Education Abroad Office
Sogang University
| Area: | Global Exchange |
| Location: | Seoul |
| Country: | South Korea |
| Term: | Spring, Fall, Academic Year |
| Website: | Sogang University |
UofSC's exchange program at Sogang University is designed to provide students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in Korean life and culture while taking classes in English. The UofSC exchange program is based at the main campus in downtown Seoul.
The city of Seoul has a population of 11 million, and Sogang University is situated in the heart of the downtown area. Three nearby subway stations make transportation around the city accessible. The city itself is located in the center of the Korean peninsula, equidistant to many other major cities like Tokyo, Beijing, and Taipei. Founded in 1960 by American Jesuits, Sogang University quickly became known for its high academic standards and emphasis on good citizenship. Today, 8,000 undergraduate students and 4,000 graduate students attend the main campus in Seoul.
About 30 percent of courses at Sogang are taught in English, and Korean language proficiency is not required for exchange students. Students have the opportunity to enroll in evening Korean language courses if interested. The International Student Association can also provide language practice partners.
Cost: UofSC resident tuition rates + in-country costs
Requirements: 3.0 GPA
Students on exchange pay in-state tuition directly to USC and do not pay tuition to Sogang. All housing, food, and personal expenses are paid by the student in Seoul. Sogang suggests that students budget approximately $880 to $1,650 per month for living expenses, including accomodation, meals, transportation, supplies, and personal expenses. The actual cost can differ depending on the student’s lifestyle. To get an idea of life on site, you will find on the numbeo website indications on the cost of living in South Korea compared to other countries in the world.
About 30 percent of courses at Sogang are taught in English, and Korean language proficiency is not required for exchange students. Courses at Sogang cover a variety of topics. To be a full-time student at Sogang University, exchange students must take a minimum of 12 credits to a maximum of 19 credits per semester, including the Korean Language Program. A course list will be posted about two months before the start of the semester. To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table.
Students at Sogang have the opportunity for individual travel. In addition, students can participate in the Buddy Program, which matches exchange students with Sogang students to assist in adapting to life at Sogang. A welcome dinner, farewell dinner, and one field trip are also included.
Per university policy, all UofSC students will be charged emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for their time abroad. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.
Sogang can accommodate students in Gonzaga Hall, a university residence hall. Students are strongly encouraged to live in university housing during their stay at Sogang in order to be fully integrated in the campus community. There is a cafeteria located in Gonzaga Hall, and all students who live there must apply for a meal plan which includes breakfast and dinner.
The fall semester runs from late-August through December, and the spring semester runs from late-February to June.
Sogang holds an orientation session for all incoming exchange students which takes place at the beginning of September for the fall semester and the beginning of March for the spring semester. An airport-pickup service is also available. More information on orientation and preparing for your arrival will be sent out to students pending acceptance into the exchange program.
Students who attend Sogang for a semester or academic year are required to apply for a D-2 student visa at a Korean Embassy or Consulate. Upon arrival in Korea, students are required to apply for Foreigner Registration.