Sogang’s Location
Sogang University is in Shinchon, the heart of Seoul. All major attractions can be easily reached by bus or subway with 3 subway stations within a 5-minute walking distance of campus. Shinchon is a vibrant and energetic community with lots of options for students to experience the local culture. Seoul is a fast paced city with a population of 11 million, yet it remains a remarkably safe city. Seoul experiences 4 distinct seasons, similar to Maine. Summer can be hot and humid while winters are cold and snowy.
Sogang University, founded by the Society of Jesus in 1960, is the only Jesuit institution in Korea. In spite of its short history, Sogang has risen to establish its place as one of the top universities in Korea. Sogang has approximately 8,000 students including 1,350 international students, 24 majors, as well as master’s and doctoral programs.
Sogang has a total of 75 student clubs and associations including those that focus on traditional Korean culture such as dance, music and Taekwondo. They also have several sports and art associations. Sogang also hosts several festivals throughout the year including “International Student Night” and a Korean Film Festival. Because it is smaller, Sogang offers a family-like atmosphere and special care for international students to help them adjust and feel at home.
Academics
Sogang is outstanding for Business and Economics majors and carries AACSB accreditation. The following additional subjects are available in English for study abroad students: American Cultures, Business Administration, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry, Communications, Computer Science, Economics, Electronic Engineering, Engineering, English Literature, History, Math, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies
Some majors with fewer English offering may require that students plan to take courses from several disciplines to make up a full-time load of 4-5 courses. Some cultural courses are available as well. Students can take a Korean language course at Sogang’s Korean Language Education Center free of charge.
Sogang requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Korean language proficiency is not needed; most study abroad students have no knowledge of Korean prior to departure.
Graduate students interested in attending Sogang should inquire to Ms. Kaoru Phillips.
Sogang’s Academic Term
- Fall begins in late August or early September and breaks just before the Christmas holiday.
- Spring begins in late February or early March and runs through late June.
Course Selection & Credit Transfer
To select courses, pelase review Sogang’s online module listing. USM students are encouraged to take a mix of 200 & 300 level courses at Sogang. All courses at Sogang transfer back as 3 USM credits each.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS for using the online module search:
1. Select Academic Year from pull down menu
2. Select 1st semester for Spring or 2nd semester for Fall
3. Search condition: The “position” button must be tagged
4. Use the pull down menu to select “the Undergrduate School” from the position box
5. Be sure to check the box “Courses for Undergraduate Students”
A full list of available courses will appear and each course will also include a link to the syllabus.
Sogang’s Summer Program
Sogang offers a Korean Studies Summer Program. The five week program runs from mid-June to the end of July and includes field trips each week to sites around Korea. Students take 3 credits in Korean language and either 3 or 6 credits in Korean studies. Students live on campus in Gonzaga Hall and receive 2 breakfast and dinner each day as part of the accommodation fee.
This is not a reciprocal program and students register directly via Sogang, however, students must still work through the USM International Office to obtain approval to participate in this summer abroad opportunity.
Students will need to ensure that they have health insurance for the duration of their summer program and will need to obtain a C-3 (90 day visa) from the South Korean embassy in Washington, DC.
Helpful Links
Additional Information
Housing at Sogang
Students live on campus in Gonzaga Hall which opened in the Fall of 2008. Students will need to apply for on-campus housing via the accommodations office once they have been accepted to the program.
Two students are housed per room and they typically assign one American student and one Korean student. The dormitory fee includes 13 meals per week, typically breakfast and dinner. For other meals, students may eat at the food court across the street from the dorm or in many of the on-campus restaurants. Students should expect to spend about $500 per semester on additional meals.
Costs
Students attending Sogang will pay USM for 15 credits of in-state tuition and fees. All other costs will be paid locally to Sogang University. Please note that students participating in this exchange are required to purchase health insurance for visa purposes.
Student Visa
Students studying at Sogang will need to apply for a D-2 visa which costs approximately $80 US dollars. Visa applications are made by mail to the South Korean embassy in Washington D.C. Students should plan for the additional mailing time needed to receive their visa prior to their program abroad.
Airport Pick Up and Buddy Program
The Sogang Office of International Affairs runs an airport pick up service and buddy program with Korean students.