BC-Dongguk South Korea Exchange

Brooklyn College Exchange with Dongguk University (Seoul, South Korea)

The Brooklyn College exchange program with Dongguk University is open to Brooklyn College and other CUNY students. A wide range of academic course work in English, as well as intensive Korean language instruction, is available. Participants will have the opportunity to study for a semester or year at this highly rated comprehensive university while paying CUNY tuition, international travel, and onsite living costs. Financial aid and scholarships apply. This program is competitive and spaces are limited.

Eligibility

This program is open to all college students, though preference is given to Brooklyn College students. Applicants should have:

  • 3.00 minimum cumulative GPA.
  • Completed 30 college credits by the semester prior to study abroad.
  • Clear academic and disciplinary record.
  • Acceptance as an exchange student by IPSA.

Academic Credit and Course Offerings

Students receive credit and grades for the courses taken at Dongguk University. Exchange students must take a full-time course load of 12 to 18 credits. Prior to the end of the semester before studying abroad, all participants should obtain written approval for credit equivalencies. The Study Abroad Course Equivalency Form (pdf) provides information on how to do so. Participants who are not Brooklyn College students should confer with their home university’s study abroad office for instructions on attaining equivalencies.

Students may apply to pursue course work in many areas, including but not limited to:

  • Advertising
  • Art
  • Asian Languages and Literatures
  • Biological and Environmental Sciences
  • Buddhist Studies
  • Business Administration
  • Communications
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Film and Digital Media
  • Korean Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Biotechnology
  • Political Science
  • Theater

For more information on Dongguk University semester courses taught in English, see the English-Taught Courses page on the Dongguk University website.

Dongguk University Academic Calendar/Program Dates

  • Expected date of arrival: Late August for fall; late February for spring
  • Fall courses begin end of August.
  • Fall exam period is mid-December.
  • Spring courses begin in early March.
  • Spring exam period is mid-June.

Visit Dongguk University’s website for an updated academic calendar with specific dates.

Estimated Costs for One Semester (2017–18)

Below is an approximated cost breakdown based upon Dongguk University and other estimates. Keep in mind variations in personal lifestyle and spending preferences:

  • CUNY tuition and fees
  • Roundtrip Airfare: $770–$1,800
  • Housing (several options): $1,302–$4,158
  • Living Costs (meals, laundry/household amenities, books/supplies, local travel, etc.): $3,110
  • Mobile Phone/Internet (free on-campus Wi-Fi): $156
  • Student Visa and Alien Registration: $71
  • Dongguk Int’l Exchange Student Fee: $130
  • CUNY mandated CISI Health/Travel Insurance (pdf) ($50 per month): $200

† Currency conversion via OANDA. Students should visit OANDA for up-to-date currency conversion rates. Once on the site, click on Currency Converter at the top of the page.

How to Apply

There are two parts to the application process. First, an application is submitted to Brooklyn College and, upon acceptance, a second one to the Dongguk University.

  • Complete and submit the Online Notification of Study Abroad/Brooklyn College Study Abroad Application.
    • IPSA applications must be submitted to IPSA no later than April 1 for fall semesters, and October 1 for spring semesters. Due to limited spaces, interested students should submit their applications as early as possible.
  • After initial acceptance by IPSA, students will complete an online exchange application to Dongguk University. See the Dongguk University website for instructions.
    • Dongguk University applications must be submitted no later than June 1 for fall semesters, and November 15 for spring semesters.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Most scholarships and financial aid that a student receives for semester study at Brooklyn College can be applied on semester abroad exchange programs. Students should consult the Office of Financial Aid about specifics on how their financial aid applies. Scholarships are also available for semester study abroad. Refer to the IPSA website or visit the Brooklyn College Office of Scholarships. If you are not a Brooklyn College student, any financial aid you are currently receiving is administered by your home institution’s Office of Financial Aid. Questions about financial aid should be directed to that office.

Housing Information

On- and off-campus housing options are available. On-campus housing in Namsan Residence Dormitory is less expensive than off-campus housing but has strict rules, including curfews. For students wishing more flexible living arrangements, Dongguk University can connect students with off-campus providers. Note that an on-campus housing application is completed as part of the general admissions application. You can view more information and available options on the Dongguk University Housing Information Sheet (xlsx).

Student Visa Information

A student visa for South Korea is required for study at Dongguk University for any program over 90 days. Students will need to be registered as full-time students (12–18 credits). Students should initiate their visa application through the Dongguk University process at the same time as they apply for admission as exchange students. When accepted for study, the student will receive a “Certificate for Recognition of Visa Issuance” showing Dongguk University as the sponsor. The student will include this document when applying to the South Korean consulate for the student visa. Schedule your consulate appointment as early as possible (45 to 90 days before your trip), and bring all required documents. Please view the Visa Information for South Korea on the Korean Ministry of Immigration website.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the embassy or consulate of your home country, as requirements and fees differ.

For More Information

International Programs & Study Abroad
1108 Boylan Hall
P: 718.951.5189

Dongguk University Resources

Dongguk University Exchange Program
Ms. Sejin Kwon, International Relations
P: (+82) 2-2260-3465
E: sjkwon@dongguk.edu

Brooklyn. All in.