South Korea

Soonchunhyang University

University Overview

Soonchunhyang University was founded in 1978 as a medical college and became a full-fledged university in the 1980s. Today the university offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees in many fields of the humanities and sciences. 

Located in the small town of Asan on the central west coast of South Korea, Soonchunhyang University is within an easy one hour train ride of Seoul. Most of the professors in the Asian Studies and International Studies programs have earned their Ph.D. degrees in the U.S. and are accustomed to teaching international students.  All course work within the Asian Studies program will be entirely in English, though Korean language study is a requirement of the program and helpful in initial cultural adjustment.

City Overview

Asan is a small suburb, an hour outside of bustling Seoul.  Best known for its hot springs, lakes, rice fields and historic folk villages, Asan remains a major tourist destination and a reprieve from busy city life.  Korea's cultural, educational, political and economic center remains the capital of Seoul, where students can find both the modern and ancient coexisting side by side.  There are endless choices for entertainment, food, shopping, theater, and nightlife in Seoul.

 

Program Highlights

• All work transfers back to San Marcos and can be used to fulfill all graduation requirements.

• Korean reading, writing, and speaking courses available.

• Internship opportunities available.

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester: Late August to late December

Spring Semester:  Late February to late June

Academic Year:  Late February to late December

Please see the 2020-21 Academic Calendar for specific dates

Academic Focus

Two program options are available:

•  Asian Studies Program:  Designed for students interested in Korean history, culture, politics, and language, students may select from several courses taught in English in the fields of Economics, Business, Sociology, Political Science, and Korean Language.

• International Studies Program:  Students may select from classes taught in English in Asian history, international relations, and international law.  This program is especially well-suited to Global Studies majors/minors.

• Soonchunhyang University Grading Scale

Language of Instruction

English

Requirements

• Class Level:  Upper-division status (completion of 60 units)

• GPA of 2.75 or above and good academic standing to departure

• Enrollment in Korean language classes during study term

• Special Note to Business Majors:  In order to receive credit for upper-division courses abroad, you must have already completed your Pre-Core course work at CSUSM

• Students must enroll in the Cultural Internship for scholarship assistance

Units

18 semester units.  Typically this equates to the cultural internship, Korean language courses, and two or three elective courses.

Housing

Visiting students are placed in shared rooms with Korean students.  This is a great system for our students to meet both local and international students.  All students live in the beautiful Global Village and will find a wide array of activities planned to help them get to know other residents.

Estimated Cost

• Students pay their normal State University Fee to CSU San Marcos, currently $3,858/semester. No tuition or fees due at Soonchunhyang University.

• Health Insurance: $265/semester

• Korean D-2 visa:  $45 + shipping

• Soonchunhyang University offers a unique opportunity for exchange students willing to serve as Cultural Interns, helping Korean students with English language studies. In exchange for this service, Cultural Interns receive

  • Airfare reimbursement up to $710

  • Free room in the international dormitory

  • Living expenses of $120 per week

• Sample 2020-21 Budget

Application Deadlines

For Fall Semester Study:  March 15

For Spring Semester Study:  October 1  

How to Apply

1. Visit the Soonchunhyang University International Studies website to learn ore about the program and life in Korea.  Use Visit Korea for a comprehensive visitor's guide to Korea.
2. Meet with the CSUSM Study Abroad Advisor in ELB 588 to determine if you are eligible for this program.
3. Look through the course offerings and consult with a faculty advisor in your major/minor to see if SCH classes will count towards your major, minor, or GE requirements.  If so, complete a Study Abroad Credit Approval Form.
4. Order an official transcript from CSUSM and any other college from which you have taken a semester or more in classes (even if you have already transferred credit to CSUSM).  Please pick your transcripts up in person and deliver them to ELB 588.  Keep in mind that transcripts are now taking 7-10 business days to process.  Plan accordingly.
5. Request nomination from the Study Abroad Advisor and complete the steps in the SCH application, being sure to turn in a paper application with all supporting materials to the Study Abroad Advisor. 
6. Please provide a current resume and brief statement on why you are looking forward to studying in Korea.  If you are planning on doing the Cultural Internship, please tell me specific examples of how you plan on teaching English language skills while abroad.  This information will be used by the Study Abroad Advisor to write a letter of nomination on your behalf.
7. Submit additional application details to Global Education:  CSUSM General Study Abroad Application
8. Submit your flight details to Global Education:  Flight Information Form
9. Attend the pre-departure orientation and consult with the Study Abroad Advisor as necessary regarding the Student Visa process after Soonchunhyang acceptance.

Catch a glimpse of Soonchunhyang University