Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea

Mount Holyoke students may apply to study on exchange at Ewha Womans University for a full academic year or one semester, either fall or spring. Application for the exchange is open to all qualified students regardless of their financial aid status.

Ewha Womans University

  • Founded in 1886, the first university for women in Korea (and now the largest)
  • Approximately 21,000 students
  • Office of Global Studies coordinates co-ed international program for semester, year or summer study
  • Located in the heart of Seoul in a university neighborhood
  • Wide range of student activities, societies, sports, and events

City of Seoul

  • Capital and largest city of South Korea, population about 10,000,000
  • Located in the northwest part of South Korea

Academic Program

  • Two semesters: first semester runs from early September to mid-December, second semester from early March to mid-June
  • Students may apply for the full academic year, or for first or second semester only
  • Academic courses taught in English focus mainly on Korean Studies (including language, art, geography, history, religion), with a few courses in the sciences (chemistry, physics, calculus)
  • Students who are proficient in Korean may enroll in regular classes offered by Ewha to its degree-seeking students
  • Normal course load is 5 courses per semester (which transfers as 16 MHC credits)
  • Ewha also offers an International Co-ed Summer School, which is not included as part of the exchange, but applicants from Mount Holyoke may be eligible for a waiver of the application fee

Living Arrangements

  • Housing is guaranteed in an Ewha dormitory
  • Meals are available at the Student Cafeteria and several restaurants on campus

Requirements

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Must have completed sophomore year (or at least three semesters, for spring entrants) prior to enrolling at Ewha
  • No previous knowledge of Korean language is required

Financial Arrangements

  • Exchange student pays MHC tuition; Ewha waives its tuition
  • Exchange student pays directly for room and hall fees, and is responsible for her own meals, as well as nominal university fees, round-trip travel to Korea, books, and personal expense
  • Students selected for the exchange who are eligible for need-based financial aid are guaranteed Laurel Fellowships; financial aid awards will be based on total budget, including MHC tuition, MHC study abroad fee, any nominal Ewha fees, and allowances toward room and board, books, personal expenses, and round-trip airfare
  • Students receiving merit-based financial aid (which ordinarily does not travel) may use that aid on the Ewha exchange

Application Procedures

  • Submit Mount Holyoke's Request to Study Abroad (and Laurel Fellowship application, if applicable) according to the instructions on the Deadlines page; applications are ordinarily due early in December for the full year or fall semester, late March for spring
  • Students will be notified by early February (for the fall or full year) or early May (for spring) whether they have been selected for the exchange
  • Exchange nominees will apply on-line to Ewha (students must also be accepted by Ewha)