We have outlined here TEAN’s six easy steps to studying abroad. Your TEAN Program Manager guides you through the entire process, reminding you when and what we need from you as you traverse along the journey to studying abroad. These six steps also include all the vital information you need to know as you prepare for your time abroad. If you can’t find the answers to your questions here, then don’t hesitate to call or email us.
Congratulations! You have applied to a TEAN Korea semester or summer program, so you are already one step toward the best experiences of your college life! This section walks you through how to complete your application including paying your deposit, how to obtain a passport and check that yours will be valid for the duration you need, the best ways to contact TEAN, and all the important dates to mark down on your calendar now. As usual, if your questions are not answered here, don’t hesitate to contact us!
1. If you haven’t already started your application with TEAN, you will need to visit the apply now page to start the process. You will be asked to pay a $100 application deposit that is counted toward your total program fees.
2. Once you’ve submitted your application and paid the application deposit, our team will review your application.
3. After your application has been approved by TEAN you will receive an email from us with information on how to login to your account and access your application.
4. Now you can start to work on the checklist items listed for your application. You will see a list of things that need to be completed which including the following:
As we move through the application process more forms and items will be added to your checklist by your Program Manager. So continue to check back for updates.
5. Submit your most recent transcripts
In order for us to fully accept you into the program, we will need to review your official transcripts. For students studying in the Spring semester, we will need transcripts including grades from the previous Spring semester. For Fall and Summer students, we require transcripts including grades from the previous Fall semester.
Please request an official copy of your transcripts, from all universities attended, be sent to our offices at:
The EDUCATION ABROAD Network
505 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60654
If you withdraw from the program the $100 application deposit is non-refundable. If you withdraw before the withdrawal deadline, the $500 program deposit is refundable. However, after the deadline (typically 3-4 months before departure) this deposit is non-refundable. Please refer to the program deposit invoice for the specific refund date for your program.
Obtaining a passport for international travel may take a considerable period of time as the State Department can often have a backlog of applications to work through. Therefore, it is crucial that you apply for your passport as early as possible to avoid any last minute complications. You can apply for your passport at your local U.S. Post Office.
You can obtain necessary information regarding passports from the U.S. Department of State: Passport Services Department, download passport applications, find a nationwide list of passport agencies, etc. here.
As a condition of your student visa, your passport must be valid a minimum of six months after your anticipated return home. If your current passport is set to expire before then, you will need to apply for a renewal.
Email is the primary form of communication during the application and enrollment period. Please provide us with an email address you use regularly, as important program announcements and instructions will be sent via email. Also, please check your email on a regular basis and make sure to update your online application if you change your email address. Please also periodically check your junk mail to ensure that messages from TEAN are not begin filtered into “spam”. If they are, please add the TEAN email to your contacts.
In addition, please be sure to include your full name on all correspondence (including emails). We work with many students so providing your full name will ensure timely responses to questions and inquiries.
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN)
505 N. LaSalle, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60654-7093
Toll Free: 1-800-585-9658 (from within U.S.)
Local Number: 1-312-239-3710 (from outside of U.S.)
Fax: 1-312-239-3713
TEAN is open Monday – Thursday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Central Standard Time and observes all major holidays. If these hours are not convenient, you may schedule a time outside of our normal business hours to speak with us. If you are currently living outside of the U.S., it is possible to set up a time to Skype and get to know your Program Managers.
We finalize our program calendar several months before each semester abroad. During that time, we work with our overseas partner universities in order to determine our orientation schedule. We will provide updated information pertaining to orientation, key semester dates, flights and excursions once our program calendar has been finalized. We will send you an email notification once the updated calendar information has been posted on the website so you can plan accordingly.
Once the program calendar has been finalized, we will post this information on our website and you’ll be notified by your Program Manager. Once the calendar has been released, all dates are still subject to change. While we do not anticipate any date changes once the calendar has been finalized, we reserve the right to make changes, particularly if one of our partner universities institutes their own date modification. All program participants will be contacted in the event of a date change.
The program officially begins at the start of our Orientation Program in Seoul, Korea. Students arriving in advance of our orientation will be responsible for their own transportation from the airport and any necessary accommodations prior to the orientation start date.
Most airlines do not allow open-ended tickets and now require international passengers to select a return date at the time of booking their flight. Return dates can be changed, subject to availability, but program participants should initially book a return flight home no earlier than one day after their university exams are scheduled to finish. After receiving their final exam schedule, participants can change their return to an earlier date, if their schedule permits. However, participants should not rely on professors allowing exams to be taken prior to the official exam date, as professors are under no obligation to accommodate such requests. For example, if the student’s last exam is December 17th, they should not rely on rescheduling it so they can return home early.
We provide housing until one day after the final day of university exams. Study abroad students generally finish their exams before the last scheduled exam date so students should have plenty of time to prepare for their departure. Please also pay particular attention to the housing move-in dates. We are unable to make exceptions for early move-in requests due to the complexity of housing logistics.
One of our main goals at TEAN is to make sure all of our students are thoroughly supported from day one of the study abroad process. Embracing diversity in all its forms is very important to us. We’re dedicated to providing the most information and resources possible so students can make an informed decision on what program will best suit them, both academically and personally. We encourage all students to read through our Diversity and Identity page of our website to find resources useful for you directly and learn more about the students you will be studying abroad with.
Congratulations again! If you’ve gotten this far you are well on your way to an experience of a lifetime! This section contains information on how to select your courses and ensure you get credit for them, financial aid and how to navigate the system to ensure your aid transfers, details of TEAN and other scholarships you may want to apply for, and some details on academic differences to expect in Korea.
TEAN has established an integrated direct enrollment model with Korea University. By enrolling our students directly, we are able to give you access to a majority of the courses offered throughout the university’s academic departments. Forty percent of KU’s courses are taught in English. This means that the course selections offer American students the opportunity to be in the company of Korean students looking to improve their English-language skills. Conversely, American students that wish to improve their language skills, and who meet academic prerequisites, are offered the opportunity to take courses in Korean.This is a factor that distinguishes our programs from that offered by other island or satellite campus programs.
Please Note: Korea University does not typically release their course selection options until a couple weeks before you depart for the program. We are able to provide you with courses that have been offered during previous semesters so you can gain approval from your home institution in advance. Your program manager will work hard to distribute the course details as soon as it is released from the university. You will enroll in your courses about two weeks prior to the start of the semester.
All students are required to undertake a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Most courses are 3 credits and meet for three hours per week. As the semester is 15 weeks in length, courses are typically 45 contact hours total for the term. Final credit allotment is at the discretion of each student’s home university and is typically based off of the total number of contact hours for each course.
1. The course list for the upcoming term hasn’t been released yet (fall course lists won’t be available until late July and spring course lists won’t be available until late January). However, course offerings typically don’t change dramatically from year to year. We recommend looking at courses offered for your correct term (for the year prior) to find available classes.
You can click on the following links to review the list of English taught courses from the Fall 2018 semester and the Spring 2019 semester. Please be sure you are looking at the correct term because course offerings between the fall and spring do vary. After reviewing your list, identify at least 8 courses that are of interest to you.
2. Once you have made your course selections, submit them online in your TEAN online application. Please be sure to include the KU College and Department in the comments.
Course Name: DEMOCRACY AND CAPITALISM (English)
Course University: Korea University
Course Code: POLI431
Course Period of Study: Fall or Spring Semester that you are attending
Course Credit Points: 3
Course Comments: College of Political Science & Economics/Department of Political Science & Int’l Relations
3. Arrange for a meeting with your academic advisor in order to have these courses approved for credit transfer at your home university.
Most course syllabi can be found on the Korea University website.
Business Courses at Korea University are extremely competitive and space is often limited. KU has a very strong business program and the courses often fill up very quickly during registration. If you are expecting to take business courses at KU, make sure to have a few options that you can choose from, and alternative courses in case you are placed on a waiting list or denied entry due to class size.
Study abroad students are not permitted to take nursing courses or any course offered through the College of Medicine. Study abroad students are also not able to take Pharmacy, Law, Information Security, and all graduate courses in the business school.
Korean language courses are offered in six different levels from the beginner to the advanced every semester. Each level course is 3 credits and students attend 6 hours of class each week. Those who want to take Korean language courses must take a placement test, which is held during the orientation for study abroad students.
Level 1 is designed to give students basic knowledge on simple everyday Korean, listening and correct pronunciation practice, the Korean alphabet and fundamental sentence structure.
Level 2 is designed to provide students with more everyday expressions in Korean, listening and correct pronunciation practice, reviewing and building upon basic grammar, and beginner composition.
Level 3 focuses on conversation using the Korean you have learned, constructing Korean sentences, conjugating ending forms and suffixes and expanding vocabulary to include more difficult terms.
Level 4 focuses on vocabulary and expressions necessary for business dealings, bigger vocabulary and various expression, and improving reading and writing skills
Level 5 provides students with knowledge on discussion of social issues, acquisition of refined expressions through proverbs, idioms and cultural studies, as well as reading and writing about politics, economy and culture.
Level 6 provides students with knowledge on in-depth discussion of social issues, understanding and utilizing advanced Korean, and expressing oneself properly in various situations.
At TEAN, “Choose Earth” encompasses not only environmental sustainability but also social justice and cross-cultural awareness. KU offers a range of courses that will expose you to global issues, solutions and understanding.
LESE302: Environmental Economics
LIET201: Ecology
LIET456: Principle of Environmental Risk Assessment
EAES308: Groundwater and Environment
ACEE226: Environmental Engineering
GEOG206: Urban Geography
DISS472: Resources and Global Development
KHPM318: Environment and Health
Students will complete an online course registration process prior to arriving on campus, which allows students to register into classes at the same time as local Korean students. This will be one of the most important steps you will encounter throughout this entire process.
Korea University also has a very strict add/drop period, which occurs once students arrive on campus during the second week of classes. When it comes time to register, you will choose from the list of 8+ classes you have been approved for at your home university. If you choose to register for courses that have not been pre-approved by your home university, it is your responsibility to communicate with your university to gain the necessary approval.
More information about course registration will be made available closer to your departure for Seoul.
Korea University’s International Summer Campus is the largest summer school in Asia and welcomes students from all over the world. Courses are taught by international faculty members from renowned universities and cover eight disciplines: Business/Economics, Humanities, Sociology/Cultural Studies, Fine Art/Design, Science, Law/Politics/International Relations, Korea/East Asian Studies and Korean Language.
Students attending the International Summer Campus are able to select between a four or six-week program. The most popular program is the six-week and you have a choice to take between one, two, or three courses. For the four-week program, you can select either one or two courses. Each course is typically three credits and usually meet four times a week.
Your Program Manager will notify you when the course list for your term is available.
Click here to view the course list for Summer 2019.
It is highly recommended that you have your academic advisor approve your classes before leaving if you wish to ensure you receive transfer credit. If you do not wish to receive any credit when you return home you may be able to forego the approval process. Some students negotiate the credit transfer issues when they return from their program, but at the very minimum you should at least meet with your academic advisor/dean before departure so they are fully aware you will be studying abroad. They will be able to help you select courses that will count toward your major and that will be easily transferable for credit when you return.
Contact your study abroad office at your home university to discuss study abroad credit approval and other specific procedures to be completed for your program overseas. This is an important step as it may reveal crucial steps towards avoiding complications and making your transition abroad seamless. In addition, your study abroad advisor will need to sign our “Statement from University” form. You can send this to them from your online application.
While we strive to keep our programs affordable, we recognize that many students need financial help. The good news is that most financial aid you may be currently receiving is applicable toward study abroad. Generally, you can transfer federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans, that do not need to be repaid until after graduation.
See the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Public Law 102-325, 106 Stat.448): The act was reauthorized in the summer of 1992 to include a number of provisions to facilitate the use of federal financial aid for study abroad. (NAFSA: Association of International Educators Newsletter, Volume 44, No 3/Dec-Jan 1993).
The U.S. Department of Education advised that the Perkins Loans, SSIG Grant Program, Pell Grants, FSEOG Grants, Stafford Loans, SLS loans, PLUS Loans and Consolidation loans can now be used for study abroad. Your study abroad experience does not have to be compulsory for your degree program in order to apply your aid. Please contact your home institution financial aid office to discuss your financial aid options for study abroad.
If you are currently receiving financial aid (federal loans, grants, scholarships, etc.) from your home institution please follow these steps. The financial aid you currently receive may not be processed in the same manner and the same amounts may not be awarded to you.
Step 1: Visit your home university’s financial aid office and inform them you will be studying abroad through TEAN. Ask them how much of your current aid will transfer for a study abroad experience. You will also need to check if there is additional paperwork specific to your home university.
Step 2: Ask your financial aid office if they have a “consortium agreement” (do not worry if this is a foreign term to you, they will know what it is!) which essentially means they will complete all paperwork regarding your existing financial aid while you are studying abroad. This is the ideal arrangement as it makes the whole process easier for everyone. You will also need to have a TEAN Financial Aid Agreement form filled out that will be provided to you by your Program Manager.
Step 3: If they have a consortium agreement, most likely they will have an existing agreement that is university specific. TEAN will likely have to sign this for you and send it back to them. It will not go to your overseas institution. The TEAN Financial Aid Agreement form should then be faxed or emailed to us.
Unfortunately, not all universities will sign a consortium agreement. If this applies to your school please consult us immediately for further guidance.
Please note: The financial aid process is very complex and adequate planning is necessary. You should contact your home institution’s financial aid office if you will, or think you may need to, apply loans or aid to your study abroad program. TEAN is not a lending institution so unfortunately, all financial aid and loan discussions will need to be made within your home university’s financial aid office.
In addition to the current financial aid you receive, you may want to consider one of our many scholarships. TEAN awards thousands of dollars each year in scholarships to qualified students. Awards range from $500 – $3,000, and we have categories including need-based and merit-based scholarships. In addition, there are are scholarship opportunities available through external organizations. Review details of study abroad scholarships.
For summer applicants, if you apply for our TEAN Scholarships you will also be considered for our TEAN Summer in Seoul scholarships provided by Korea University. There is one $2,000 Merit-Based scholarship and one $1,400 Need-Based scholarship available.
In Seoul, our main housing option is located on-campus at Korea University. The university is located in an upbeat area with trendy student cafes and delicious restaurants all a hop, skip and a jump from your front door. For students participating on our semester program you have the option to select to live in off-campus student housing called goshitels. The rooms are a short walk from campus. More information can be found in the tabs below.
Students will be housed in the international student accommodation and will rank their room preference for a single, double, or triple room. Double rooms are the most popular choice and the cost of the double room is included in your program fee. If you select a single room and are allocated one, you will be charged a single room supplement. If you select a triple room and are assigned a triple room, you will receive a bit of a refund.
You will be assigned to live in either CJ International Dorm or Anam Global House (Frontier House is an option for the Summer and Winter students). The layout for the buildings are a bit different, but they are similar. Korea University is in charge of allocating housing assignments, so TEAN is not able to guarantee a type of housing, a roommate request, or a dorm request, however we will make sure KU is aware of your preferences.
Depending on where you are placed, some double rooms have their own bathroom ensuite. However, most rooms are set up to have three rooms sharing a bathroom and a common living space. So if you have a single room you will still likely share a bathroom with four other students. A full-service kitchen and laundry facilities are located on the first floor of the buildings and a lounge and common area for entertainment are available on each residential floor.
When you check into your accommodation you will have the option to purchase a meal plan for the dining halls on-campus. The costs per meals for students on the meal plan can vary from about $4-5/meal depending on the package you select. Students are also able to cook their own meals in the accommodation kitchen if they prefer.
When you check into your accommodation, you will be issued a basic linen set including a fitted sheet/mattress cover, a pillow, pillowcase, and blanket. Some students do like to bring their own extra set with them for added comfort.
Utility fees like electricity and water are all included in your housing costs. Wireless internet is also included in the accommodation, internet speeds in Korea are at times slower than what you are used to, so it is important to manage your expectations.
Accessible options vary greatly, please consult your program manager or our diversity and inclusion coordinator, Nick Falzone (nick.falzone@teanabroad.org) directly for additional information.
Our off-campus housing option is a common style of Korean housing called a gositel. It’s recommended for students who want to live off-campus and are okay with a more independent living experience. The housing is a short walk to the Korea University campus. Students will have their own room and will have a private bathroom. You will also have access to kitchen facilities. While it is nice having your own room and private bathroom, we do want you to be aware that the rooms quite small and the bathroom is a traditional style with no separate shower. It can be an adjustment at first, but it is nice to have your own space. We cannot guarantee placement into gositels as this is based on availability.
There are no KU meal plan options available if you live off-campus, however you do have access to a shared kitchen space with a microwave, fridge, water cooler, toaster, and rice cooker.
When you check into your accommodation, you will be issued a basic linen set including a fitted sheet/mattress cover, a pillow, pillowcase, and blanket. Some students do like to bring their own sheets with them for added comfort.
Utility fees like electricity and water are all included in your housing costs. Wireless internet is also included in the accommodation, internet speeds in Korea are at times slower than what you are used to, so it is important to manage your expectations.
Your final program invoice will include a housing deposit. This deposit is refundable, less reasonable cleaning costs, at the end of the semester provided the unit is left in satisfactory condition and all furniture items are accounted for and intact. Generally, you will receive the deposit 4-8 weeks after the conclusion of the semester, provided you have completed the Housing Security Deposit Request Form.
The United States uses 110-volt electricity, whereas most countries outside North America use 220-volt electricity. You may need to use a converter or a transformer to change the 220-volt electricity into 110-volt electricity in order to use a 110-volt device overseas. However, most newer electronics convert voltage automatically. Check your model to be sure.
Plugs on your devices will require an adapter in order for them to be used. Electrical outlets in Korea have power sockets that are type C/F, similar to most European countries. You can find an outlet converter cheaply (around $5) at online stores like Amazon.com.
We recommend leaving your hairdryer or hair straightener at home and purchasing a cheap model once you arrive in country. In some cases, it may be cheaper and significantly more convenient to simply purchase low-cost yet essential electronic devices once abroad. For examples, hair dryers often take up much needed packing space and are inexpensive abroad, so purchasing a plug adaptor and converter might not be cost effective. Use discretion when making these decisions to determine what’s best for you.
When it comes housing, some students wish to opt out of our guaranteed on-campus accommodations. If this is the case, you will be given a credit on account for the cost of housing. If you are thinking about opting out of housing, you must notify your Program Manager at the time you apply for the program.
However, please be aware if you organize your own housing you may luck into a good housing situation, but you should also prepare to run into some challenges and hassles that may complicate your stay due to cultural and language differences and we will be unable assist you in these matters. You may find that:
It’s time to book your flights. It’s really happening, so get excited! This section details information regarding steps to booking flights for Korea and important tips before you book.
The best route (and airfare) for flights to Seoul will depend on your departure point in the U.S. Please read the below Steps for Booking Flights, Important Flight Booking Notes and FAQs in full before booking your flights.
Important: Do NOT book your flights until you have received instructions to do so by email from TEAN.
Step 1: Read the instructions carefully and be sure to contact us with any questions, so as to ensure you understand the airfare booking procedures.
Step 2: Review the arrival dates and end of program dates. Students should book flights departing on or after the program end date. Note that if you depart after the program end date you may not be able to stay in the housing TEAN has organized for you beyond the end date. For the Korea University semester programs, you will be instructed to arrive by a designated time in order to be transferred to the orientation hotel. For our summer and winter programs you will be given a window of time to arrive.
Step 3: Determine if you are intending to travel independently prior to or after the program dates as this will impact your travel dates to/from the U.S.
Step 4: Research travel itineraries and costs. To assist with your search, ensure you read the below “Important Booking Notes”.
Before purchasing your ticket, please feel free to contact us or send us your tentative itinerary so that we may ensure it is correct and/or the best routing for your situation.
Step 5: Book your international travel and complete the TEAN Arrival form in your application checklist.
How much should I expect the airfare to be?
The estimated cost for all international flights varies from approximately $800 – $1,500. This is due in large part to the departure locations from within the U.S. (for example: New York, NY versus Omaha, NE), as well as the return travel dates.
Why doesn’t TEAN offer a group flight for Korea?
Airfares for individual flights to this region are cheaper than group flights, and for this reason we provide advice on booking your flights individually.
What if I want to arrive prior to the recommended arrival date?
This section is very important. It also tends to be a little boring, so please stick with us. Before you jet off for the time of your life, there are contracts you need to sign, forms you need to complete, a Korean visa you need to apply for and be granted (for semester programs), and a final payment you need to make. Please read this section carefully, and when the time comes, your Program Managers will guide you through it all – step by step.
You will receive an electronic contract from TEAN covering your program, housing, and a privacy consent release. This contract will cover important notices and policies for you to keep in mind during your time abroad. The Privacy Consent Release will also allow us to introduce you to other participants prior to departure. Both you and a parent/guardian will need to electronically sign the documents to confirm your understanding of the terms and conditions of your program.
While checking into your on-campus accommodation for the semester, you will be asked to sign a housing contract stating you fully understand and will abide by the dormitory’s rules. These rules must be followed and TEAN will send you a copy of the rules prior to your departure.
You should apply for your passport as soon as possible once you apply for your study abroad experience in Korea, as this process can take approximately 4-8 weeks and will be required for your student visa application as well.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the conclusion of your semester to satisfy Korea’s entry requirements. All countries have different requirements for passport validity so be sure to check details for any other countries you plan to visit before your final return home.
Semester: All students will be required to apply for a D2 student visa to study abroad in South Korea. Your Program Manager will supply you with specific, step-by-step instructions when you are eligible to apply, but it is important to understand the process and what you can expect.
Summer or Winter Term: Non-U.S. passport holders will need to apply for a D2 visa and can follow the step-by-step instructions sent by your program manager when your KU documents are ready.
The D2 Korean student visa costs vary depending on if you choose to apply directly with your local South Korean Consulate, or if you choose to apply with our recommended visa processing service, Swift Passport Services, located in Chicago. The cost for a visa can range for U.S. citizens from $45 – $140 USD.
Students are required to show a bank statement with a balance of at least $3,000 USD (approximately $1,000 per month abroad) in order to obtain a visa. In the past, students have been able to use a bank statement from an account that has a parent’s name, however, the parent will need to provide a signed statement that the student will have access to the funds. This statement should be submitted along with the student’s visa application.
All students will be required to submit a completed Korean visa application form when applying for a visa. You will not be able to apply for your visa more than two months before you depart for Korea. Your Program Managers will notify you when you are eligible to apply for your student visa, which is typically 10 weeks prior to your departure. You will also receive step-by-step instructions on the process.
To apply for a visa, you will be required to submit an official Certificate of Admission with your visa application. This document and very specific instructions will be provided approximately six-weeks prior to departure and is from Korea University. We will also provide you with a Certificate of Business Registration as well. If the consulate in your jurisdiction require transcripts, we can send the transcripts you have already provided to TEAN back to you upon request.
Students will be required to send in one passport-style photo with their application.
Final invoices will be sent out approximately 60 days prior to your departure. Financial Aid Agreements must be submitted by this time as well to account for any delay in payment. If you are relying heavily on Financial Aid funds, please note that we will require a minimum of $4,000 to be applied to your account prior to your departure.
For check or money orders, you can make checks payable to The Education Abroad Network and mail to us at:
The Education Abroad Network
505 N. LaSalle St., Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60654
For your convenience we accept credit card payments for the $500 program deposit and excursion deposits. We are unable to accept credit card payments on final program balances due to the high cost of credit card processing fees incurred on those transactions.
A $500 program deposit is due upon acceptence into your proram. It will be credited to the student’s overall program fee. The deposit is refundable, should the student withdraw 3–4 months prior to the start of the program. After this date, the deposit is non-refundable. The $100 application deposit is not refundable. Please refer to the welcome letter and deposit invoice for the specific refund date.
Refunds Prior to Semester Commencement
If a student withdraws from the program prior to arrival overseas, we can only reimburse the portion of the program fee that has not already been allocated to some aspect of the students program (ex: housing, deposits, etc). Generally this will be less the $500 deposit (see above), but is subject to our program contract, though students are usually eligible to receive close to full refund amount. See your program contract for the withdrawal date for your program. Any withdrawals after this date will incur a $2,350 cancellation fee plus any additional costs that can’t be recovered.
Refunds During the Semester
In these situations, refunds are only available for the amount of the program fee that is recoverable at the time the student returns home. The amount recoverable relates to tuition and housing fees only and is dictated by the refund policy of each host university. Our official refund policy is outlined in the program contract provided to each participant.
All past-due amounts will accrue simple interest at 12% per annum.
It’s almost time! Now you just need to review some last minute information on insurance while abroad, follow our packing list, start planning how you will manage your money while abroad, information on cell phones and read up on details regarding your arrival. Our Korea-based staff are looking forward to meeting you when you arrive!
Photocopy all important documents – Leave one set of photocopies with your parent/guardian and keep one set with you (on your person) as you travel. Important documents to copy include, but are not limited to: passport, airline tickets, medical insurance details and inoculation details.
Bring copies of important numbers/contact details – Details include, but are not limited to: emergency contact details (ie: parents/guardians), TEAN contact details (to be provided), arrival details (to be provided).
Exchange money in advance of your arrival into Korea – If possible, it is advisable to exchange some funds prior to your arrival into Korea. Most international airports have currency exchange kiosks where you can exchange funds for a small fee. Rates are competitive with local banks, and will be much more convenient than attempting to exchange funds after your arrival in Korea following a long and exhausting journey. It is recommended that students have enough funds to get them from the airport to the accommodations (if necessary) and cover any initial expenses while in Korea – $150 is enough to get you started for the first two weeks.
Follow Arrival Instructions – Be sure to carry all airport arrival instructions, which will be sent to you prior to your departure by your Program Managers. This will be extremely helpful in the event you are unable to locate your guide at the airport.
Be Flexible – Students are encouraged to be flexible at all times. You will experience things that are done differently in Korea, than in the U.S. – embrace the differences and you will have an amazing time!
Bring a positive attitude and a willingness to experience new people and surroundings!
TEAN requires that all international students possess health insurance coverage through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of their studies in South Korea. The cost of this insurance will be included in your program fee and enrollment is automatic.
Your medical insurance policy includes the following:
Please Note: There are some limitations to this medical insurance, including dental and optical services. If you have any existing health concerns, contact your current insurance provider before you leave. Medical insurance for higher levels of need is your own responsibility.
We recommend students put anything of value i.e., digital cameras, jewelry, musical instruments, cell phones, laptops, etc. on a Personal Articles Policy (many homeowners already have this policy so students most likely can add their items onto their parents’ Personal Article Policy). This insurance often covers the full value of the items worldwide, with no deductible. Typically, items valued up to $3,000 can be covered for an approximately $30 premium. We encourage students to take pictures of item(s) and note their model, make and serial number, as well as save receipts when possible. Purchase of this insurance is left to the discretion of the student and his/her parents.
Trip insurance is optional and is not included in TEAN program fees. We recommend considering supplemental trip insurance to protect against unexpected mishaps (i.e. lost luggage) that can occur while traveling. Plans range from $100 – $350 and can be purchased through various insurance carriers. If you would like to discuss plans with TEAN’s recommended travel liaison please contact Flight Centre at 602-253-4743.
TEAN is committed to the health and safety of every participant. It is very important that students make informed decisions about their study and travel destinations. TEAN continually monitors the safety and security of our study abroad program locations as well as popular student travel destinations. We continue to advise students of the safety and health risks associated with studying and traveling abroad based on the information from the U.S. Department of State travel warnings, local law enforcement, the South Korean Government, NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the World Health Organization.
TEAN has created an Emergency Response Plan for our study abroad locations that will be implemented by both our staff in South Korea/the South Pacific and our U.S.-based staff in Chicago. TEAN staff will work with students, parents, and study abroad staff at both the student’s home and host institution to provide the most up-to-date information regarding situations that may arise while studying abroad.
Emergency Contacts: Be sure to designate a parent or guardian as your Emergency Contact. This way, information regarding an emergency situation will automatically be passed on to your parents. Also make sure to provide TEAN your Emergency Contact’s most up-to-date contact information.
Communication Information: Provide TEAN with accurate and up-to-date contact information regarding your telephone, mobile phone, address, and email address. Be sure to notify your parents and Resident Director in case of an emergency.
Keep Others Informed: Tell others (your roommates, your parents, your Resident Director) your travel plans. Keeping others informed will make it easier to locate you in case of an emergency.
Stay Informed: Research the political, cultural, and social climate of your study and travel abroad destination before heading overseas. While abroad, whenever possible, read local newspapers and watch local news broadcasts for developments that may affect your health and safety. If you have questions, please contact a TEAN staff member either in the U.S. or abroad.
What about anti-foreign sentiment? Although individuals are generally well liked abroad, host nationals will often question the activities of foreign governments and may hold anti-foreign views. This has occurred for some time, in periods of both peace and crisis. Participants in the past have found these tips useful: use common sense, dress to blend in, speak softly and avoid overt displays of home country patriotism. TEAN also advises that students avoid all public demonstrations.
There is no need to have malaria shots or take malaria pills. Malaria is not prevalent in the areas where you will be studying. It is always common sense to have general vaccinations up-to-date including tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, etc., but no immunizations are mandatory to participate in the program. If you have any health conditions that may cause issues, please make sure to consult a doctor before departing.
When you arrive in Korea you will notice that most locals do not drink the tap water. The United Nations’ published a report in 2003 on water quality and Korea’s ranked eighth in the world, with its high-tech water treatment facilities and management (the U.S. ranked 12th in this study). The water quality in Korea is constantly being monitored to ensure it is safe to drink. So, while drinking the tap water is not a health concern, it’s just simply a cultural preference.
State Department Travel Warnings
Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization
U.S. Embassies
PLEASE NOTE: The packing list provided is a suggested list. Triple check to ensure you have everything necessary!
The biggest consideration to make when packing for Korea is weather. You can reference the average climate of Seoul here.
Essentials to Pack
Other Items
Packing Tips from TEAN
Korea University has wireless internet access around the campus, although please be aware that the internet speeds in your housing can be much slower than that of the U.S. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop if they own one and also want to have regular access to internet. Having a laptop will also make typing papers easier. KU has computer labs, but they do operate on limited opening hours (i.e. will not be available late at night). Local cafés are great places to go to find a strong WiFi connection.
For international flights to South Korea most airlines allow all international passengers two checked items, one carry-on and one personal item. Please contact your air carrier for their current baggage restrictions (including dimensions and weight) and fees for additional checked items. If you will exceed your air carrier’s baggage restrictions, it is generally more economical, safer and easier to pay the airlines for additional checked baggage versus shipping items.
You will find that Koreans are accommodating and helpful people. That said, abide by these ten cultural tips in order to live most harmoniously with the locals.
Prior to your departure your Program Manager will provide you with contact details for all key TEAN personnel, including your Resident Director, as well as information on your local embassy and emergency contacts.
Upon arrival in Seoul, you will be transported to your accommodation for the summer. You will be welcomed to Seoul, by our in-country team who are your local support staff available 24/7. You will also settle into the summer program at Korea University with their orientation and then attend one of our Orientation Welcome dinners over your first week in-country.
Upon arrival in Korea, you will be introduced to this colorful and engaging culture through our three-day in-country orientation. Under the expert guidance of our Korean staff, you will experience a variety of cultural activities, including a Taekwondo class, traditional dining experience, a trip to the DMZ and more!
On the final day of Orientation, you move into your accommodation for the semester. Your university orientation is scheduled before you start classes at Korea University. This orientation is mandatory. Topics discussed may include cultural tips, security, and academic enrollment/expectations. Although there may be some overlap, your university orientation will touch on specific details related to the program.
Upon arrival in Seoul, you will be transported to your accommodation for the winter term. You will participate in the Korea University Orientation program where you will be given all the tools needed for a successful program. During your first week you will meet with our in-country staff for a program check-in and then attend a cultural event.
Below are some suggested ways that you can easily stay in touch with your family and friends while studying abroad.
We recommend setting up a contact plan before you depart, deciding how and when you’ll be available while abroad. Whether that looks like daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly check-ins, it’s good to have a consistent way to get in touch, as well as back up alternatives in case of an emergency. While studying abroad can be a time to spread your wings and become more independent, it’s important to regularly touch base with your loved ones so they don’t worry while you’re away.
No matter which method you choose, we recommend downloading your preferred applications before leaving home and testing them out to make sure any accounts and contacts are set up properly.
For our Summer and Winter programs, we encourage students to purchase a local Sim card from a convenience store upon arrival. They have a few different options which usually involve an unlimited plan option to cover you for the duration of your program.
For our Semester program, TEAN provides students with a local SIM card for calls, texting and data. Phone plans vary depending on location and more details will be provided by your Program Manager. It is recommended to only use your local phone number to call home in cases of emergency since long distance calls can be expensive but there are plenty of ways to call internationally for free or very cheap (keep reading!)
In order to use the local SIM card, you need to make sure your phone is unlocked and able to accept SIM cards from other mobile carriers. “Unlocking” your phone means that your phone is not locked to one specific carrier. If your phone is unlocked you will be able to use a foreign SIM card while you are abroad. If you’re unsure if your phone is unlocked, it’s important to call your current service provider to check. If you cannot get your current phone unlocked, you will need to bring a different unlocked phone from home or plan to purchase a phone while in your host country.
While all students are given local SIM cards, some may decide to keep their US number and opt for an international phone plan. In most cases, this allows students to utilize their phone domestically in their host country and internationally. The cost of this can vary based on service provider. If you are interested in this option, you should get in touch with your phone service provider to get the relevant fees and service options. Be sure to consider costs for dialing local numbers as it can sometimes make an international plan undesirable for calls within your host country.
This would only be a viable option if you do not want to or cannot use your current U.S. phone, and can speak and read the local language. Phones can be purchased in all locations for costs comparable to U.S. phones. This may be a good option for a student who is looking to use a phone for just texting and calling while in country, as non-smart phones can be purchased cheaply in most countries. If you are worried about losing your U.S. smartphone, you may want to consider purchasing an inexpensive phone in your host country.
While all students will have access to a local number, there are free ways to get in touch with people across the world while connected to the internet or data.
Allows free chat, audio calling and video calling between users while using WiFi or data. This allows for calls between two parties both using the Skype app downloaded. The Skype app can be downloaded onto you phone, tablet and computer. You can also purchase Skype credit which allows you to call international landline and mobile phone numbers directly (so both parties don’t have to have a Skype account). These calls typically cost around $.05 for the connection and $.03 per minute, making it an affordable option.
Facebook’s Messenger app allows free chat, audio calling and video calling between users while on WiFi or data.
While we don’t suggest going out of your way to purchase an iPhone for this option, it is a great feature for any students who have these phones already. iPhones use iMessage and FaceTime while on WiFi or data at zero charge to the provider plan.
You probably already know or use WhatsApp, which allows free chat, audio calling and video calling between users while on WiFi or data. WhatsApp is popular outside of the U.S. as well but some countries also have their own messaging app of choice that you’ll likely want to download to chat with your new local friends. These include:
It may seem obvious but email is a great way to continue to stay in touch with people back home regardless of the time differences. If your host institution gives you a new school email, be sure to update friends and family with the email address you will be checking most frequently throughout your program.
Bringing U.S. Currency to South Korea
We do not recommend bringing large amounts of cash with you for security and safety reasons, however, you may wish to bring a small amount of foreign currency for any initial personal expense needs. Most major banks in large U.S. cities have foreign currency in stock, but smaller regional banks may be able to order South Korean Won. (Do not wait until the last minute to place your order.) Alternatively, you can exchange money at airport before you depart for the overseas flight. This is slightly more expensive than using a local bank (1%-2% higher fees) but much more convenient.
Using a U.S. Bank Account
You can avoid paying ATM fees by either joining a bank in the global ATM alliance, or Charles Schwab is a great bank to use because they refund all ATM domestic and foreign transaction fees worldwide and it is free to open an account. They never charge a fee but if the foreign bank does then Charles Schwab refunds the cost at the end of each month. Accounts can be opened online. It is always good to check your local bank’s policy as well.
It usually takes 7-10 days for Charles Schwab to mail the actual ATM card (so don’t wait until the last minute to open an account!). All transactions can be done online (including funding the account from another bank account you have in the U.S.).
Opening a Korean Bank Account
As a semester student, when you arrive in Korea, you will be given instructions on how to apply for your Alien Registration Card (ARC). As a part of your ARC, you will have the option to have a local Korean bank account. It can take up to four weeks to received your ARC so if you prefer to use this account, please be prepared to use your U.S. account for the first few weeks.
Please Note: Since summer students do not need to get a student visa, you will not need to apply for your ARC, therefore will not have the option to open a Korean bank account.
