Policies and Procedures
Check this page regularly! Information will be updated throughout the semester.
To stay on track, use the self-check at the end of each phase.
Access important SNU links and resources and get to know the place you’ll be calling home for the next semester in the Seoul Resources section.
———– START PHASE ONE ———–
Confirm Your Participation: Due Within 2 Weeks of Admission
- Log in to your online application and confirm your participation in the program. Then complete the checklist of items on the “Pre-Departure Documents” tab.
- Once you complete the pre-departure process, and when registration opens, our office will register you for this program with a placeholder block of credits.
Please take the time now to review our website for details about the cost of your program. You may find our budgeting worksheet to be an important planning tool. We also encourage you to consider applying for study abroad scholarships as early as possible.
Review Important Passport Information
We are so excited for you to begin planning for your study abroad experience! The first and most important step is confirming that you have a valid passport. In order to travel internationally, you must have a valid passport, which reflects your country’s citizenship. You can review the FAQs below as you confirm that you have a valid passport.
* Please note: the information below is applicable to U.S. citizenship holders. If you are an international student and need to apply for a new passport, please visit your local consulate or embassy’s website, where you can learn more about how to apply for a new passport in the U.S.
I’VE NEVER HAD A PASSPORT; HOW DO I APPLY FOR ONE?
You can learn more about the steps to apply for your new passport by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s website here. You can complete some steps online; however, if it is your first passport, you will need to apply in person. Please make sure to review which passport forms apply to you and complete the appropriate forms. You will also need to provide a photo and citizenship documentation.
I ALREADY HAVE A PASSPORT; IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO?
Yes! You need to confirm that the expiration date of your passport is valid for 6 months after the end of your study abroad program. Please contact your Program Manager to get an estimated last day for the program, if the program dates are not available already. If your passport will expire during the time you are abroad or within the 6 months following your program, you will need to renew your passport.
HOW DO I RENEW MY PASSPORT IF IT IS EXPIRED OR WILL EXPIRE SOON?
To renew your passport, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website here. Depending on when your passport was issued, you might be eligible to renew your passport by mail. You will also need to complete specific passport forms and mail in your current passport in order to get it renewed.
*If your passport was issued before you were 16 years old, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago, you will need to apply for a new passport.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO APPLY FOR OR RENEW MY PASSPORT?
The application fee is $130, and if you are applying for a passport for the first time, you will need to pay an additional $35 acceptance fee. You can review the fees here, and there is a fee calculator on their website.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR MY APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED?
Processing time can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week time frame includes up to 12 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Submit SNU Application Online: Due SEP 25
You will receive an email directly from SNU with an invitation to the application system. Make sure you check your spam box in case the message was automatically filtered there.
Access SNU’s online application system using the instructions you received by email and complete your application, including all required documents and files.
All supporting documents should be uploaded to your online application, except for the recommendations:
- Completed application form
- Statement of purpose
- Official BU transcript, ordered from the BU Registrar
- Proof of Enrollment form, printed from the Student Link
- Photocopy of the signature/photo page(s) in your passport
- Optional: One recommendation from a BU professor. Contact Program Manager Sage Suorsa to ask if the instructor you nominated for your BUSA application submitted an actual letter of recommendation. If so, Sage can forward the letter on to SNU for you. If they only completed the BUSA questionnaire instead of uploading a letter, you will need to ask them to put their thoughts into a letter to e-mail to Sage.
You will receive your official admissions decision from SNU in late November, at which time accepted students will receive their SNU Student ID number, Letter of Acceptance, and Certificate of Admission from SNU.
Please note: you should NOT upload your recommendation letters into the online application. Sage must submit letters of recommendation for you.
Prepare for Course Registration at SNU: mid-JAN
Selecting Your Courses
Students on this exchange program will enroll in 12 or 16 credits at SNU, in the following structure:
- 2 classes pre-approved by Questrom as Questrom equivalent courses (3 credits each)
- Culture and Social Transformation of Contemporary Korea (3 credits)
- 2 or 3 elective courses that may be additional Questrom equivalent courses (3 credits each)
You should spend time exploring the course options at SNU prior to your registration date, so that you can make an informed decision about your schedule and have your courses pre-approved by the Questrom Undergraduate Program Office. Please review Questrom’s list of pre-approved courses at SNU. The SNU course catalog is available online and will help you to find more course details; use these instructions to direct your search. Spring 2025 courses should be available to search online in early January, but until then, you can use Spring 2024 as a general guide. Fall course catalogs are available in early July.
Course Approvals
You should meet with an adviser in the Questrom Undergraduate Program Office soon to discuss the classes you plan to take abroad and how they will count towards your BU degree requirements. The classes you take on exchange will earn BU credit and will appear on your transcript just like regular BU classes, including letter grades that are factored into your overall GPA. It is important to make sure that the classes you take abroad will count towards your degree progress at BU. Only your academic adviser can help you to determine this.
Credits and Grades
Each class at SNU is worth 3 credits and each class will be worth 3 credits on your BU transcript. Typically, a 3-credit class taken at SNU can fulfill the requirement of a 4-credit class at BU, even though it is for fewer credits. For example, SNU’s Introduction to Finance class may fulfill a requirement for Introduction to Finance at BU, even though BU’s course is worth 4 credits and SNU’s is worth 3. You should discuss any questions about course approvals with the Questrom Undergraduate Program Office.
You will register for at least 12 credits and no more than 16 credits per semester. SNU’s grading system is similar to the grading system at BU. The only conversion you need to know is that SNU puts an “O” after their standard grades (grades that do not include a plus or minus). For example, AO from SNU is equivalent to A at BU, BO at SNU is equivalent to B at BU, etc. All minus or plus grades (A-, B+, B-) from SNU will be the same (A-, B+, B-) on your BU transcript.
Transcripts
After the end of each semester, SNU will send a copy of your official transcript to BU Study Abroad. Transcripts are usually sent by mid-July (spring exchange) and mid-January (fall exchange). In most cases, your BU transcript will be updated no more than 3 weeks after your official transcript has been received by SNU.
Academic Policies for Exchanges
Make sure you are familiar with the academic policies that apply to exchange programs.
Complete the Phase 1 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phase 1? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with your Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
- Confirmed your participation via your BU Study Abroad Application, paid your program deposit, and filled out the accompanying online forms.
- Submitted the SNU Online Application – SEP 25
- Requested SNU Recommendation be sent to SNU – SEP 25
- Prepared for Course Registration – mid-JAN
———– END PHASE ONE ———–
———– START PHASE TWO ———–
Attend the Pre-Departure Meeting: FEB 6
A required pre-departure meeting for all students admitted to the Spring SNU Exchange will take place in-person on Thursday, February 6th. Participation details, including the schedule and location, will be emailed by your Program Manager. This orientation will include important information to prepare you for your semester abroad and will also give you time and space to meet the other students studying in your program.
All students are required to participate. This meeting is intended to give you an overview of daily life, culture, health and safety, and academics on your program. You will also have the opportunity to ask your Program Manager any questions about what to expect as you prepare for your time abroad.
For those students that are unable to make the specified time, please email your Program Manager.
NOTE: The recording of the meeting is posted below for students to watch for the first time if they were unable to attend in person on February 6th. Students who did attend may want to review specific parts, such as the ISOS app download information, or academic information.
Please also note that this meeting is intended for participants of the program only. Due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act), parents/guardians are not permitted to attend this session. We do, however, encourage you to share relevant information about the program with your parents, as we understand that they may be curious about what to expect from your experience abroad.
You can also view the S25 Pre-departure Seoul presentation slides as a .pdf document, if you’re looking for specific information and want to flip through quickly.
Review Flight and Arrival Information and Book Your Flight: Deadline JAN 10
Flight Information
There is no group flight for this program, so each student will book his or her own travel to and from Seoul. All students are required to submit their flight itinerary to the Flight Form in the BU Study Abroad application portal. Keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
Arrival date: You should plan to arrive at SNU in late February for orientation on FEB 26. The first day of classes is MAR 1. Official orientation and arrival dates will be sent to you by email from SNU.
Return date: Final exams at SNU last until mid-June. Please book your return flight for late June, so that you can be sure you will be present for all of your final exams.
Apply for Housing at SNU: Due 1st Week of FEB
On-campus Housing
The Gwanak campus is the main campus of SNU. Most colleges and schools are located at the Gwanak campus except for the College of Medicine. Most exchange students live in theGwanaska Residence Halls (Gwanak campus dormitory), but it is not guaranteed that you will get a room. You will receive housing application information from SNU by email after you have been officially accepted.
Off-campus Housing
Due to space constraints, your on-campus housing at SNU is not guaranteed. Some students live off-campus near the university. SNU does not provide assistance in the search for this housing, though they provide somegeneral informationthat may be useful.
Dining
SNU does not provide student meal plans, so you will pay for your meals individually. There are many dining options on campus and in the dormitory, and you can also try any number of restaurants in the surrounding area.
Payments
You will pay your housing fees directly to SNU. You will receive information from SNU on the cost, payment procedures, and payment deadlines. Questions about your housing at SNU should be directed to the SNU International Office at snuadmit@snu.ac.kr.
Review International Insurance Coverage
International Health Insurance and Evacuation Coverage
All students participating in a BU Study Abroad program will be automatically enrolled in the BU Chubb International Travel plan which includes comprehensive health and evacuation insurance. Policy information will be sent to you via email approximately two weeks prior to your program start date. In the meantime, we encourage you to review the insurance information we provide on our website.
Domestic Health Insurance
Participants are required to retain their existing health insurance: study abroad insurance does NOT replace comprehensive, US-based health insurance as required by Massachusetts and US law. You may not participate in BU Study Abroad programs without certifying that you have US-based coverage or are purchasing the BU Student Health Plan.
Plan for Medications, Prescriptions and Healthcare Abroad
MEDICATIONS & PRESCRIPTIONS:
If you take regular medications, the best course of action is to bring enough medication to last the duration of your program (if allowable). Consult with your doctors prior to departure to obtain the necessary supply of your medications, as well as copies of the written prescriptions. Many insurance companies offer vacation waivers to accommodate being out of the country for several months.
If for any reason you cannot be prescribed or transport a full supply of your medication, you will need to see a doctor in your host city to be re-prescribed. Keep in mind that you should not plan to mail any medications due to customs regulations.
International SOS can help you manage your plan for your healthcare abroad with expert advice on how to navigate the local healthcare system and with personalized recommendations based on your specific medical needs. Students should contact the International SOS 24/7 Assistance Center at +1 215-942-8478 or via the International SOS Assistance App. ISOS can assist you to find out whether your medication is available in your host country and make a plan to avoid any disruption of care, including planning for healthcare needs and connecting you to quality healthcare professionals abroad.
DOCTORS & SPECIALISTS:
If you see a doctor or mental health provider for regular care in the United States, you will want to meet with your provider to discuss continuing your care abroad. As part of this conversation you may need to contact ISOS directly to find local medical providers.
ISOS can provide assistance with planning for your medical needs abroad, including:
- Availability of meducation, including shipment options and costs
- Standards of local medical care
- Confirming coverage of specific conditions or treatments
- Confirming insurance benefits
- Appointment scheduling assistance
- Filing a claim, or status of a filed claim
- Setting up guarantees of payment or direct payment to in-network doctors.
If you have any questions or need assistance preparing for your individual medical needs abroad, please contact Katie Mungovan, Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, at katiedoh@bu.edu. During your on-site orientation, you will also receive detailed information about how to access local health resources and what to do if you get sick.
GENERAL HEALTH PREPARATIONS:
Study abroad can be mentally and physically challenging, so it is important for you to prepare as much as possible now for your health and safety during your time abroad. We recommend that you consider the following:
- Make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup and discuss any medications you take.
- If you are experiencing any emotional, eating, or substance abuse issues, seek professional counselling and consider deferring your participation in an overseas program, if necessary.
- If you have had difficulties coping with change, stress or anxiety in the past (whether or not it was professionally diagnosed), or are hoping that time spent overseas will help you solve a problem facing you at home, or on campus, you should talk to a medical professional before studying abroad.
- If you anticipate needing any dental, optical, or other procedures, plan to have them completed before departure. If you wear contacts or glasses, plan to bring enough with you to last the full program.
- Take the time now to read the BU Study Abroad Health and Safety webpage.
- Consult the CDC website (specifically for "Extended Stay/Study Abroad" travelers) for country-specific health information. The CDC recommends being up to date on all routine immunizations for any travel abroad, and you should ask your doctor about any recommended vaccines or medications you may need based on your destination. Be sure to discuss these recommendations, as well as any other health conditions you may have, with your doctor before you depart.
Request Academic Accommodations & Additional Support
If you have a mental health, emotional, learning, or physical disability that would require reasonable accommodations in order to complete the requirements of the program, you must obtain approval from the BU Disability and Access Services office (DAS), even if you've worked with their office previously. To initiate the approval request process, contact DAS at access@bu.edu or by phone at 617-353-3658. Please note that certain accommodations that you receive on your home campus may not be available at your program site, so the earlier that you are in contact with their office for advising, the better. The process for arranging accommodations may take several weeks. Please note that we are unable to accommodate emotional support animals in our international programs.
If you are currently consulting with a mental health professional, you must seek their counsel about the advisability of your participation in a study abroad program, especially as related to your adjustment to new cultural, academic, and housing environments and the availability of therapeutic or medical support while you are away from your home campus. If you have questions about the support available at your program destination, please contact your Program Manager.
Complete the Phase 2 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1 and 2? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with you Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- Confirmed your participation via your BU Study Abroad Application, paid your program deposit, and filled out the accompanying online forms.
- Prepared SNU Application Documents – Early SEP
- Submitted the SNU Online Application – SEP 25
- Requested SNU Recommendation be sent to SNU – SEP 25
(From Phase 2)
- Attended your pre-departure meeting – FEB 6
- Prepare for course registration at SNU – mid-JAN
- Apply for Housing at SNU – Early FEB
- Submitted your travel plans to the International Flight Form- JAN 20
- Made any necessary doctors appointments and located your nearest travel clinic for immunizations.
- Made a plan for any medications, prescriptions or healthcare needs abroad
- Contacted BU Disability Services to plan for academic accommodations and other support services (if necessary)
———– END PHASE TWO ———–
———– START PHASE THREE ———–
Billing: Deadline Early Dec. for BU and mid-Jan. for Non-BU
BU Students:
The Spring 2025 payment deadline will be early December. You will use the StudentLink “Money Matters” tab to view and pay your bill, as usual. Any questions regarding your bill or making payments should be directed to BU Student Accounting Services at studenta@bu.edu.
Non-BU Students:
Submit Your Visa Application (US Citizens): Due Early JAN
The information provided here applies to US citizens. If you are not a US citizen, please work with an Embassy or Consulate and your Program Manager to determine your immigration requirements.
One of the most vital tasks in preparation for your study abroad experience is to apply for a student visa, which is required for American students studying abroad in South Korea. The type of visa you will need to is a D-2 Student Visa. All students should apply for their D-2 visa at least 6 weeks before traveling to South Korea.
You will work directly with a Korean Embassy or Consulate to obtain your visa. Please remember when dealing with the Embassy or Consulate that is a privilege, not a right, to obtain a visa. Make sure you leave ample time to apply and to have your visa processed. Boston University does not administer the visa application process; therefore, only the Korean Embassy or Consulate can answer specific questions regarding the visa.
Step 1: Obtain a Valid Passport
You will need to have a current passport in order to apply for your visa; the passport must be valid for at least six months after your program’s end date. If you do not currently have a passport or yours will expire less than six months after the end of the program, it may already be too late, so please let SNU know before you apply. If they approve, you will need to apply for one or renew your passport immediately, here. Expedited service is strongly recommended.
Step 2: Schedule a Visa Appointment
Most Korean Consulates and Embassies require you to schedule an in-person appointment to apply for your visa. In some cases, you may be able to apply for your D-2 visa by mail rather than in person. Contact your nearest Consulate or Embassy to learn their policy on this. Most students apply in person at the Korean Consulate in Boston.
Step 3: Gather Materials
You must bring all of the following to your visa appointment, if you are going to the Boston Consulate:
- Passport: valid at least 6 months beyond the date you will leave Korea
- 1 photocopy of the photo page of your passport
- Completed application form: see the sample application form for guidance
- One passport-size photo
- SNU Acceptance letter (Certificate of Admission): from your admission packet
- SNU Business Registration Certificate: from your admission packet
- Bank statement: An official bank statement (with bank stamp or signature) showing at least $10,000 to support you during your time in Korea
- Processing fee: $60-$70 for U.S. citizens or $80 for non-U.S. citizens, cash (if in person) or money order (if applying by mail)
- Official BU transcript: Obtained in advance from the Registrar
- Return envelope: Provide a self-addressed, pre-paid return envelope in which your passport and visa will be returned to you. Use a service that can be tracked and ensured, such as Certified Mail or FedEx.
- For non-U.S. citizens: 1 photocopy of your Permanent Residence Card or U.S. visa
Different Consulates or Embassies may have different requirements. Make sure you know the requirements for your Consulate or Embassy before attending your appointment.
Step 4: Attend Visa Appointment
Bring all of the above materials to your scheduled visa appointment. If you fail to attend the appointment on time, or fail to bring all of the required documents listed above, your visa application will not be processed. Typical processing time is 6 weeks; your passport with visa will be returned to you by mail.
Note: This information has been prepared by Boston University Study Abroad based on the most recent information provided by the relevant immigration agency (E.G. consulate, embassy, etc.). It is each student’s responsibility to compile the necessary documents and apply for their visa based on their specific citizenship. Visas are granted by foreign governments only, Boston University does not play a role in visa issuance, nor can we influence immigration policy. While we do our best to keep instructions as up-to-date as possible, visa requirements are subject to change without our knowledge. Ultimately obtaining a visa in a timely manner, and any related costs incurred, are a student’s responsibility. Failure to acquire a visa will preclude participation in the program.
Voting Abroad
VOTING ABROAD
Don’t use studying abroad as an excuse not to vote, there are many resources that make it easy. Plan ahead and make your voice heard.
Boston University is partnered with TurboVote – an online platform that makes sure you know when elections are happening and have the information you need to vote. Once you sign up, you can get registered to vote, apply for your absentee ballot, and receive election reminders through the site. Get started with TurboVote now!
Here are some other great resources that make it easy for you to vote while your abroad:
- Overseas Vote Foundation
- Vote From Abroad
- Department of State – official absentee voting information
- Voter Registration Deadlines by State
If you are not registered to vote yet make sure you check your local state deadlines to register online. Registering to vote online is quick and easy!
Banking Abroad
It’s essential that you call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’ll be studying abroad. You’ll need to tell them what country (or countries) you’ll be visiting, and the dates you’ll be away. If you don’t let them know, they may freeze your accounts, assuming your card has been used fraudulently. When you call your bank, you should ask them about the fees you may incur when using your debit/credit cards internationally.
Banking in Seoul
You will be eligible to open a local bank account while you are in Seoul, though most students choose to continue using their American accounts instead. You will learn about opening a local bank account during SNU orientation.
Using your American account abroad
Most foreign ATMs will only accept cards with a 4-digit PIN, so be sure that the debit card you plan to use abroad meets this requirement. You may find that many stores and restaurants overseas will only accept cards that contain a microchip instead of the swipe strip that is common on American cards. Many American banks now offer cards that contain a microchip; check with your bank to learn whether one may be available to you. This article contains more information about chip cards. In addition, this FAQ page addresses some common questions about chip cards; #8 refers to using such cards overseas.
Contact your bank and credit card companies
It’s essential that you call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’ll be studying abroad. You’ll need to tell them what country (or countries) you’ll be visiting, and the dates you’ll be away. If you don’t let them know, they may freeze your accounts, assuming your card has been used fraudulently. When you call your bank, you should ask them about the fees you may incur when using your debit/credit cards internationally.
Mobile Phones & Internet Access
- Make sure you have a local number for emergencies and ease of use
- Talk to your provider about your smartphone: can have it unlocked and purchase a simcard in Korea
- Purchase an inexpensive mobile phone in Korea
- Keep your current smartphone on “airplane mode” and use apps on Wi-Fi when it’s available.
- US-based international mobile phone plans are more expensive and often don’t work. Skip them.
Communication With Home
Most students who study abroad find that they are in less regular communication with their friends and family back in the US (or their home country). You’ll have a new routine, friends, commute, and a new time difference to account for. Because you’ll want to share your experiences with your loved ones, we recommend you consider the following before departure:
- If you currently speak to your parents everyday, for example, you may want to try and schedule a call every few days while you’re abroad. Some students make plans where they schedule a call every Tuesday and Thursday, or once a week on Sundays – whatever works for you! Remember that the best plan is one you can stick to.
- If you’re going to be traveling, let your family know how long you’ll be gone for, and where you’re going so they don’t worry if they don’t hear from you for many days. It’s also important that they know where you are for emergency communication purposes.
- You should download some of the free communication apps prior to departure, and help those with whom you’ll want to communicate to download them as well. Test them out together, so everyone knows how to use them. Examples are: Zoom, Facetime, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, LINE, etc.
- You may experience some differences locally; for example, wi-fi at your residence can be spotty, fewer public wi-fi spots, etc.
'Being You' Abroad: Personal Identity and Cultural Perceptions
IDENTITIES ABROAD
As you prepare for your study abroad experience, you’ll want to consider aspects of your identity and how these may be perceived and treated in the culture you’ll be spending time in. You may encounter varying and even opposing perceptions of your identity, which could include your gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, ethnicity, and possibly several others. Although some of this will be covered in your on-site orientation, we encourage you to do some research into social norms, cultural mores, and local practices before your program begins. We want you to participate as much as possible in the host culture and should be prepared for the experience, which can be both personally challenging and rewarding.
Explore our resources for understanding how your experience may be impacted by your identity(ies).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Packing List and Tips
Coming Soon
Withdrawals: Deadline FEB 18
Have You Changed Your Mind?
If you are considering withdrawing from your Study Abroad program, please thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds.
Please keep in mind that at any time after your admission to the program there may be non-recoverable costs associated with withdrawing from the program. Examples of non-recoverable costs for which you may be financially responsible may include, but are not limited to, charges related to housing, flights, academics, internships, or program-related activities.
It is important to note that the program starts on or about FEB 26 and is more than 12 weeks long. The last day to notify our office in writing of your withdrawal prior to being responsible for a portion of the program fee is FEB 18.
Complete the Phase 3 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1, 2 and 3? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with you Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- Confirmed your participation via your BU Study Abroad Application, paid your program deposit, and filled out the accompanying online forms.
- Prepared SNU Application Documents – ASAP
- Submitted the SNU Online Application – SEP 25
- Requested SNU Recommendation be sent to SNU – SEP 25
(From Phase 2)
- Attended your pre-departure meeting – FEB 6
- Prepare for course registration at SNU – mid-JAN
- Apply for Housing at SNU – 1st week FEB
- Submitted your travel plans on the Flight Form – JAN 10
- Made any necessary doctors appointments and located your nearest travel clinic for immunizations.
- Made a plan for any medications, prescriptions or healthcare needs abroad
- Contacted BU Disability Services to plan for academic accommodations and other support services (if necessary)
(From Phase 3)
- Applied for your Student Visa – Early January
- Called your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’ll be studying abroad.
- Decided if you’re going to use your current mobile phone abroad, or get a new phone after you arrive in (site). If you’re going to use your own phone,
be sure to get it unlocked at least a week ahead of departure. - Made a reasonable communication plan with your family and friends
- Settled your Boston University Student Account – Billing Deadline mid-DEC
- Reviewed your packing list and purchased any essentials
- Read your “In-Country Guide”
———– END PHASE THREE ———–
———– START CONTACT ———–
Program Contacts
As you prepare for and embark on your study abroad experience, you will be in contact with various staff members from BU Study Abroad, both in Boston and abroad. To avoid missing important information, please add “@bu.edu” to your address book. Please keep all emails in a folder for your reference as you prepare for your semester abroad. Here are the names and email addresses of some people who will be in touch with you this semester, and/or whom you may want to contact with questions.
BOSTON-BASED STAFF
- Sage Suorsa, Program Manager
Sage will be your primary contact during the pre-departure process. All questions and concerns you may have should be directed to her.
Seoul-Based Staff
- Ms. Jaeyeon Kim, Exchange Program Manager at Office of International Affairs (OIA)
Ms. Kim and the OIA will be your main on-site point of contact for all questions and concerns related to your time in Seoul.
———– END CONTACT ———–
———– START CALENDAR ———–
The Spring 2025 SNU Exchange Program runs from the end of February to mid-June (including orientation).
Tentative Academic Calendar
The SNU academic calendar can be found here.
Pre-Semester Dates:
Course Registration: 1/30/24 – 2/6/24
Housing Application: 1st week of February, 2025
Semester Dates:
Business School Orientation: 2/26/2025 at 10am
First Day of Class: 3/1/25
Last Day of Class: 6/16/25
Neither late arrivals nor early departures are permitted. We urge students to not make any weekend or mid-semester break travel plans until they arrive on site and receive the finalized course and program schedule. During the semester, students must fulfill strict attendance requirements and will be very busy with classes, program activities, and assignments. If family and friends plan to visit, please schedule trips to take place before the start of on-site orientation, during a scheduled program break, or after the semester ends. The first and last weeks of the program are critical to students’ success and require your full attention. By timing visits to coincide with scheduled program breaks, you can meet attendance requirements and take full advantage of your study abroad experience.
———– END CALENDAR ———–
———– START GUIDE ———–
Seoul National University Resources
- SNU Office of International Affairs (OIA) Exchange Program Overview
- SNU Exchange FAQs
- SNU Exchange Academics & Student Life
- SNU Fact Sheet 2024/25
- Living at SNU
- SNU Pre-Arrival Checklist
General Resources
Local Embassy
U.S. Embassy
Consular Section/American Citizen Services (ACS)
188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, Korea 03141
E-mail: seoulinfoACS@state.gov
Visit the website for more information.
———– END GUIDE ———–
———– START FINE PRINT ———–
Academic Policies for Students Directly Enrolling in Courses at a Foreign University
As a student who will be directly enrolled in one or more courses at a foreign university, you are subject to a set of specific policies that apply to your classes, credits, and grades on this program. You are expected to be familiar with these policies before going abroad. Please read the academic policies below and make sure you understand them fully. You may download a copy of these policies here. Contact your Program Manager if you have any questions.
ACADEMIC POLICIES FOR STUDENTS DIRECTLY ENROLLING IN COURSES AT A FOREIGN UNIVERSITY
You will be enrolled in a course or courses at a university whose policies, teaching methods, and grading systems will differ from Boston University’s. Please read the policies outlined below very carefully and refer to your program-specific informational materials, which may include additional policies that modify or supplement the below.
- Full-time status. You are required to maintain full-time student status, equivalent to 12 or more BU credits per semester, while abroad. You may need to take more than 12 credits at your host university in order to earn the equivalent of 12 BU credits. Some foreign universities require that you take more than 12 BU credits in order to meet their requirements for full-time status.
- BU degree progress. You are responsible for verifying with your department in advance how the classes you take abroad will apply towards your major or minor degree requirements. An Academic Worksheet is available to you for this purpose.
- Auditing classes. You are not permitted to audit classes while studying abroad.
- Registering for final exams. Some universities abroad require students to register in advance for their final exams. It is your responsibility to know whether you need to register for your final exam, and to do so by the deadline. At some universities abroad, failure to register for or take a final exam results in a failing grade for that course. Although some universities abroad allow their matriculated students more than one opportunity to sit for final exams, BU Study Abroad program participants will sit the final exam only once.
- Grading Conversion and Credit Transfer. It is a student’s responsibility to understand the grading system and grade conversion scale for their host university courses. Some courses offered abroad may carry fewer than four credits.
- Grades and transcripts. Boston University cannot edit, modify or changein any way the final grades that are issued by your host institution and indicated on your host university transcript. Any questions regarding your grades should be directed to your host university faculty. All grades assigned to you by the host institution will be recorded on your BU transcript and all grades earned abroad will be factored into your GPA. You cannot opt to omit courses taken abroad and/or grades earned abroad from your BU transcript.
- Pass/Fail. No credit will be given to courses taken Pass/Fail.
- Withdrawals. If you withdraw from one of your classes abroad and a ‘W’ appears on your host university transcript, that ‘W’ will also appear on your BU transcript. However, a grade of ‘W’ will not be recorded on your transcript retroactively and post-program.
- Incompletes and Failing Grades. No grades of ‘Incomplete’ will be given; all coursework must be completed with your host institution, including the completion of all final exams before the end date of your program. You will also receive an ‘F’ on your BU transcript for any class that is ‘Incomplete’ on your host institution transcript. A failing grade earned in a class taken abroad will appear on your transcript as an ‘F’ and will count towards your GPA. In keeping with BU academic policy, you will not earn academic credit for incomplete or failed courses even though the grades appear on your transcript and impact your GPA.
Boston University Study Abroad reserves the right to rescind admission to or continuation in any program if an applicant’s academic or disciplinary record is not satisfactory. Boston University students placed on expulsion, academic suspension, or residence separation are not eligible to participate for the duration of the sanction. Deferred separation status will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Non-Boston University students are expected to verify their eligibility to study abroad with their home institution. In addition, your Boston University student account must be in good standing. University policy requires the withholding of educational services, including participation in a BU Study Abroad program from any student whose financial obligations to the university are due and/or unpaid. In completing your online pre-departure forms, there are a number of terms and conditions that you have agreed to by your electronic signature. In addition, some policies are stated on our website and linked below. We suggest that you review the following with your family, parent/guardian or other interested party: All students should thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds. This policy applies to all students and should be thoughtfully read when considering a withdrawal from a program. If you have questions, please contact our office. All students should review the Boston University Study Abroad Privacy Notice.The Fine Print: Policies and Procedures
Academic, Disciplinary and Financial Standing
Students’ Responsibilities While Abroad
Policy on Refunds
Privacy Notice
