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SOGANG UNIVERSITY Program Level: Undergraduate Number of Weeks/Term: 16 |
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- Background
- Location Information
- Program Dates
- Host Institution
- Academic Information
- Academic Disciplines
- Credit Transfer Information
- Eligibility Requirements
- Program Costs
- Housing and Meals
- Insurance
- Extracurricular Activities
- Climate
- VISA & Passport Information
- Your Next Steps
- Experiences of Former Students
- Contact Details
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.
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
PROGRAM DATES
Fall Term: late August - mid December
Spring Term: early March - late June
Academic Year: late August - late June
NOTE: Students may participate in this program for the fall, spring, or for a full academic year.
If a student would like to participate in SWES (the internship component), a 9 week internship would be completed after the 16 week semester. Students may study at Sogang in the fall semester, complete the internship, then return to Sogang for the spring semester.
YEAR PROGRAM STARTED:
2007
HOST INSTITUTION ACADEMIC INFORMATION
In the course of the last 40 years, Sogang University has attained a leading position in Korean higher education by hiring superior faculty members and insisting on a strict educational system, while offering a superior quality of administrative service, high standards of education, and efficiently constructed facilities. The substantial results of this can be verified through the high reputation enjoyed throughout Korea and abroad by our 40,000 alumni, who play leading roles in society, as well as through the satisfaction expressed by our currently enrolled students. Sogang University was established by the Society of Jesus to provide an education based on Catholic belief and inspired by the Jesuit educational philosophy, in conformity with the Korean tradition of education. Sogang University's goal is to educate the whole human person on foundations of love and faith, encouraging all its members to be intent on the pursuit of learning as a sincere quest for truth, resolved to practice justice and respect the human dignity and worth of every person.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
Subject Areas Available:
- Economics
- International Affairs
- Korean
- Management
- Modern Languages
Language Information
Some undergraduate courses are available in English. Approximately 30% of management and economics courses are taught in English. All courses in the Graduate School of International Studies (e.g. international relations, international trade, international finance, East Asian studies) are in English.
10-week Korean language sessions are available during the semester for a small additional cost (approx. $100 for registration and books). The language sessions would count towards your semester course load.
Course Information
For more information on the courses currently offered at Sogang, please visit: click here.
GT Juniors and Seniors participating in the regular exchange program are welcome to take courses through Sogang's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), as well as from any of the undergraduate schools. All GSIS courses are in English. Please click here for more information.
Internship & Scholarship Opportunity
Sogang University allows any exchange student to apply for their SWES program (Study and Work Experience at Sogang). This is a very competitive program, but it is quite substantial. Recipients of this scholarship will complete 4 months of study at Sogang and complete a 2 month internship in Korea. Recipients receive a $2,000 cash scholarship (to go towards travel and/or living expenses) and free enrollment in a Korean language class. The 2 month internship would take place immediately after the semester or year of study. Internships would be best suited for Management or Economics students, although students in other fields of study may be accommodated. Participants in SWES are required to take at least one course in the School of Economics and at least one course in the School of Business Administration. Participants may also take courses in other undergraduate schools as well. Please contact OIE for more information or visit the SWES website at click here. Top
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.
Sogang uses the following credit transfer system:
1 Sogang credit = 1.06 GT credit
GRADING SYSTEM
Sogang uses the following grading system listed below:
Sogang Grade = US Grade
A+, A0, A- = A
B+,B0, B- = B
C+, C0, C- = C
D+, D0, D- = D
F = F
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
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.
Sogang offers a scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to students who are accepted into the SWES program. Please see the Academic Disciplines section for more information.
Sogang also offers a scholarship for Master's level Management exchange students.
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 Sogang 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 $300 Administrative and/or Application fees $0 Miscellaneous (includes passport/visa fees, required field trips, local transportation and incidentals) $750 Roundtrip Airfare $1,500 Room and Board $1,900 Additional Language Instruction $0 Mandatory Insurance $150 Total $8,453 (in state) $8,703 (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.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Housing
Sogang University's student dormitory, Gonzaga Hall, can house up to 950 students. The dormitory rooms include beds, desks, study chairs, closet, locker, lan networking, fan, shoe cabinets, microwave, sofa, TV, laundry machine, air conditioners, and bathroom. Each room has a telephone for incoming calls only. Outgoing calls can be made at any pay phone. The dorms are locked between 12:00 and 5:00 a.m. and curfew is strictly enforced. International students may choose to live in the "English Zone", which allows only English to be used in the rooms and public spaces. Exchange students are fully integrated with local students, for an immersive experience. Space is limited in the dormitory and students are not guaranteed a room.
Alternatives to the dormitory include living with relatives in Seoul, boarding houses, or studio apartments. If you chose to live in a boarding house or apartment, Sogang would assist you in arranging it.
For more information, you can refer to click here (click on Life @ Sogang -> Dormitory). An application for housing is required.
Meals
Two meals a day are included in the price of the dormitory and boarding house. There is a cafeteria located within the dormitory. If you opted for a studio apartment, there is no meal plan included. There are three student cafeterias and four snack bars located throughout Sogang's campus. Top
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.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Sogang University's campus features many options for out-of-class activities.
The gymnasium has a seating capacity of 3,500 and contains standard courts for basketball and volleyball, 3 racquetball courts, a skiing facility, a weight training room, and other athletic facilities. It also includes an indoor artificial climbing wall (12m x 11m) and 2 soundproof rooms for music activities. The gymnasium provides a focus for the recreation/wellness needs of students, faculty, and staff members.
In addition, there are about 79 student clubs currently at Sogang University. These are all located in the Student Union Hall (C Hall). Students can join various clubs according to their interests such as Korean traditional music, sports, religious, art, and volunteer service clubs and participate in activities with Sogang students. For more information about student clubs and activities, stop by the Office of Student Affairs located in the Student Union Hall. International students may be interested in the following clubs: ISF (International Student Fellowship) and HUG (Hands Up for Gathering).
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.
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
If you want to stay in Korea more than 90 days, you are required to register at a local immigration office having the jurisdiction over the place of your stay within 90 days from the date of your entry. To register, you should make an application to a local or district Immigration office having jurisdiction over the place of your stay, either by visiting in person or by proxy.
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).
YOUR NEXT STEPS
To begin the process of participating in this exchange, please do the following:
EXPERIENCES OF FORMER STUDENTS
click here
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
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 universitys 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.
GTs 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