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Cherry Blossom in spring at Gyeongbokgung Palace  Seoul, South Korea.

Program at a Glance

Yonsei University

Country or area Korea, South
City Seoul
Class Level Jr, Sr, Gr, So
Experience Type Immersion
Minimum GPA 2.85
Term Fall Semester, Year, Spring Semester
Taught In English, Korean
Language Prereq no
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About The Program

Seoul is a fashion and technology trendsetter with traditional roots showcased in its temples, shrines, and palaces. At Yonsei University, immerse yourself in the South Korean lifestyle. Take a class on Korean history, study Korean pop culture, experience the comedy of Nanta, a wordless cooking performance, and learn about K-drama. You can pursue classes in any major and, if you have a soft spot for East Asian culture, you’ll find this program especially rewarding. In a buddy program, a Korean student can connect you to the best of Seoul’s lively college nightlife and Korean street food at a night market.

Where you'll study

Yonsei University is a private research university set on the former site of a royal palace. Referred to as one the “SKY” universities, Yonsei University is among the three most prestigious schools in South Korea. Yonsei University also has one of the most beautiful campuses. Recently renovated, the modern and historical buildings are surrounded by various gardens, fountains, and monuments. The main quad area resembles an Ivy League university with gothic stone buildings. Apart from the campus, Yonsei university is located right in front of Sinchon, a lively college neighborhood full of restaurants and exciting nightlife. The Sinchon area is especially popular amongst students from nearby universities.


TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

The study center arranges field trips and activities to introduce the local culture and special features of your host country. There may be other optional excursions, which you can explore after arrival.

<p>Whitewater rafting and forest hike to the cliff in Yeongwol</p>

Whitewater rafting and forest hike to the cliff in Yeongwol

<p>Explore the city on surrey bikes&nbsp;</p>

Explore the city on surrey bikes 

<p>Student cohort dinner</p>

Student cohort dinner

<p>A guided tour of Jinkwansa</p>

A guided tour of Jinkwansa

<p>Farewell&nbsp;banquet&nbsp;event including talent show,&nbsp;games, and dinner</p>

Farewell banquet event including talent show, games, and dinner



As a civil and environmental engineering major interested in natural landscapes, I enjoyed the discussions in my environmental planning class as well as visits to national parks such as Bukhan Mountain. There is so much to see in Seoul. The subway system is easy to use to get around. I love Korean food. Study abroad is definitely something undergraduates should experience, and both Yonsei and the city of Seoul have a lot to offer.


Erik Chang UC Los Angeles Civil and Environmental Engineering Korea, South


I had a wonderful time at Dreamfora as a software engineer intern. My role was to oversee the backend infrastructure and set up the testing module for our development team. I learned a lot about industry standards and tools that help run present-day applications. Much of this experience can't be gained in a classroom and it was extremely beneficial for me. Having the chance to intern in a Korean startup was also culturally enriching and I would highly recommend it.


Taehoon Kim UC Berkeley Computer Science Korea, South


Study abroad can be lonely and scary. This trip will test you in ways you never asked for; and in return, the rewards are indescribable.


Naomi Chong UC Davis Korea, South


As an Asian-looking person who's not Korean, the most interesting experience has been people asking me for directions. When they realize I don't speak Korean well, they are bewildered. Even more so when I explain my parents aren't Korean either.


Shu-Hua Cheng UC Los Angeles Korea, South


I always heard people say study abroad changed their lives, but I didn't truly understand until I did it. There were moments I was confused, uncomfortable, and even frustrated and those didn't come close to the feelings of fulfillment, excitement, and pure happiness I felt throughout my time abroad!


Seikha Ghavidel UC Santa Barbara Korea, South


My internship showed me that I am capable of learning challenging tools and technologies on my own. While I struggled at times, it gave me the opportunity to learn about a technology I had been afraid to learn alone.


Kamille Suayan UC Irvine Computer Science Korea, South


The internship allowed me not only to work on a technically sophisticated and life-changing project; it also exposed me to the working world of Korea. It was an entirely unique experience I never would have had otherwise.


Brea Spencer UC Santa Barbara English Korea, South


Truthfully, I was looking for another excuse to go abroad. It's no secret to students pursuing jobs in tech that the summer of your junior year is critical for getting an internship to make the post-graduation an easier time. As a cognitive science major with a double minor in computing and data science engineering, a summer in Yonsei was the best of both worlds: an engineering internship and experience abroad!


Lindsey Mardona UC Los Angeles Cognitive Science and Computing Korea, South


I believe this unique experience gave me a new perspective and skill set that will set me apart as I take on the world of business. 


Olivia Pritikin UC San Diego International Business Korea, South


Interning at KED Media Group, I gained firsthand experience in the Korean media and broadcast industry, learned to collaborate with other writers, and was fortunate enough to complete projects to add to my Creative Writing portfolio.


Elisa Park UC Riverside Creative Writing Korea, South


My internship experience at Ethiopian Airlines not only provided insight into the intricacies of the airline and marketing industries but also served as a transformative journey that expanded my perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Embracing differences and fostering a spirit of collaboration at both personal and business levels emerged as essential elements in creating strong connections between diverse entities.


Huy Bui UC Irvine Business Administration Korea, South


This internship was excellent exposure to the Korean healthcare system and has positively impacted my journey to pursue a career in medicine.


Kristen Chang UC Berkeley Nutritional Sciences Korea, South


While studying abroad, I participated as a marketing intern for Ethiopian Airlines in their Seoul office, where the most important lesson I learned was teamwork and the value of coworker relationships. The communication skills I gained will be used in any career I pursue. 


Milan Au UC Riverside Business Administration Korea, South


I've become more confident in and developed a fondness for visual storytelling during my time abroad. I truly thrive in a creative role; whether making videos or simply being surrounded by art. I recognized my desire to pursue a career that embraces art, creativity, and connection. I used to deny this about myself, telling myself I wanted a future in a more "practical" field. Now, I can see myself producing programs or working in a national museum in Japan, where I have personal roots.


Ashley Lopresto UC Irvine International Studies Korea, South


Immersion in Korean work culture, architecture, and lifestyle broadened my perspective, improved my adaptability, and enhanced my communication skills. As I walked through Korean palaces wearing a traditional Hanbok and practiced water-coloring Hanok villages, I learned more about my half-Korean heritage while connecting to my architectural interest.


Carina Kim UC Berkeley Architecture Korea, South


In the academic sense, my internship wasn't a mere complement to my coursework; it served as a bridge that seamlessly connected the theoretical underpinnings of my studies to the vibrant reality of the Korean marketing landscape.


Chanel Jung UC Berkeley Business Administration Korea, South


My internship greatly contributed to my academic studies as well as my future career aspirations. As a psychology major, I learned about many aspects of marketing such as data analysis, video production, and graphic design.


Lauren Chung UC Los Angeles Psychology Korea, South


The global exposure, diverse responsibilities, and supportive team were instrumental in shaping my professional journey. As I head back home, I am excited about the next steps in my career, armed with a clearer vision of my aspirations.


Cristy Kim UC San Diego International Business Korea, South


One of the biggest challenges I experienced during my internship was the extensive research it required. I spend many nights reading, annotating, and summarizing. This tested my dedication and time management skills but also served as a profound learning experience. 


Cruz Frausto-Bonilla UC Berkeley Political Science Korea, South


This internship has been a significant and positive experience that fits well with my psychology pre-med major. It provided me with a unique set of skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, technological literacy, and effective communication and a global perspective that will contribute to my academic studies and future career in medicine.


Esther Simbolon UC Riverside Psychology Korea, South


Leaving the friendships cultivated during my internship stands as the most emotionally charged aspect of this transformative experience. The bonds formed within the professional sphere have become an integral part of my personal and career narrative. As I navigate this parting, I carry with me not only enhanced professional skills but also a deep appreciation for the human connections that have made this a truly unforgettable chapter in my life.


Faith Martin UC Santa Barbara Communication Korea, South


One of the most enriching aspects of this internship was the development of a diverse skill set that I am confident will serve me well in future endeavors. The experience underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability, qualities that are indispensable in today's global work environment. It is evident that this chapter has been a transformative period of learning, self-discovery, and professional development.


Shreya Aviri UC Berkeley American Studies Korea, South


My goals and expectations were blown out of the water with the professional internship. It directly correlated to my major and future career goals, and if anything made me want to go into the film and media industry more because of how interesting and fun it was. Before this experience, I was content to stay in the Bay Area, but the international experience of working with people of different backgrounds and nationalities made me want to live somewhere else, possibly in a different country.


Takashi Matsumoto UC Berkeley Film and Media Studies Korea, South


While not directly related to my major, the internship has enhanced my writing skills and contributed to a future research paper. Working in a team-based setting helped me grow in leadership and communication skills. The marketing strategies I developed can assist in promoting environmental solutions in the future. The internship also contributed to my understanding of marketing, social media, and business in South Korea.


Yvette Lee UC Los Angeles Ecology Behavior and Evolution Korea, South


My education at NUS allowed me to connect with renowned cultural studies faculty who wrote the books I had been studying in the months preceding my time in Singapore. Not only were they eager to support my research project, but they also provided essential support to refine my methodology and analysis, guided my research questions, and ultimately inspired my passion for Singaporean studies.


Erika Cao UC Irvine Global and International Studies Singapore


I highly recommend the excursions on this program. I took nearly every trip, and there were experiences I was only able to have due to the program. One of these was visiting Jinkwansa temple, an all-female Buddhist order that shares its world-renowned cuisine with visitors from all over the world. I took a guided tour led by the nuns, who explained the history of the temple and the important role it plays in modern times.


Julia Sun UC San Diego Korea, South