EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Welcome to SNU Graduate School of International Studies!
To find more information about Seoul National University, and about GSIS, please refer to the following links:
Why GSIS / Life at SNU
Terms and Conditions of Exchange
The following information applies only to students admitted under the auspices of their respective home university-Seoul National University exchange program. Students wishing to enroll in a full degree program are not covered under this exchange and should seek further guidance from the Office of International Affairs at Seoul National University (http://oia.snu.ac.kr).
Studying at GSIS
Language of Instruction
All courses in the International Commerce, International Cooperation and International American Area Studies are taught in English. The International Area Studies courses are taught in those area languages and/or in Korean. Finally, the Korea Studies courses are taught in Korean and/or in English.
Language courses
Two Korean language courses are offered at GSIS for 3 credits. Each Intensive Korean course is available from SNU’s Language Education Institute (http://lei.snu.ac.kr/site/en/klec/main/main.jsp). Terms include four 10-week sessions per year. Each term is 1,400,000 Korean Won (approx. 1,400 USD). Students can take a course before their term at GSIS begins. Courses begin on the first Monday of March, June, September, and December.
Regarding the Korean Language
Exchange students are encouraged to study the Korean language before coming to Korea. However, English is widely used and understood in Seoul.
Most subways and buses have stop announcements in English. Many foreigners do not experience big difficulties living in Korea whether their Korean is fluent or not.
Programs or Departments
All programs under the Graduate School of International Studies (except for restricted enrollment programs) are open to incoming exchange students. Other courses of interest are negotiable.
Period of Exchange
One semester (may extend for an additional semester if discussed with the Director at both universities)
Areas of Concentration
International Commerce, International Cooperation, Area Studies (America, Asia, Europe) and Korean Studies.
Choice of Classes
Please refer to the website for course descriptions and schedule at Home > Academics > Master’s Program
Full-time Workload
12 credits (4 courses). Exchange students can take more or less credits at their request from the director. Most of our classes are 3-credit courses. One hour is equivalent to one credit. One semester is 15 weeks long. Therefore, during one semester, one class meets for 48 hours.
Cost of Programs
The tuition of this exchange program is waived for non-degree exchange students from partner universities. Those wishing to pursue a degree are not covered under this exchange and will generally be required to pay regular tuition fees directly to the host university.
Application Requirements
You can apply through the Office of International Affairs (http://oia.snu.ac.kr).
If you select “Application Forms” you can download all of the necessary forms.
Application Deadlines
To begin in the fall semester, you should apply before the mid-March. To begin in the spring semester, you should apply before the mid-September.
If you do not speak Korean you may want to consider coming early to take some language classes. Classes are offered in 10-week sessions. Information about the language academy can be found at http://language.snu.ac.kr/english/pages/SD00001_00.jsp.
Recommended Arrival Date
One to two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
Schedule
| 1st semester | 2nd semester |
|---|---|
| March 2nd – June 2nd week | September 1st – December 2nd week |
Exams/Grading
- Class Format: Lectures, Seminars, Individual and Group Projects, Papers, Examinations and Presentations.
- Class Size: Classes can be as small as 3 students though usually have 10 to 15 students for major courses and up to 40 students per general courses.
- Credit system: 15 hours of coursework equals one credit, and each course is three credits total. Each course has three hours of classes weekly, and the whole semester lasts 15 weeks.
- Course Choice: Any courses offered at GSIS and at SNU.
- Grading: Grading is determined by individual professors but generally includes a final exam, a paper and a presentation.
– Attendance: Class attendance in compulsory for all students.
– Participation: Necessary and highly recommended.
– Examination: Students are expected to take midterm quiz, final exams and/or submit term papers.
Grade Scale:
A+ 4.3 / A 4.0 / A- 3.7
B+ 3.3 / B 3.0 / B- 2.7
C+ 2.3 / C 2.0 / C- 1.7
D+ 1.3 / D 1.0 / D- 0.7
F 0
Living at SNU
Housing
Students can apply through the Office of International Affairs for the dormitory. Students who are unable to obtain the dormitory in the selection process can rent rooms around the Gwanak Campus. Students who have off-campus housing are advised to find a private boarding house near the university.
| Gwanak Homestay for SNU Students | Rent |
|---|---|
| Gwanak Homestay for SNU students is run by Gwank-gu Office, a Seoul Metropolitan City’s administrative organization. – English Website: http://english.gwanak.go.kr/homestay – Korean Website: http://gwanak.go.kr/homestay – Contact: Tel. 02-880-3052 diane@ga.go.kr | The rent varies according to the type of housing selected. If students chose to live in a boarding house, they can expect to pay $450 to $550 USD per month. If they have a roommate the costs could be lower. |
Living costs
Generally our international students spend about $700 per month. Those students usually eat and live on campus. However the ultimate cost depends on the individual.
- Food: $200- $400 per month
- Dormitory: $200 per month
- Transportation: $50 – $80 per month
- Entertainment: $100 – $200 per month
- Books, copies: $50 – $150 per term
Visa
Those admitted to SNU have to apply for either the short-term visa (C-3) or the student visa (D-2). The short-term visa cannot be extended in Korea. You must submit a letter of admission from SNU and a certified sponsorship letter from GSIS to the issuer. You should check with the Korean embassy for all of the details.
Within 90 days of your arrival in Korea you must apply for a Certificate of Alien Registration at the Immigration Office. The International Coordination Office will help you with the necessary paperwork.
University facilities
State-of-the-art library facilities which include computers with internet access, e-mail connections for all exchange students, bookstore, fitness center, tennis courts, student union, cafeterias, a health service center and a cultural center are available for students.
Student Services
GSIS Library, SNU Main Library, Cafeteria, Student Union Building, Student Union Annex Building, SNU POSCO Sports Center, SNU Tea House, International Coordination Office, and computer laboratories are within the school campus.
Address
Office of International Cooperation
Graduate School of International Studies
Seoul National University
Room 303, Bldg. 140-1, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu
Seoul, 08826, KOREA
Contact
Mr. KWON, Yong Su
Exchange Program Coordinator
gsis@snu.ac.kr
TEL. + 82-2-880-8507
Websites
- Graduate School of International Studies (https://gsis.snu.ac.kr)
- Seoul National University (http://useoul.ac.kr)
- Seoul Metropolitan Government (http://english.seoul.go.kr/)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q : How do I apply to the Graduate School of International Studies?
We would like to have you at the Graduate School of International Studies.
You can apply through the Office of International Affairs. http://oia.snu.ac.kr
If you select “Int’l Programs” you can download all of the necessary forms. - Q : What kind of courses will be offered this semester at the Graduate School of International Studies?
You can find the syllabus on the following website. https://gsis.snu.ac.kr/masters_program
If the schedule has not been posted, you can always look at the courses offered during the previous semester under “Courses” - Q : What kind of courses will be offered this semester at the Graduate School of International Studies?
Course descriptions can be found at https://gsis.snu.ac.kr/masters_program - Q : What kind of application or papers do I have to fill out and how can I get them?
You will get the relevant information from your coordinator once you’re selected as an exchange student in your university. - Q : When should I apply?
To begin in the fall semester, you should apply before March 20th. To begin in the spring semester, you should apply before September 20th. If you do not speak Korean you may want to consider coming early to take some language classes. Classes are offered in 10-week sessions. Information about the language academy can be found at http://lei.snu.ac.kr/site/en/klec/main/main.jsp. - Q : Who is considered an international student?
Seoul National University has guidelines in place about who can be considered an international student.
This applies to Korean nationals who have lived abroad.
If you can read Korean, you should visit the following URL: http://oia.snu.ac.kr.
