Ajou University

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, lies adjacent to China and Japan. There are about 3,000 islands belonging to South Korea, located mostly off the west and south coasts. The country is often referred to as one of the "Four Asian Tigers" due to its rapid industrialization and economic growth. It is famous for its K-pop music, K-drama television shows, delicious cuisine (including kimchi and bulgogi), and cutting-edge technology companies such as Samsung and LG. With a population of over 50 million people, South Korea is known for its high-quality education system and strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Mountain ranges have traditionally served as natural boundary markers between regions, historically inhibiting contact between people living on either side of the range, creating substantial differences in the spoken language and customs of the Korean people.

Suwon is the largest city in the Gyeonggi province, and also the province's capital. Suwon is approximately 30 kilometers south of Seoul. Suwon can be reached from downtown Seoul in under an hour by train, subway or bus.

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the city served as one of five fortresses guarding the approach to Seoul. In the late 18th century, King Chongjo made an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to make Suwon the nation's capital with the construction of Hwaseong, a fortress wall running around the entire city. The walls once encircled the entire city, but it has now spread out far beyond the fortress. Suwon is often called the capital of Korean football because of the popularity of the sport in this region. The city is also home to Korean Baseball Organization team the Hyundai Unicorns. It is easy to get around in Suwon due to efficient public transportation system. Many attractions are within a one-hour trip from Suwon, including the Everland Amusement and Water Park complex, the Korean Folk Village, and Seoul.

Ajou University is one of the most dynamic universities in Korea, located in and among the cultural, historical, industrial and recreational resources of Suwon. Since its inception in 1973, Ajou University has been nationally recognized for its excellent programs in Engineering, Medicine, Business, Computer Engineering and International Studies. In these fields of study, Ajou University has been ranked as one of the top schools in the nation in many important surveys and evaluations.

Ajou University and the surrounding communities offer a rich educational and recreational environment with the unique cultural and historic heritage and easy access to the diversity of Seoul. The university provides a cozy academic and residential atmosphere with harmoniously arranged classrooms, laboratories, libraries, residential halls, and recreational and cultural facilities on the main campus, spanning 130 acres with 35 buildings. The immediate area around the university is surrounded by an abundance of restaurants, pubs, and shops.

Cultural Trips and Events

Ajou University offers various free cultural trips for incoming exchange students each semester. These trips may include trips to Jeju Island, Suwon (including Korean Folk Village, and Hwasong Fortress), and Seoul City. Other social activities are also planned each weekend by the Friends Club, who act as buddies to international exchange students. Each November, in celebration of the internationally recognized International Education Week, Ajou University organizes an International Festival, celebrating through dance, social activities, and especially food. Exchange students play a significant role in these events by running their home country's booth, and presenting information about their home institution. During this festival, tents are set up on campus selling beers and snacks. During the spring semester, Ajou University and all other Korean universities hold a Spring Festival. This is also a big event with showcase performances by both celebrities and various campus clubs.

Courses in English

Ajou requires exchange students take a minimum of 4 classes per semester. For a list of courses offered in English click here. Course lists are confirmed two months prior to each semester. Students with high Korean Language proficiency may, with permission, select courses offered in Korean.

Language Courses

U of L students are required to complete at least one Korean language course while at Ajou University. Courses can be found on the same list as above.

Other Programs

In addition to its two regular full-length semesters, Ajou University offers a six-week International Summer School program that runs every summer from July-August. Delivered entirely in English, the focus of the program is Korean and Asian Studies; a few business courses are also offered. It includes an intensive Korean language class. Students are matched with friendly Korean buddies; classes are small, and students are taken on cultural field trips.

University of Lethbridge students can earn a maximum of 3 U of L courses (9 credits) for courses taken at Ajou Summer School. Courses can transfer back as Management 3/4XXX, Social Science 1/2XXX, or Humanities 1/2XXX. Each 3-credit Ajou summer course is equated as one 3-credit U of L course. Specific course availability can be viewed on the Ajou University website. The program cost of approximately C$780, including dormitory housing, meals, and cultural trips. Flight, health insurance, and U of L tuition are additional costs.

Colleges that offer courses in English include:

• Engineering
• Computing and Informatics
• Information and Technology
• Natural Sciences
• Business
• Humanities
• Social Sciences

Students at Ajou may take a maximum of 19 credits per semester. Courses at Ajou are typically worth 3 credits, equivalent to one U of L course.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

It is MANDATORY for exchange students to apply for a D-2-6 (exchange student) visa. You can apply for the visa through mail at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver. The visa application fee is $78 CAD (2023).

Students must also apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of their arrival in South Korea.

For more information about applying for a visa, visit the Ajou website or the Vancouver Consulate website.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver
Phone: (604) 681-9581
Email: vancouver@mofat.go.kr
Website

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting South Korea, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Campus Residences

• Cost (2023): KRW 178,000-343,000/month (approx. CAD 175-350)
• Exchange students can stay in one of two residence buildings, Hwahong Hall and New International Dorm
• Rooms are furnished either two single beds (double occupancy) or two bunk beds (quadruple occupancy) with dressers, desks, chairs and Wi-Fi. A bed sheet, an air pillow, and a blanket are provided when students move in.
• Kitchens, shower rooms, and washrooms are shared between floors. There is a shared laundry room in the basement of the cafeteria.
• University Dining Service provides students with meal plans at a very low cost. For those not selecting a meal plan, several cafeterias and kitchen facilities are available on campus, or students could frequent the many restaurants close to campus.

Arrival Information

The Ajou University International Office arranges transportation for exchange students from the Incheon International Airport (Seoul); for a shuttle, the cost is approximately C$15. Your arrival form will be required for the complimentary airport pick-up.

In Suwon

Suwon is a regional transportation hub and an important stop on the Gyeongbu railway line going from Seoul to Busan, although the new KTX high-speed train has changed things slightly. Suwon is connected to Seoul with city and express buses and also the Seoul subway network. Suwon is also a stop on Seoul Subway Line 1, which runs from Cheonan in the south all the way to Uijeongbu in the north-east and can be reached from downtown Seoul in under an hour.

Buses are relatively cheap in South Korea. The city has special student fares. Depending on the station where you want to go, it will cost between ₩400-1,500 per ride (approx. C$0.50-$2.00).

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

It is MANDATORY for students to have health insurance valid in South Korea for their entire period of stay. As well, students are required to purchase the South Korean National Health Insurance. The cost is approximately KRW 50,000/month (approx. CAD 50, 2023). The details on the insurance and insurance exclusion will be explained during the orientation.

All students are required to submit the copy of the insurance contract within the first week of the semester. If a student does not submit a copy of the health insurance, the issuance of documents such as transcripts, Certificate of Enrollment, etc., will be restricted.