| Academics |
Academic Program
Take advantage of the opportunity to study at Korea’s most prestigious university and learning about the Korean culture.
During the Fall and Spring semesters at Seoul National University (SNU), you can take a wide variety of lecture courses taught in English and optional courses in beginning, intermediate, and advanced Korean language. You will be asked to choose a preferred department at SNU, but you may take courses in multiple departments. Review Seoul National University's website for the different Colleges/Departments that are available for undergraduate exchange students HERE.
Searching for Courses
Please follow this step-by-step process on how to search on the SNU online course catalog HERE. You will be able to find past syllabi of the courses that have been offered at SNU.
The SNU Korean language course information can be found HERE. Please note: Korean language courses at Seoul National University are offered through the Korean Language Education Center. Korean language courses are a separate charge; the cost is not included in UAlbany’s Estimate of Costs. Additionally, depending on the Korean language course option you choose, the courses may conflict with several of the English-taught courses you plan to take.
Unavailable / Restricted Colleges & Departments
The following Colleges are NOT OPEN to undergraduate exchange students:
- The College of Medicine
- The College of Dentistry/Medicine/Nursing
- The College of Law
- The College of Fine Arts
The following Colleges/Departments are COMPETETIVE and RESTRICTIVE to undergraduate exchange students:
- The Department of Computer Science & Engineering (you must have earned 15 credits in Computer Science & Engineering related courses on your UAlbany official transcript to be considered)
- The College of Business Administration (you MUST be a Business or Economics major at UAlbany to be considered)
- The College of Vocal Music (you MUST be a Vocal Music major at UAlbany to be considered)
- The Departments of Korean History/ Psychology/ Statistics/ Pharmacy requires applicants to provide proof of Korean language proficiency. You should have Level 5 or above on TOPIK (the Korean language proficiency test).
Course equivalency information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program may be approved to satisfy the World History/International Perspectives or other UAlbany General Education requirements, if you earn appropriate credit in these areas and receive approval using the General Education Substitution Request form.
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, with approval by the associated academic department(s). You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
All courses successfully completed through this program abroad that are not assigned a specific UAlbany course equivalency will at least count as UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript.
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| Faculty |
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| Accommodations |
Housing
Please note, SNU ON CAMPUS HOUSING IS NOT GUARANTEED. On-campus housing for exchange students at SNU is available at the Gwanak Residence Halls. If you choose to live on campus, you will be in a living environment with students from more than 80 countries. The apartment-style suites, made up of three double-occupancy rooms, include a bed, desk, bookshelf, closet, private bathroom, and phone. Personal items, including blankets and pillows, are not provided.
The shared living room includes a sofa, table, AC, refrigerator, washer, and shoe rack.
Off-campus housing is available near campus. If you choose to live off campus, you will be responsible for arranging your own accommodations.
Meals
There is no meal plan for this program. You may choose to purchase meals in the cafeteria, cook, or eat out at local restaurants.
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| Costs |
ESTIMATE OF COSTS
Review this program’s Estimate of Costs.
Please note: Korean language courses at Seoul National University are offered through the Korean Language Education Center. Korean language courses are a separate charge; the cost is not included in UAlbany’s Estimate of Costs. Additionally, depending on the Korean language course option you choose, the courses may conflict with several of the English-taught courses you plan to take.
Note, there may be several tabs in the Estimate of Costs. Please be sure that you are reviewing the tab for your anticipated semester abroad.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
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| Eligibility |
Academic Requirements
- This program is only open to UAlbany students.
- Second-semester freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in all majors are welcome to apply to the SNU Program.
- Your GPA must be at least a 2.5 (not a 2.49) to be eligible to apply.
- If you are a transfer student, you must have completed at least one semester at your previous institution, plus at least one semester at UAlbany in order to apply.
- Prior knowledge of Korean is not required.
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| Excursions |
Experiential Learning
University-arranged excursions are not included in this program, but you may enjoy tourist attractions and events off campus, on your own.
Student Clubs and Organizations
The SNU International Student Association (SISA) arranges several trips throughout the year that are available for you to join. SNU also offers a variety of student activities and sports clubs that you can join. |
| Scholarships |
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
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| Testimonials |
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| Contact |
Speak with an Advisor
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| Location |
About the City
Seoul National University’s main campus is located in Gwanak, Seoul, on the southern side of the nation’s capital. Seoul has a very organized public transportation system, making it easily to access Seoul National University via bus and subway.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. If you are a U.S. citizen, you are required to obtain a visa to enter Korea.
For all other nationalities, please check with your government and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea website to determine whether you are required to obtain a visa for this program.
More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
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| Duration |
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring/Winter/Spring Break programs: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Academic Year 2023-2024
Forthcoming
Spring 2025 (TENTATIVE DATES)
Friday, February 28, 2025 - Monday, June 23, 2025
*Please Note: Monday, June 23, 2025 is the last day of make-up classes at Seoul National University, which could also include final exams and papers.
Fall 2024 (TENTATIVE DATES)
Saturday, August 31, 2024 - Friday, December 20, 2024
*Please Note: The Fall 2024 program dates are TENTATIVE. For the most updated SNU academic calendar, you can find it HERE. Friday, December 20 is the last day of make-up classes at Seoul National University, which could also include final exams and papers.
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| Overview |
About the Program
The University at Albany’s exchange affiliation with Seoul National University (SNU) enables you to study in the heart of Seoul, South Korea and is intended for U.S. students interested in experiencing Korean daily life and culture while developing Korean language skills and pursuing coursework in English in diverse subject areas. You are sure to make life-long friends, build your networks, expand and deepen your academic and cultural horizons, all while experiencing life in Seoul, one of Asia's coolest, yet largely undiscovered cities.
Ranked as the best global university in South Korea, and a top 100 university worldwide by U.S. News & World Report, Seoul National University has proven to be a leading higher education institution.
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted the Saturday before the end of Spring UAlbany classes and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at Seoul National University, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
Seoul National University's International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.
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