The University of Iowa partners with The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) to offer students the opportunity to study at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. Students will take courses at the local university in a variety of areas related to their field of study.

Academic Program

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

Since 40% of Korea University's course offerings are taught in English, students participating in TEAN's program at Korea University can take coursework in diverse academic subjects including business, communications, education, engineering, humanities, social sciences, international studies, physical sciences, and art. Students hoping to fulfill General Education requirements while abroad will find many course options at Korea University. Six levels of Korean courses are also offered each semester.

While at Korea University, students take 4 or 5 courses (3 s.h. each), which usually transfer as 12 to 15 s.h. Credit received from Korea University 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.

You can learn more about the Fall, Spring, and Academic Year program on TEAN's Semester Program website.

Summer

Each year Korea University hosts the International Summer Campus, a 4- and 6-week academic program that attracts 1,800 students from around the world. Interested students should browse the KU ISC course offerings to determine courses that will fit within their academic plan. Courses are offered in either 4- or 6-week tracks. UI students participating in TEAN's summer program can choose one of the following options:

4-week program: 1 course for 3 credits*

4-week program: 2 courses for 6 credits

6-week program: 2 courses for 6 credits

*Note: Students taking only 3 credits are not eligible for financial aid during the summer term.

You can learn more about the Summer program on TEAN's Summer Program website.

General Education Courses

This program is a good fit for students looking to fulfill general education requirements. We have many approvals on file for semester courses and summer courses. In the past students have been able to fulfill the following requirements through this program:

• Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts
• International and Global Issues
• Historical Perspectives
• Values & Culture
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences

Please contact your study abroad advisor if you have additional questions about fulfilling general education requirements. They’ll be able to confirm which requirements can be completed abroad and help confirm Gen Ed approvals for your preferred courses.

Cultural Activities

TEAN's Resident Director in Seoul provides support to students throughout their time at Korea University. In addition to helping facilitate a three-day orientation in Seoul, the Resident Director will guide students through the course registration process, schedule cultural activities, and help students navigate cultural differences. Examples of previous cultural activities arranged for the group include hiking, museum visits, or meals featuring local cuisine. Besides providing opportunities for students to explore Seoul and Korean culture, these activities foster a sense of community among the TEAN students. Students are also able to participate in KU's buddy program, which brings together Korean and international students to connect with and learn from each other.

Program Dates

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

Spring semesters are typically from mid-February to late June.

The summer program is typically from late June to late July (4-week proram) or early August (6-week program). Additional information about dates is available on the TEAN website for the program: TEAN South Korea: Korea University.

TEAN South Korea's winter programs are not sponsored by our office.

For more information

 

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with TEAN, 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

 

Korea University

Founded in 1905 and with an enrollment of over 36,000 students, Korea University is one of the oldest and largest universities in South Korea. Korea University's 23 academic colleges and divisions and 130 research centers reflect its commitment to liberal arts education, professional studies, and research. The 182-acre campus is located in Anam neighborhood of the Seongbuk District and is about 3 miles from the center of Seoul.

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

Students will live in one of the on-campus dormitories available for international students in a double-occupancy room. There are kitchens available to use in each dorm and a common study space or lounge on each floor. The dorms have internet access available. Bathrooms are semi-private (shared with suitemates).

Korea University offers a range of student services, including university IDs, dining facilities, libraries, computer labs, recreation facilities, student groups, counseling services, and health services.

Independent Living housing option is not available to University of Iowa students.

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 TEAN. 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. TEAN will provide accepted students with more information on arrival details closer to the date of departure.

Local Transportation

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 NYC Subway).

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

Eligibility

The TEAN South Korea: Korea University program is open to undergraduate 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.

Sophomore, junior, or senior standing: Students must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing at the time of application. First-year students cannot participate in this program.

Costs

Fees

There is a $50 non-refundable UI application fee and a TEAN $100 application deposit. Students pay the TEAN program fee and Study Abroad administrative fee. Students are also enrolled in and pay for the Iowa Regents international health insurance.

For the current amount of the TEAN program fee and a list of services included in the fee, please visit the TEAN website for the program: TEAN South Korea: Korea University

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.

Fall, Spring, and Academic Year Cost Sheets

Fall 2024 Cost Sheet TEAN South Korea: Korea University

Spring 2025 Cost Sheet TEAN South Korea: Korea University

Summer Cost Sheets

Summer 2025 Cost Sheet for 6 weeks, 2 classes

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. UI students may also qualify for TEAN Affiliate Scholarships.

In addition, take a look at TEAN’s Scholarship website

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 two 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: Complete the TEAN online application.

Post Acceptance

After the application cycle has finished, students will receive an email, an acceptance letter, and more information about accepting their place in the program as well as information on applying for visas and purchasing plane tickets.

Application Deadline

• Spring Semester and Calendar Year: September 20
• Summer Program: March 15
• Fall Semester and Academic Year: March 15

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 TEAN/Korea University before they can begin applying for a visa. TEAN and the 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 are in addition to the orientations provided by TEAN both prior to departure and upon arrival in Seoul. 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.

TEAN In-Country Orientation

TEAN provides a 3-day pre-semester orientation program when students arrive in Seoul. During orientation, students will learn about Korean culture, Seoul's public transportation system, and local cuisine.