Korea University
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Education Abroad office has been helping UW-Platteville students like you study at Korea University in Seoul, Korea since 2015. Since then, students have chosen to study abroad in Seoul, Korea on the UW-Platteville exchange program.
Details
You may participate for a full academic year or a semester, enrolling in between 12 and 18 credits per semester.
Korea University (KU) consists of the Anam Campus (in Seoul), Sejong Campus (in Sejong Special Self-Governing City) and three auxiliary hospitals:
- Anam Hospital: Seongbuk-district in Seoul
- Guro Hospital: Guro-district in Seoul
- Ansan Hospital: Ansan-city in Gyeonggi Province
KU was born as “Bosung College” in 1905, and following national liberation in 1945, the college was elevated to the status of a university in 1946 and renamed Korea University. Throughout the modern history of the Republic of Korea, Korea University has stood as a symbol of the spirit of resistance, manifesting the conscience of the nation and critical intelligence.
With 37,500 students total, KU treasures its proud and unique identity as the nation’s leading university and continues to widen and deepen its recognition and capabilities around the world to become a leading globally-focused, research-driven university.
Eligibility
Each applicant to UW-Platteville exchange program at Korea University must:
- Be a degree-seeking undergraduate student who is currently enrolled at a U.S.-based college or university
- Have completed at least one full-time semester of college at the time of application and have at least sophomore standing at the time of participation
- Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application and participation
You are not required to have a minimum language proficiency for any program, but courses taught in languages other than English will have specific language proficiency requirements.
Application Requirements
You must submit the following via the UW-Platteville Education Abroad online application system:
- $75 application fee
- Copy of U.S. passport. If you do not currently hold a U.S. passport, you must apply for one and submit proof of application before the program application deadline.
- Education Abroad Statement of Purpose
- International Study Course Approval Form
- KU Application Form
- Official academic transcript
- Signed statements of responsibility and understanding
- Two letters of recommendation
- UW-Platteville Education Abroad Application
You will also have access to information to assist you throughout the application process. Upon acceptance, additional pre-departure information and requirements will be provided.
Co-curricular Activities
You will have a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your experience outside the classroom at KU. Opportunities include:
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Excursions
The UW-Platteville Exchange program does not include organized excursions and activities, but you can organize independent travel on weekends and over university breaks. In South Korea, students can organize independent excursions to explore the urban jungle of Seoul, visit Gyeongju, capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, sing their heart out at a “noraebang” (karaoke box), and much more.
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Clubs and Organizations
KU also offers many student organizations: over 150 clubs on the Anam and Sejong campuses including 80 clubs on the Anam campus focused on society, social sciences, life and culture, exhibitions and creative art, language studies, performance art, religion, and sports, as well as 20 clubs on the Aegineung (science campus) for culture and sports, society and religion, performance art, and scientific research.
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Sports and Activities
Students at KU can join a variety of athletic clubs including soccer, rugby, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey.
Housing
KU has 2 excellent dormitories for international students: CJ International House and Anam Global House. Most of the rooms are shared rooms. All on-campus accommodation is located within about 20 minutes walking distance from the main campus.
There is a wide range of off-campus housing available near the campus, reachable by a 5-20-minute walk. Most of the rooms are small but have a bathroom included, so many students prefer to stay off campus. The list of off-campus accommodations will be printed in the student handbook, and the incoming advisors will provide information and assistance where needed. If you have any questions about the off-campus housing options, email studyabroad@korea.ac.kr.
Wi-fi or wired internet access may or may not be offered at your accommodation and may require an additional cost. You may need to adjust your expectations for speed and availability. Laundry facilities may or may not be offered at your accommodation and may require an additional cost.
Meals are paid for out of pocket by the student, and kitchens are available with most accommodation options.
The accommodation cost is to be paid out of pocket monthly by the student, and all rent and deposits are to be paid in KRW, the local currency. Please see KU's website for additional information and the most up-to-date accommodation costs.
Academics
The UW-Platteville Exchange program at Korea University is designed to provide students with a personalized and integrated living and learning experience in Korea. You may participate for a full academic year or a semester, enrolling in between 12 and 18 credits per semester.
You will take courses alongside local and international students, and the areas of study and general course information can be found on KU’s website under Major or General Subject.
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Credit Transfer
Your credits will be validated on an official KU transcript at the end of the semester. The credit hours awarded at KU are measured similarly to American credits (1 credit = 1 teaching hour).
The grades you receive abroad will be converted to the U.S. grading system of A, B, C, etc. based on the official transcript that is received from KU. UW-Platteville Education Abroad uses the following conversion guide as a guideline, provided by World Education Services, to convert students’ grades. Please note that this only serves as a general conversion guideline. For more information, please also visit KU’s website.
While all credits should be transferable, you should work with your academic advisor at your home institution to choose appropriate and beneficial courses from the KU curriculum prior to your semester or year abroad. Courses that may fulfill specific requirements for major, minor, general education, or elective requirements towards an American degree must be approved by the appropriate office at the home institution.
Visa Information
A student visa is required for U.S. citizens to participate in the UW-Platteville Exchange program at Korea University (KU). Exchange students are asked to obtain a visa from the Korean Embassy or Consulate in their home country before departure to Korea. For Wisconsin residents, the South Korean Consulate in Chicago, Illinois is the consulate you must work through. You can apply for a student visa in person or by mail. If you apply in person, some Korean consulates require appointments due to limited availability.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your expected departure date from South Korea, and it will physically remain at the Consulate until your D-2 visa is approved. Please note that the cost of a Korean student visa is paid out of pocket by the student and is not included in the UW-Platteville Education Abroad program cost. As of March 2018, the Korean student visa fee for U.S. citizens was $66.55.
For the most up to date information on the Korea student visa process and procedures, please visit the Visa page on the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the U.S.A.'s website.