Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: See Additional Requirements
Location: Asia, South Korea
GPA: 3.0

Program Overview

In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at Yonsei University, one of the top-ranked universities in South Korea. You may take Korean language classes as well as courses taught in English on culture and society, economics, business, history, international relations, as well as other subjects. 

As an exchange student, you can also experience Korean culture by participating in various Yonsei clubs and activities for international students. Students proficient in Korean can also join regular Yonsei student clubs, which include everything from music clubs, magic club, swimming club, and clubs for LGBTQ+ students. Yonsei University offers a variety of resources and services for students, including academic advising, a disabled student support center, a global lounge, a counseling center, health center, and modern campus facilities.
 
With more than 10 million residents, Seoul is the South Korean center of politics, culture, and the economy, where ministries, museums, palaces, theaters, and financial markets are located close together. Seoul is also the home to industry giants such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai. As a leader of the IT revolution, Seoul is one of the most wired cities in the world. Yonsei’s quiet wooded campus is centrally located in Seoul, allowing you to easily access all that the city has to offer.

Dates and Deadlines

 
Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2025 02/01/2025 Late August Late December
Academic Year 2025-26 02/01/2025 Late August Late June
Spring Semester 2026 02/01/2025 Late February Late June

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

Note: UO credits listed below are estimates and are subject to change. Please refer to the Yonsei links for the updated credit information on their classes. One credit at Yonsei is equal to 1.5 UO quarter credits.

You will select from classes taught in English from the following Schools: Liberal Arts, Commerce and Economics, Business, Science, Engineering, Life System, Theology, Social Science, Human Ecology, Sciences in Education, Underwood International College, and Korean Language (KLI).

Exchange students often take many of their classes in the Underwood International College alongside other international students and Korean students. This college offers a variety of classes on subjects such as Korean and Asian studies, economics and business, arts and culture, political science, history, sociology, and more. Students with an advanced level in Korean may also be able to directly enroll in regular classes taught in Korean. See below for additional requirements.

Yonsei University is AACSB accredited and has a strong business program, however, please note that business courses are restricted to business majors only, and students can take a maximum of four business classes per semester.

You have the choice to take Korean language class while at Yonsei. You can take a Korean language course in the Underwood International College, which is usually worth 3 semester credits (5 UO credits), or you can take a Korean language class in the Korean Language Institute, which is usually worth 6 semester credits (9 UO credits), or you can take one of each.

Students usually take 3-6 content classes per semester for around 15-30 UO credits.

In this program, you will earn around 15-30 UO credits per semester. Up to 14 of these credits can be Korean language credit.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

  • Junior standing or above is required for the Fall and Academic Year programs
  • Sophomores may participate in Spring semester (winter and spring terms) of their sophomore year
  • Note: If some of your credits are transfer or high school credits, please check with your GEO advisor regarding whether you are eligible.
  • There is no language requirement, but one year of Korean is recommended for the semester and yearlong program in order to facilitate daily life in Seoul
  • If you plan to take content classes taught in Korean, you will need to show proof of Korean language proficiency and also get approval from the course professor. Please contact your GEO advisor for more information.

Housing Description

Yonsei University has two on-campus residence halls – SK Global House and International House. These residence halls house students from all over the world in a multicultural atmosphere. The main language used in the residence halls is English and the duty managers and residential assistants are capable of assisting the residents in multiple languages. Both single and double rooms are available. Residence halls include amenities such as a lounge, computer lab, and laundry room. Please note that on-campus housing is not guaranteed due to limited spaces. Rooms are assigned on a first-come first-served basis after the housing application becomes available. Please note that off-campus housing may be more expensive and will require making more arrangements. For additional information about housing, please visit this page.