Washington & Jefferson College

Fact Sheet:

Host City:

With a population of 11 million people, Seoul is South Korea's largest city and one of the largest cities in the world by population. It is one of the world's most densely populated major cities. Seoul is also one of the world's most digitally-connected cities and has the greatest number of skyscrapers in Asia.

Being the country's political, cultural, and economic centre, as well as a centre for international business, Seoul plays a key role in South Korea's economic development.  Seoul is also a city of contrasts. In this rapidly evolving metropolis, the traditional exists with the modern in a state of harmony.  There are manyKorean royal palace palaces and temples among the modern skyscrapers which create the picturesque skyline.

One example of a must see cultural landmark is Kyongbuck Palace.  Founded in 1395 by King Taejo, this was the base of the Chosun Dynasty (the last Dynasty of Korea). This impressive palace has traditionally designed Korean buildings, magestic towers and a lake with a stone bridge. For 200 years, Kyongbok was the seat of government and the royal residence of Choson Dynasty kings. Traditional festivals are also frequently held in Seoul.

Institution:

Yonsei Uni Yonsei is the oldest private university in Korea, founded 117 years ago as a learning center based on Christian principles. Since then, Yonsei has provided many opportunities for foreign students to learn more about the Korean language, history and culture. The University is recognized not only in Korea, but also the Asia-Pacific area and the international community as the most forward-looking, internationalized, and comprehensive University in Korea.

Yonsei's main campus is set on 250 wooded acres in western Seoul on the former site of a Yi Dynasty royal palace.  The spacious, picturesque and natural setting is located just minutes away from of the economic, political, and cultural centers of Seoul's metropolitan downtown. The 3,500 eminent faculty members conduct cutting-edge research across all academic disciplines.

Program in Brief:

Korea provides a particularly advantageous position from which to study the changing culture, economics, and politics of all the nations of the East Asian region.  As one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world, Korea has become a model for economic expansion, rapid Christianization, agricultural reform, family planning, industrial development, and a host of other issues pertinent to the nations of Asian and the world.

With its student body comprised of the top 1 percent of high school graduates in Korea, Yonsei University is proud of its long history as the leading institution of higher education in Korea, as well as of its reputation as the most international university in Korea.  Students studying international relations or international business will find Yonsei University the perfect place to broaden their worldview.

Academic Programs & Areas of Study:

Courses taught in Korean: Colleges of Business & Economics, Engineering, Human Ecology, Law, Liberal Arts, Science, Sciences in Education, Social Sciences, Theology

*Korean Language is also taught at many different levels

Courses taught in English: International Education and Exchange Program (courses on a variety of subjects with a focus on Korea and East Asian studies, and Korean language courses); Gradute School of International Studies (Korean studies, area studies, international cooperation, international trade & finance, international management)

* Courses offered in English fall under three main areas of study: East Asian Studies, International Relations, & International Business

Common courses taken include: Anthropology, Art, Business, Communications, East Asian Studies, Economics, History, Korean Language, Law, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science

Course Load and Grading System

Students normally take four to six courses per semester. The grading system is based on letter grades, similar to that of the United States.

Student Life:

LanternsUniversity activities are very diverse and there is something available for everybody. There are several student festivals promoting club activities on the campus, and celebrating the diversity of cultures at Yonsei. There are over 100 student clubs and organizations, all covering a wide variety of interests: Theater Art Club, Women’s Club, International Student Research Club and Yonsei Recreation Club. There are also several ‘Friendship Sports Festivals’ and ‘Music Festivals’ which bring the students together in a fun environment.

Housing & Meals:

Dormitory housing is available for students accepted to the program.  Rooms are given out on a first come first serve basis. Double rooms are the norm for both Korean and international students. Refrigerators, lounge areas, recreation and weight rooms, computer rooms and laundry facilities are all available in the dormitories. Bed linens, quilts and pillows are provided for the students when they arrive. Each room has an air conditioning unit, a heating unit, and LAN internet connections.

As for meals, students are responsible for purchasing their own meals in the cafeterias or in some of the local restaurants.