Seoul - Seoul National University

Q. What does this program offer?
A. Seoul National University, known as the "Harvard of Harvards" in Korea, is also one of the most respected universities in all of Asia. SNU offers MU graduate students and qualified juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) . Although ideal for anyone interested in Asian and international business, politics, or economics, GSIS offers a broad curriculum across a range of disciplines, and every course is taught in English. Exchange students from MU are matched with Korean "buddies" who help them in their adjustment to Korean culture. It's a terrific opportunity for MU students to test themselves against the best of the best at an elite university.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Korea is one of the most fascinating places in the East, an ancient land with a unique culture and heritage and yet very cosmopolitan. Mountains cover 70% of Korea's land area, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. While experiencing a new and exciting culture you will be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of scenic hills and mountains. Seoul is both the capital and the heart of the Republic of Korea, containing about 11 million people. Seoul, is the financial, political, commercial, recreational, educational, and cultural center of Korea. Seoul National University has over 30,000 students including 600 international students from over 30 countries.

Q. What will I study?
A. SNU's Graduate School of International Studies offers an interdisciplinary program designed to link practice with theory. Specifically, there are four regular programs - Int'l Commerce, Int'l Cooperation, Int'l Area Studies (America, Asia, Europe), and Korean Studies. Students can study Korean Language through the Korean Language Education Center (KLEC) AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE. Language courses are offered in four, 10 week sessions throughout the year. Apply early as spaces are limited.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. There are three different campuses (Kwanak, Yongon, Suwon) all of which offer on-campus housing. The International House, a dormitory for int'l students, is situated near Yongon Campus in Dongsung-dong. Kwanak-sa is comprised of 16 residence buildings and 5 family buildings. Kwanak Campus has 5 self-service restaurants and 7 snack bars. No cooking facility is available for individual self-catering. Halls also provide: launderette, public bath, TV and common rooms.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn up to 16 credit hours. (One ten week session of language with KLP transfers as 6 MU credit hours.) Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA. Although you will receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to determine how courses might fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will find what courses are available on the program and meet with your academic advisor to get pre-approval for courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. As this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, info technology fees, recreation facility fee and the student health center fee for 13 credit hours per semester. You will also pay a $500 study abroad fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses include health insurance, int'l airfare, on-site housing costs, and misc. expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. If you are a junior or senior, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, you are eligible to apply.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Seoul National University website for more information about the program.