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International students at Georgia Tech represent 104 different countries


SNU Exchange Program

SNU - SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Program Level: Undergraduate/Graduate
Number of Weeks/Term: 16


BACKGROUND
Georgia Tech (GT) has developed a number of overseas programs around the globe. These programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a portion of their academic programs in top-notch foreign universities that are partnered with GT. As a result of immersion in a foreign academic and cultural environment, students have the maximum opportunity to learn to operate effectively in an atmosphere that is wholly different from that of GT and the U.S.

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LOCATION INFORMATION
South Korea
Korea lies adjacent to China and Japan. The northern border of Korea is formed by the Amnokgang (Yalu) and Dumangang (Tumen) rivers, which separate it from Manchuria. A 16-kilometer segment of the Dumangang to the east also serves as a natural border with Russia. The west coast of the Korean Peninsula is bounded by the Korean Bay to the north and the West Sea to the south; the east coast faces the East Sea.

Two hundred kilometers separate the peninsula from eastern China. The shortest distance between Korean and Chinese coasts is 200 kilometers and from the southeastern tip of the peninsula, the nearest point on the Japanese coast is also about 200 kilometers away.

Seoul
is the biggest city of South Korea and its capital. Before 1945 it was the capital of all Korea. Since establishment of South Korea (formally the Republic of Korea) in 1948, it became the capital of the country, except for a short time during the Korean War. It has a population of 10,276,968 and is 610 km² wide. Seoul is also the center of politics, economy, culture, and education for South Korea. In addition, Seoul hosted the Olympic Games in the summer of 1988.

Seoul is located in the middle of Korean Peninsula, on the Han River. It is today the northern part of South Korea. It is not so far from Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea.

Seoul is one of oldest cities in Korea. Its history is said to be traced to 18 BC. Goryeo Dynasty built a palace in Seoul, which was referred to as the Southern Capital. It is located in the middle part of all Korea, served by Han River and near to the see, it was a center of transportation. Some dynasties including Goryeo Dynasty and Joseon Dynasty made Seoul their capital. It was still the capital during the colonization of Japan from 1910 since 1945.

For more information on Korea, click here

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PROGRAM DATES
Fall Term: early September - mid December
Spring Term: early March - mid June
Academic Year: early September - mid June

NOTE: Students may participate in this program for the fall, spring, or for a full academic year.

YEAR PROGRAM STARTED:
2001

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HOST INSTITUTION ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Seoul National University honors the ideals of liberal education and aims to teach students a lifelong love of learning that will form the basis for continuous personal growth. At the same time it is committed to preparing students to work and live in an increasingly competitive global environment. As South Korea's first national university, Seoul National University has a tradition of standing up for democracy and peace on the Korean peninsula. Graduates have long served as public servants in key positions of the Korean government. In teaching, research, and public service, Seoul National University continues to set the standard of excellence.

SNU was founded in 1946 and currently has 16 colleges, one graduate school, and nine professional graduate schools. The student body consists of 16,512 undergraduates and 9,439 graduates with 3,568 full-time faculty members. 38% of the student population is female and 10% of the students are international students.

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ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES

Subject Areas Available:

  • Accounting
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Economics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • History, Technology, and Society
  • Industrial and Systems Engineering
  • International Affairs
  • Korean
  • Literature, Communication, and Culture
  • Management
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Language Information
Most courses are taught in Korean, although some courses are available in English.

Course Information
For detailed course information:
click here
click here
click here

Since detailed course offerings are not announced until a couple of months before the start of a term, students should refer to the previous year's course offerings as a guide.

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CREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
Credit for courses taken as part of GT exchange programs is added as transfer credit on the GT transcript. Since it is important to know which kind of credit students will earn abroad as soon as possible, GT requires that courses be pre-approved for transfer. With a Foreign Credit Approval Form (available from OIE) in hand, and the credit transfer system information (listed below), students should submit course descriptions to the appropriate academic unit to request their approval. If taking Math classes, for example, then the student should go to the GT School of Mathematics to get permission for the courses to transfer to GT. If approved, the GT School of Mathematics signs the Foreign Credit Approval Form showing how the courses will transfer so that students will know which type of credit they should expect to receive.

For detailed credit transfer instructions click here

For the Foreign Credit Approval Form click here

CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM
This information is intended for undergraduates students only. Graduate students must speak with their academic unit to to determine the acceptance of transfer credits.

SNU uses the following credit transfer system:
1 SNU credit = 1 GT credit

GRADING SYSTEM
SNU uses the following grading system listed below:
SNU Grade = US Grade
A+, A0, A- = A
B+, B0, B- = B
C+, C0, C- = C
D+, D0, D- = D
F = F

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

  • Georgia Tech degree-seeking student
  • 3.0 GPA or higher
  • undergraduates complete at least two semesters of college-level study prior to participation
  • at least 18 years of age by the program's departure date
  • enroll in 12 or more credit hours at the host institution and earn a C or higher for each course
  • international students (non-US citizens) may have additional requirements set by the overseas university
  • all students must have completed all the prerequisites for any courses they wish to take

    INTA graduate students should contact Brian Woodall in International Affairs for more details about the graduate level exchange program. He can be reached by e-mail at: brian.woodall@inta.gatech.edu.

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    PROGRAM COSTS
    The same matriculation, tuition and other mandatory fees (including transportation, technology, activity, health, and athletic) apply to a term abroad as would normally apply at Georgia Tech. Exchange students must pay tuition and fees to the GT Bursar for each semester they are abroad. No other expenses associated with this program are paid to GT; instead, these expenses are paid on site.

    The currency in South Korea is the South-Korean Won (KRW). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the newspaper or click here for the most current rates.

    DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! See the OIE web site for more info: click here

    Following are cost estimates for one semester at SNU that may help you prepare for your term(s) abroad. All costs are in USD.

    In State Tuition $3,035
    Out of State Tuition $3,285
    GT Mandatory Fees $818
    Books and Supplies $375
    Administrative and/or Application fees $0
    Miscellaneous (includes passport/visa fees, required field trips, local transportation and incidentals) $1,800
    Roundtrip Airfare $1,500
    Room and Board $2,000
    Additional Language Instruction $0
    Mandatory Insurance $150
    Total $9,678 (in state)
    $9,928 (out of state)

    *Out-of-state students pay in state tuition, plus $250 for this exchange program.

    *Costs in the preceding chart are estimates for undergraduates based on tuition rates posted by the GT Bursar for "continuing students." Guaranteed tuition rates, graduate tuition rates, and MBA tuition rates vary. Please check the GT Bursar's web site click here to confirm actual tuition rates based on degree, term, or level of study. Actual costs may be higher or lower than those listed above, depending on the exchange rate and personal spending habits/needs.

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    HOUSING AND MEALS
    Housing

  • on-campus dormitories
  • off-campus apartments/rooms for rent

    SNU has 28 dormitories with 2,600 rooms that house 4,500 students. The residence buildings are available to all students registered, but application is highly competitive. Each room and flat is fully furnished, but one must provide one's own bedding and towels. Cooking facilities are not available for individual units. For further details click here

    Meals
  • NO meal plan
  • on-campus dining

    On-campus cafeterias mainly offer Korean cuisine, costing 1,700~3,500 won per meal. The menu includes noodles or rice, soup, and 3~4 side dishes (Kimchi is usually one of these side dishes). Occasionally, western-style food is also available.

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    INSURANCE
    Students participating in this program will be assessed $150 per semester for mandatory insurance coverage. You will be covered by T.W. Lord and Associates. For detailed information about this insurance plan, click here. This cost is included in the above cost estimates for the program.

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    EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
    There are over 100 students clubs and organizations affiliated with SNU. Student activities include sports, cultural, performing arts, religious clubs and more. From Taekwondo to Jazz Clubs to Computer Study Group, there is something for everyone to get involved in. Participation in clubs is a great way to make friends, develop your responsibilities and find your leadership qualities.

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    CLIMATE
    Korea has four distinct seasons ranging from beautiful to severe. Early June to mid-September is characterized by hot and humid weather. Summer temperatures usually exceed 80ºF. Short sleeved cotton blends are suggested are suggested for spring and summer attire. The winter, by contrast, is dry, sunny, cold, and windy with some snow fall. Long underwear, sweaters, and at least one heavy coat are necessary. The average temperature in winter is about 23ºF.

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    VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION
    Complete information about how to apply for or renew a U.S. passport is available from the GT Office of International Education or online click here

    Students participating in this program must apply for a student visa (D-2) before leaving for Korea. Approval can take a few days to a month. To obtain an application and a list of required documents to obtain a visa go to the Korean Consulate General website (click here).

    All foreigners residing in Korea for over 90 days must obtain documentation from the Seoul Immigration Office. Yonsei will give you more information about this when you arrive.

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    YOUR NEXT STEPS
    To begin the process of participating in this exchange, please do the following:

  • Attend an exchange program information session. For dates visit: click here. If you are unable to attend, please make an appointment with the OIE staff member listed below.
  • Download the OIE Exchange and Study/Work Abroad Application instructions at click here and submit the completed application by the appropriate deadline.
  • Deadlines: Fall/academic year/summer applications are generally due in mid-February. Spring applications are generally due in early to mid-September. Specifics are listed in the application packet.
  • Visit the host institution's course information link located under "academic disciplines". Print course descriptions of all the courses of interest that you believe will fit into your GT academic plan.
  • Make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to review course options, bring course descriptions to help.
  • If you need to get or renew a passport, you should start that process now! Passport information is online: click here.
  • For financial aid information click here
  • For scholarship information click here

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    EXPERIENCES OF FORMER STUDENTS
    click here

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    FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Ms. Jennifer Evanuik, Study Abroad Advisor (Exchange Programs)
    GT Office of International Education
    631 Cherry Street
    Savant Building, Suite 211
    Atlanta, GA 30332-0284
    Phone: (404)894-7475 Fax: (404)894-9682
    E-mail: jennifer.evanuik@oie.gatech.edu
    OIE web site: click here



    Host/Program Web Site: click here

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    Hidden Fields:
    Seoul
    South Korea
    Asia
    Semester
    16
    12
    English/Korean
    For more info, contact OIE.
    Can I go abroad while pursuing a GT degree?
    GT students have many opportunities to participate in semester/exchange and study abroad programs. In a semester program, you actually take classes with the host university’s students and faculty. (In some cases, this means that you must have excellent knowledge of the local language to participate). Semester program participants usually pay normal GT tuition and fees for each term abroad. Credits can be pre-approved to transfer back to GT so that you do not get behind in your studies. The application deadline for fall and academic year programs is in early February; for spring programs the deadline is in September/October.

    In a study abroad program, the courses are taught by GT faculty and you register for regular GT courses. Residents pay normal matriculation fees, but do not pay ancillary fees (athletic, health, etc.). Non-residents only pay resident matriculation plus $250 ($1500 for GTL Summer/$2000 for GTL Spring/Fall) . This is a savings of over $6,000 for out-of-state students who participate in GT study abroad programs as full-time students! Deadlines for summer study abroad programs vary from early January to mid-February.

    In most cases, if you are eligible for financial aid or scholarships, you can apply your grants, scholarships, and/or loans toward the expenses associated with participating in all GT programs.
    GT’s International Plan: More than just study abroad
    Your major is participating in this new initiative!
    The International Plan is an intensive, degree-long program designed to prepare GT graduates professionally and personally for successful lives in the 21st century. Requirements of the program include international coursework, two terms abroad (any combination of study, research or internship abroad), proficiency in a second language, and a culminating course. Students who complete the program will have a designation on their diploma indicating completion of the degree with global competence: for example, “BS in Mechanical Engineering: International Plan.” For more information or an application, contact your major advisor or OIE and visit the website: click here