Handong Global University

Programs

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Global Programs Study Abroad & Exchange

Study Abroad & Exchange

Overview Application FAQ

About Program

What is the difference between Exchange Student Program and Visiting Student Program?

If you are currently attending one of the overseas partner institutions of the Handong, you may apply as an exchange student. If you are not from one of the partner institutions with HGU, you can only choose to apply as a visiting student.

How many semesters exchange students can stay?

Exchange students may stay in HGU for up to 2 semesters given that there is a prior agreement between HGU and the Home Institution.

When does the spring/fall semester start at HGU?

HGU's academic year is composed of two regular semesters (spring & fall). The Spring semester starts in March and ends in June while the Fall semester goes from September to December. One regular semester is composed of 16 weeks including the midterm and final week. International students may enroll in up to 2 semesters as a full-time, "non-degree" student.

Courses & Accreditation

How can I register for courses?

Course registration is conducted online in January (for Spring Semester) and July (for Fall Semester) and in-depth guidelines will be provided by OIA once confirmed as exchange students.

Does Handong offer classes in English?

You can search the courses offered in English by clicking here. About 40% of major courses are offered in English, and 10 selected programs such as Global Management (GM), Information Technology (IT), and US & International Law (UIL) are offered 100% in English.

ENGLISH PROGRAMS

How many classes I must take at Handong?

Exchange students must take at minimum 3 credits and cannot exceed 22 credits per semester. OIA recommends exchange students take about 12 ~ 15 credits per semester.

ACADEMIC SYSTEM OF HANDONG

How can I calculate credits from Handong to ECTS credit?

3 credits in HGU roughly correspond to 5 ~ 6 ETCS in European institutions of higher education. The precise number of credits accredited for HGU classes depends on the Home Institution's policy.

How can I transfer the credits that I earned at HGU to my home university?

You will have to talk with both the International office and your academic advisor at your home university about the process of transferring credits before you apply to HGU. We will send your official transcript to your home university within 45 days after the semester ends, and you can transfer your HGU credits by the policy of your home university.

Visa & Insurance

How do I apply for a student visa?

After screening your submitted documents, HGU will issue and send your certificate of admission (acceptance letter) and other necessary visa issuance documents by post. After receiving these documents, you must contact a Korean Consulate and submit the required documents to the Korean Consulate.

APPLYING FOR A VISA

How can I find the Embassy/Consulate of the Republic of Korea in my country?

To find the nearest embassy/consulate in your home country, visit https://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/wpge/m_5756/contents.do (the official website for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in South Korea).

For more information regarding visas, please visit: https://www.hikorea.go.kr/Main.pt?locale=en

Should I have health insurance during my exchange period?

Yes. All international students are required to have both National Health Insurance and private health insurance while attending HGU.
National Health Insurance is required for all international students while staying in Korea and will be registered automatically when applying for a Residence Card.
For private insurance, you can either use your personal health insurance or purchase one that HGU recommends. Detailed information will be provided during the international student orientation.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Living

How much money should I bring?

You will have to have approximately 600,000 KRW (US$550) for the first month in Handong. You may not be able to withdraw money or receive money easily for the first few weeks in Handong, so we recommend having a certain amount of cash on hand.

Credit cards issued in other countries are also accepted throughout Korea so we do suggest bringing an internationally-accepted card just in case you are out of cash. We have ATMs on campus where you can withdraw cash.

ESTIMATED COSTS OF LIVING

What is the difference between Regular dormitories and I-house?

In regular dormitories, the main language is Korean and all of the staff speak Korean. The advantages you will get are that you will have a great chance to experience Korean culture and will be able to learn Korean faster than others. On the other hand, I-house is a dormitory designed specially to cultivate students with global minds. Many students with vastly different backgrounds live together in this small community.

ABOUT I-HOUSE

Am I allowed to live off-campus?

Although we do not prohibit it, we strongly discourage students from living off-campus, as it disrupts the sense of community, a core value of Handong. Handong has many on-campus events that emphasize community, and living in the dorms is one of them. Additionally, it may be challenging for exchange students to find accommodations off-campus as it has at least a one-year contract.