The University of Seoul (UOS) in South Korea is offering SMU students a chance to participate in a 4-week Summer Program
Program Venue
University of Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
Program Theme/Name
Seoul International Summer School I (SISS I) 2026
Program objectives and options
This short-term academic and cultural program offers a dynamic blend of Academic lectures, Korean language classes, and hands-on cultural activities. SISS I is open to students from all universities and academic backgrounds who are eager to experience Korean culture in one of Asia’s most exciting cities. The program offers two different tracks depending on your interest.
Track 1 Business in Korean Perspective
The Business in Korean perspective track offers students a chance to learn about the Korean economy, business practices, and global marketing management, in the context of the Asian market. Through lectures and hands-on experiences, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Korean and other Asian businesses in the global marketplace and explore a special trop in global business.
If you select “Track 1 Business in Korean perspective”, you will choose 1 or 2 courses from the following 3 options:
· Korean Economy & Business (45 class hours, 3 credits at UOS)
· Special Topics in Global Business (45 class hours, 3 credits at UOS)
· Korean Language (multiple levels from beginner to advanced)
Track 2 Korean Studies
The Korean Studies track is perfect for those who are interested in Korean culture, including recent pop culture and history. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on experiences, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique aspects of Korean culture and society, with a special focus on mass media and popular culture. The program offers a range of special topics in Korean studies, such as Korean Tradition and Culture, Korean History, and Mass Media and Popular culture in Korea, which provide students with a deeper appreciation of the country’s contemporary cultural landscape.
If you select “Track 2 Korean Studies”, you will choose 1 or 2 courses from the following 3 options:
· Special Topics in Korean Studies (45 class hours, 3 credits at UOS)
· Korean Tradition & Culture (45 class hours, 3 credits at UOS)
· Korean Language (multiple levels from beginner to advanced)
Upon successful completion of the program, official transcripts will be issued and distributed by late August. The University of Seoul utilizes a credit system that is equivalent to that of the United States.
Eligibility/Language Requirements
This program is designed for undergraduate students in good standing who will have completed 1 year of Bachelor studies by the end of Winter 2026.
Language of instruction
The program is delivered in English.
Program website
Please visit https://oia.uos.ac.kr/oia/web/contents/OIA_Studyat_04_01.
Dates:
July 1 – July 29, 2026 (4 weeks)
Program Fee
2,400,000 KRW (approx. CAD$2300)
The program fee includes registration fee and tuition (including field trips and on-campus housing).
Students are additionally responsible for meals, airfare, insurance, local transportation between the university and accommodation, and daily expenses. A $100 SMU Study abroad admin fee will be charged on banner.
If academic credits are earned, students will not be assessed a separate SMU tuition at SMU for the transfer credit hours.
Canadian passport holders and those who hold citizenship from countries eligible for a visa-free entry may enter Korea without a visa for the duration of the program. If a visa is required, the host university will provide the necessary supporting documents (note: please consider the costs of applying for a visa; it may be necessary for those who need a visa to travel to a Consular affairs office of the Korean government in another Canadian city to apply in person, so budget accordingly). Please see the Immigration section below.
Transfer credits:
Students may be able to earn credits to the extent that those credits are applicable to the program requirements of your SMU degree. Please meet with your academic advisor of your program (visit https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html) to see if any of your remaining degree requirements can be completed at another university. If your advisor confirms that there is room for credits from another institution in your degree requirements, you will request approval to take courses for transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Permission Request Form (found at https://www.smu.ca/academics/student-forms.html) and course descriptions to the SMU Academic Advising Office as soon as your acceptance is confirmed.
Alternatively, if not transferring credits, you may receive recognition for extra-curricular experiences through the Co-Curricular Record (see here).
Funding
Limited funding ($500 on average) may be available. Students who are accepted to the program will be invited to request funding.
Immigration:
Citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a visa before entering Korea, while visas are waived for others. Questions related to immigration should be directed to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal (see https://www.mofa.go.kr/ca-en/wpge/m_5237/contents.do).
Number of SMU students accepted:
3
How to apply:
Interested students should submit the SMU Exchange Program application* by February 28 2026 to the Global Learning Office.
*To complete your application, you will:
fill out your Study Abroad Application (https://studio.smu.ca/s/StudyAbroadApplication2021.pdf)
write a one-page letter of intent. (Tip: book an appointment with The Writing Centre once you have a draft https://studio.smu.ca/wc-student-tutoring)
print (in pdf) your unofficial transcript from banner
prepare your resume, and
secure two references (one must be from a SMU professor of one of your courses) – referees can email their letters directly to Global@smu.ca. Inquiries can be sent to Miyuki.arai@smu.ca.
Once you have all four pieces of application documents (except for references), upload them at the application link here https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55UpfboKu5sImUe.
What happens after you apply?
Once your application package is received, the Global Learning Office will be in touch to schedule a short interview. If you are selected, 1) you will be nominated to the host university by the SMU Global Learning Office and 2) you will be instructed to complete a set of applications for the host university by early April. Once the host university accepts you into the program, they will provide all program-related information as well as instruction for the payment of the program fee. You will also be expected to attend our pre-departure orientation meetings. You will arrange your own international travel.
Questions?
Email the Global Learning Office (Global@smu.ca or Miyuki.arai@smu.ca).
