korea’s vibrant, cosmopolitan capital, celebrated for its dynamic nightlife, unique blend of traditional and modern culture, iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower, world-class museums, bustling street markets, trendy cafés, and stylish shopping districts. Whether you're majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Seoul is the perfect place to study or intern abroad.

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 Logistics

Housing

CIEE Seoul offers diverse housing options to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. From twin rooms to single rooms in residence halls, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.

Standard Housing: Includes a twin room in a shared apartment or residence hall within a 30-minute commute by public transportation to the city center. Each room features an ensuite toilet, shower and a shared kitchenette.

Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall or shared apartment within a 30-minute commute by public transportation to the city center. Each room features an ensuite toilet, shower and a shared kitchenette. Select Plus housing is very limited and requires an additional fee.

A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.

Meals

Programs in Seoul do not offer a meal plan. However, students can prepare food in their kitchenette. Also, there are many food vendors with a wide variety of restaurants throughout Seoul representing many different cultures, diets (including halal food, vegetarian, etc.), and price points.

Transportation

Commute time from housing location to internship will vary depending on the location of the internship provider.  

FAQs

How are housing assignments made?

You will be asked to complete a housing survey as part of your pre-departure materials. CIEE will review the housing surveys and will do their best to pair up students they believe will live well together.

When will I found out my housing assignment?

You will receive your room number and roommate assignment about your housing assignment two weeks before the program start date from our on-site staff.

Can I live with my friend(s)?

CIEE Seoul will consider roommate requests, however these are not guaranteed. If you would like to request a roommate, you both must add each other’s names to the additional information section of the Housing Survey. CIEE will only consider roommate requests where each person has listed the others name.

What if I have a medical or dietary restriction that will affect my housing placement?

These types of issues take priority. Please describe your restrictions and needs in the special needs/requests section of the questionnaire and email a note from a medical professional to your CIEE Global Internship Advisor, indicating it in your housing preference.

What if I’m unhappy with my housing?

It is important for you to allow yourself time to experience and get comfortable in your housing. Getting to know your roommates and/or adjusting to your new lifestyle in South Korea is part of the challenge of cultural learning that study abroad provides. Avoid acting on first impressions and jumping to conclusions based on incomplete knowledge of the area - give it some time and see how it really works out! If you are experiencing any issues you can always talk to the housing provider.

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

CIEE also organizes cultural activities designed to bring students into South Koreaese Cultural opportunities.

 Take in Seoul’s beautiful night scenery with a trip on the open-air Sky Bus  Experience South Korea’s passion for baseball at a local stadium  Set out across the 918-m-long-single-span suspension bridge to Odaiba.  Find inner peace in an authentic Zen garden. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT  Take advantage of resume help and interviewing skills based on local business culture  Explore the professional working world of Seoul through organizational site visits, industry networking events, and guest lectures  Participate in workshops that will help you make the most of your internship

Internship

CIEE Global Internship programs are built just for you! All of our locations offer a wide range of internship opportunities across a diverse set of industries. When you apply, we work directly with you to find an internship that suits your unique needs and professional goals. Learn more about our personalized placement process.

Not only is Seoul one of the most dynamic and modern cities in the world, but it’s also one of the world’s most popular trendsetters. From technology to fashion, cuisine to cinema, South Koreaese culture has traveled far and wide around the globe.

https://www.ciee.org/sites/default/files/content/documents/study/glint_Seoul.pdf

Traveling to Seoul, South Korea

Airfare to and from Seoul is not included in your program cost. It is your responsibility to arrange your flights independently. Students should book their flight to arrive in Seoul on the program start date. Students cannot arrive after the start date and cannot depart before the program end date.

AIRPORT CODE:NRT

Visa & Immigration

U.S. Citizens will enter South Korea visa free for 90 days and do not need to apply for a visa in advance. International students may need to apply for a visa in advance depending on nationality. More information on visa & immigration can be found in the Visa and Immigration Guide located in your CIEE My Account. International students should alert their CIEE Global Internship Advisor of their immigration circumstances immediately upon acceptance.

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA: Students must have at minimum a 2.5 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.
• Students can participate in this program as early as the summer after their freshman year.

Cost Sheets

2025 CIEE Internship Seoul: 6 credit hours

These documents outline the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (Course Fee, Study Abroad Fee, and Iowa Regents CISI Insurance) 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. If the fee is inclusive of UI tuition, it is calculated by Current Tuition. Please contact your study abroad advisor with questions regarding this cost sheet - call 319-335-0353 to schedule an appointment.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities and Non-UI External Awards.

 

How to Apply

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 the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page, a list of courses to take while abroad, and a statement of purpose.

• Complete the CIEE Online Application.

Application Deadline

Applications are due on Feb 1st for Summer.

Post Acceptance

Acceptance into the applicant's chosen study abroad program is made by CIEE directly via an email to the applicant. This acceptance notification will refer the applicant to additional documents posted to the myCIEE account.

Consult with your Study Abroad advisor for any clarification about fees and billing. Note that when you withdraw from a program, any money already paid directly to a program provider and/or a host university will potentially be forfeited. Check with your specific provider/host university for details. Additional penalties for cancellation of airline tickets may also apply. Check with your airline for further details.