The Ajou University Exchange program is designed to offer a one semester or one year study abroad program for students interested in South Korea. Consistent with its emphasis on global education, Ajou University offers a variety of courses taught in English. These courses are designed to provide an excellent opportunity for both international and Korean students to take classes in their chosen fields while immersed in an international atmosphere. The program is beneficial for international students anticipating careers in Asia or with multinational corporations as well as to those seeking advanced degrees in international or area studies.

Academics

Students participating in the Ajou exchange have access to a wide range of classes. If students are fluent in Korean, they may enroll in university-level Korean taught classes. Most students, however, enroll in Ajou’s English-taught classes. Visit Ajou's website for a list of these classes. Korean language classes are also offered to help students with no Korean language background better adapt to the country and culture.

It’s important to note that students will receive a transcript directly from Ajou. The University of Iowa is able to process this kind of credit, but it is treated differently than standard UI credit. Make an appointment with the appropriate advisor for more information on credit transfer.

Cultural Activities

Ajou offers a number of different activities and excursions every semester. Tentative destinations include Gyeongju, the Royal Palace and Royal Secret Garden of the Joseon Dynasty, or the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Other activities include business field trips to Samsung, LG Electronics, or Hyundai Motors.

Program Dates

Early September to mid December

For More Info

If you have more questions or are ready to apply to the Ajou University Exchange, please make an appointment with program advisor Sterling Bacher. Call 319-335-0353 to schedule a meeting.

Ajou University

Ajou University is a research-centered private university which has grown dramatically since it opened its doors in 1973. Though Ajou started as an Engineering college, it quickly expanded into other academic fields. Its College of Business Administration offers many classes of interest to UI business students. Between its student body of around 11,000 and its location in Suwon, Ajou may be an ideal location for students not looking to get overwhelmed by Seoul's size and density.

Suwon

Suwon, home to about 1 million people, is the provincial capital and largest city in Gyeonggi-do Province. It sits about 20 miles south of Seoul and is connected to the country’s capital via the subway and rail system. A major cultural and industrial city, Suwon is also home to a number of major universities.

South Korea

South Korea is a country of about 50 million people located on the Korean Peninsula. Its neighbor to the north, North Korea, grabs more headlines due to military saber rattling, but South Korea is not a country to be overshadowed. With a strong, industrialized economy built after the Korean War, South Korea remains one of the most successful nations in all of Asia.

Living Arrangements

Ajou University offers various type of accommodations for providing comfort and modern technology to residents. The Ajou University Dormitory "Woncheon Dormitory Complex" houses over 2,300 domestic and international residents between four buildings. At Hwa-hong Hall, over 300 international students can accommodate either in two-people-shared room or in four-people-shared room. Korean students and international students will live side by side in hopes that both groups will learn about each others' cultures and broaden their sense of international perspective. Housing fees will be waived for exchange students their first semester in Korea. Academic year students will have to pay for housing during their second semester

Travel Arrangements

Students are expected to find their own flights to South Korea, though Study Abroad can assist by providing advice on airfare. Often times, Korean exchange partners will be able to send a local student to the airport to meet incoming students. More info on flights and arrival times will be provided by Ajou closer to the date of departure.

Eligibility

Be in good standing at the UI; No Korean language necessary

Costs

As is the norm with exchanges, students will pay their standard resident or non-resident full-time tuition costs and fees to the University of Iowa and not have to pay these fees to the host institution. Visit the UI Registrar's website for current tuition and fee figures. In addition to tuition, students will also be charged a Study Abroad administrative fee. Housing fees will be waived for exchange students their first semester in Korea. Academic year students will have to pay for housing during their second semester. All participants will have to cover their own airfare, textbooks, most meals, and personal expenses.

How to Apply

Additional program information and applications are available in Study Abroad. Interested students should call 319-335-0353 to schedule an appointment with program advisor Sterling Bacher.

Study Abroad will provide information regarding confirmation and preparation after the application cycle. Please contact program advisor Sterling Bacher if you have questions.

Acceptance Materials

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Pre-departure Materials

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Orientation Information

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There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu