UMD Exchange: Seoul National University (Korea)

 

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution
Seoul National University honors the ideals of liberal education and aims to teach students a lifelong love of learning that will form the basis for continuous personal growth.

At the same time it is committed to preparing students to work and live in an increasingly competitive global environment. As South Korea's first national university, Seoul National University has a tradition of standing up for democracy and peace on the Korean peninsula.
The mission of Seoul National University in the twenty-first century is to create a vibrant intellectual community where students and scholars join together in building the future. As Korea's leading research university, Seoul National University is committed to diversifying its student body and faculty, fostering global exchange, and promoting path-breaking research in all fields of knowledge.

Host City
Seoul National University is located in Seoul, which is Korea's political, cultural, and economic center.  A thriving metropolis, Seoul is the home of embassies, theaters, stores, and high-tech office buildings.  Amongst tall modern buildings sit ancient palaces, temples, and shrines set against crowded markets and the peaceful Han River that runs through the city center.  Known as one of the most wired cities in the world, students in Seoul can take advantage of Korea's position on the cutting edge of global technology.  With a population of approximately 11 million people, Seoul continues to expand outward.

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Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

• 3.0 GPA
• Completion of 2 semesters at UMD

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.

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1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

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Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

• Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
• Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
• Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record

Coursework

The majority of courses are taught in Korean but each college or department offers a number of courses in English. A list of courses for each new semester is available at the beginning of January or July of each year. Undergraduate students can take courses up to 18 credits. The College of Business Administration is restricted to students who are studying business at UMD.

 

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD).  If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
 

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree.  Most courses at Seoul National University will be converted as follows:

SNU Credit	UMD Credit
1 SNU credit	1 UMD credit
3 SNU credits	3 UMD credits

The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on September 17, 2015.

Grading

Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.

Seoul National University Grade	UMD Grade
C -	C -

 

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On-campus student housing is available.  Students must apply to live on-campus after acceptance.  SNU prides itself on providing a multicultural and global living environment.  Student dormitories house recreation, dining, and community living spaces for all students. Learn more about SNU on-campus housing options by visiting their website: https://oia.snu.ac.kr/page/c_housing_off.php

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Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
• Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Financial Policies

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Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

Student Clubs and Organizations
There are over 100 different clubs available to students including sports clubs, cultural clubs, religious clubs, academic clubs, and more.

International Welcome/Orientation
Students will attend an orientation session for new incoming exchange/visiting students before the semester begins. An optional Korean Language program is also available for students to take.

Counseling & Health Services
Seoul National University offers counseling and mentoring services for students.

Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*

*This resource guide provides general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.

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