Seoul, South Korea

• Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
• Contact: Fr. Bao Nguyen, SJ & PhD, bqnguyen@loyola.edu/ 410-617-7088
• School: Sogang University

Current Course Approvals

Background

Seoul, South Korea’s capital is a modern metropolis where high-rocket buildings, high-tech subways, and pop culture blend with ancient palaces, Buddhist temples, and street markets. Visitors can experience culture first-hand when wandering through areas like Bukchon Hanok Village, a lovely neighborhood made up of traditional Korean houses with craft shops, art galleries, and even traditional teahouses for the local experience. The capital is one of the megacities surrounded by high mountains and provides opportunities for hiking adventures within reach with the local subway. Seoul is a vibrant city with numerous festivals such as Yeouido Cherry Blossom or Buddha’s Birthday with large parades, fireworks and musical performance—even more so when the sun has set and its people are eager to dine out and have entertainment including Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam. Study abroad students will find that the cost of living is much cheaper to get by compared to Australia, Europe, and North America; especially public transportation and meals at multitude restaurants nearby the campus of Sogang University.

Sogang University, founded by a group of Jesuits from Midwest of the U.S.A. in 1960, is the only Jesuit university in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. In spite of its relatively short history, with a 53 acres campus, Sogang university has established its place as one of the top universities in the country. It has been ranked as a top university in Korea. Its engineering research and publication has been ranked number one in the country. The University has 25 departments with seven schools in the undergraduate program with 8,000 students and 408 full-time, tenure-track professors. The institution has 12 graduate schools including professional and special graduate schools with 4000 graduate students in master’s and doctoral programs. About 5,100 international students (degree seeking or non-degree seeking) study yearly at Sogang University in various academic programs. 

Criteria for Acceptance and How to Apply

• Sophomores with a cumulative GPA average of 2.8 or better should apply.
• Students who can find courses which fit their Loyola program and allow full-time participation and who are neither on disciplinary probation nor have a history of serious disciplinary problems should apply.
• Students must submit an application with a course planning form by 11:59 pm on the second Wednesday after Thanksgiving for fall, spring, or year-long applicants.

Choosing When to Study in Seoul

This is a fall or spring semester. The fall terms run from beginning of September until December 22 while the spring semesters run from beginning of March till the end of June. The fall group departs together in late August and is home for Christmas break. Spring semester students will depart together in late February and return in the end of June.

Academics

• Consult the Office of International Programs as early as possible to get assistance on course selections at Loyola, so that you are prepared for an academic course load in Sogang
• Some upper level courses for most of the majors are available
• Students will take 5 (3 credit) courses up to maximum 19 credit hours or 6 courses.
• Most courses are taught in English.
• Course list will be distributed.
• Study tours, field trips, and internships as options are available. 

Disclaimer: In case of strikes or unexpected disruption to the academic semester Loyola will work with the host university abroad to provide additional support or other academic arrangements to enable students to complete their coursework in agreement with the rules and regulations of the host university and the laws of the host country.  Loyola University Maryland will not make any changes to its course, grade, or credit transfer policies following such circumstances.

Costs and Program Benefits

• Students are eligible for consideration for all forms of federal, state, institutional and private sources of aid, except the federal work-study program. Students studying abroad for a semester or full academic year will forfeit the value of a federal work-study assignment.
• All Loyola financial aid applies.
• Tuition is paid to Loyola.
• Housing is paid to Sogang University during your semester there. Housing prices at Gonzaga Hall are roughly $400-1500 per month; and
• Students are responsible for all other expenses such as visa, personal travel, and meals.

Housing

• Students who wish to live on-campus, Gonzaga Hall, must apply for housing during the online application period. Students who apply for on-campus housing are required to submit a Health Report Form, officially signed or stamped by a doctor. At Sogang University, housing for international students is guaranteed.
• There is no private kitchen in Gonzaga Hall. Instead, there are two types of meal plans that students can choose from. Plan A offers 60% of the total number of meals and Plan B offers 85% of the total number of meals. Only breakfast and dinner are served at Gonzaga. Students can also purchase meal vouchers time to time.
• The Hall is set up in the traditional dorm style with double-occupancy rooms.
• There is no alcohol, drug, or smoking allowed in the dormitory. The curfew is enforced from midnight to 5am. Students who need to go out or arrive late must inform the manager of the dorm.
• Each bedroom is furnished single beds, wardrobe, desk, chair, bathroom with a shower, telephone, air conditioner, internet access, 220 volt outlets (bring adapter for appliances).
• Students must bring their own bedding (blankets and sheets) and pillows. International student office will order bedding (around $40) if students request. 

Apply

Students must submit an online application and a Course Planning form by 11:59 p.m. on the second Wednesday after Thanksgiving break of their sophomore year to study abroad in the fall or spring term of junior year. 

• All applications are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday after Thanksgiving break of the sophomore year for both Spring and Fall semesters.

*Please keep in mind that study abroad information, dates, benefits, and fees are subject to change without notification. You are encouraged to contact the Office of International Programs directly for the most up-to-date information regarding any study abroad programs offered at Loyola.