Semester/Year Long Programs
Exchange Programs >> Ewha Womans University (Seoul), Korea
The oldest Christian women's institution in Korea, Ewha Womans University was founded in 1866 by Mary F. Scranton. It has since grown into the premier women's instituion in Korea, graduating a large proportion of Korea's female professionals and government officials. Ewha is located in the Sinchon district of Seoul, 15 minutes by subway from downtown.
Most courses at Ewha are offered in Korean, although both the Graduate School of English, and the undergraduate colleges offer a selection of courses taught in English. Courses taught in English include courses in the sciences, international studies, and English. Intensive Korean Language courses are also available.
Exchange students have the option of living in the Ewha-Samsung International House, which accommodates 600 students and visitors in furnished single or double rooms with Western-style bathroom facilities. The International House has laundry rooms, computer labs, fitness facilities and kitchenettes with microwaves. Cooking is not allowed in International House, but there are a number of nearby cafeterias which offer affordable food choices.
About Seoul
Exchange students in South Korea have the opportunity to observe both the traditions and architecture of the nation's rich 5,000 year history, as well as some of the effects of this century's rapid change. The ancient capitals of Paekshe, Shilla, and Kyongju offer open-air museums with excavated tombs, Buddhist temples, and other monuments to Korea's Golden Age. Students who wish to examine some of the tensions of living in a divided land can visit the city of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone. The university campus is also a vivid laboratory for observing the politics of the nation.
The city of Seoul itself is the center of Korean government and industry. All government offices are located within the city, as are the headquarters of major corporations such as Hyundai, Samsung, and Goldstar. Seoul offers a wealth of museums and palaces to explore and is definitely the heart of South Korea. Over 25% of the Korean population and 40% of Korean college students live in the city. In addition to the historic attractions already listed, there are also numerous art galleries, and music and drama festivals. Ewha is located in the Shinchon area, which is home to three other universities, so there is always something to do!
Old Dominion's Exchange Program with Ewha
Exchange students at Ewha have the option enroll in Korean language courses, and other courses taught in English in a wide variety of diciplines. Additionally, students with a high level of Korean language proficiency may enroll in classes in Korean with regular Ewha students.
Dates
The fall semester runs from early September through mid-December. The spring semester begins in early March, and ends in mid-June. Ewha also offers a International Co-Ed Summer School which differs from the normal exchange process. Contact the study abroad advisor for more information regarding this program.
Credits
The credit earned at Ewha Womans University will be recorded as transfer credit on your Old Dominion University transcript provided a passing grade is earned. Advance planning with academic advisors, and completing a transfer credit evaluation prior to the start of the program, ensures that these credits are applied toward graduation and degree requirements. Students work with faculty advisors at Old Dominion to select courses which will yield at least 12 transfer credits. Exchange students at Ewha generally take two Korean Language courses (6 credits) and two to three other classes (6-9 credits).
Cost
Students pay normal ODU tuition and fees for this program. Dormitory fees for this program are estimated at $700 per semester for a double room or $1400 per semester for a single room in the 2008-2009 year. Students should also budget around $2000 per semester for meals. Additional fees include airfare, books, passport and visa, and spending money. Most forms of financial aid (loans, grants, scholarships) can be applied to this program as long as an enrollment status consistent with financial aid is maintained. The study abroad advisor will provide a detailed program budget for planning purposes and for submission to the Financial Aid Office.
Next Steps
The Office of Study Abroad assists you in planning for your semester or year at Ewha. The first step in this process is to stop by to make an appointment with the study abroad advisor. Begin planning several months in advance of deadlines to ensure that this program is an appropriate choice! In addition, useful websites for further research include the following:
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Sophomore standing at time of exchange
Priority Deadlines
- For Fall: mid-February
- For Spring: mid-October
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
