The process to study abroad is a long one, it takes about a year, but the wait is worth it!
I chose to study abroad through the Manoa International Exchange Program, selected and accepted the nomination to study at Seoul National University.
Choosing a program
There are two different programs you can go through to study abroad: UH Study Abroad Center (SAC) or Manoa International Exchange (MIX). They have different country lists, so double check that the country you want to study in is offered through that program! You can read about the differences between SAC and MIX here, but the major differences are:
PRICING - SAC charges a flat Study Abroad rate plus a negotiated subsidized overseas tuition. As of right now (Jan 2019), the fee for a single semester is $1,764 (plus the cost of the program you choose, depending on your country). SAC doesn't offer study abroad in Korea, but the program cost of studying in London in Fall 2018 was around $19,000. You can find more program prices here. - MIX is the same price as your current UH tuition, which is based on your residency status. There isn't any overseas tuition charge, which is gr8. Price was a huge factor for me in determining which program to go through. MIX was the cheaper option for me, and thanks to my scholarships, studying abroad turned out to be really affordable.
CREDIT TRANSFERS - SAC: grades earned abroad will show up on your transcript, affecting your GPA - MIX: grades earned abroad will show up on your transcript as credits only.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS - SAC handles almost everything, including payment, airfare, tuition, meals, etc. SAC also helps you take care of your visa process and your host school helps you with housing. - MIX does not do any of the above for you. If you choose MIX, you are responsible for making all your travel and housing arrangements and obtaining your visa(s).
Applying to MIX
Read more about applying to the MIX program. The application also requires you to obtain a recommendation letter from a teacher. In the application you get to choose your top 5 schools that you'd like to go to. I think there's also going to be an application fee starting in Fall 2019, but don't quote me. PLUG IN ALL DEADLINES INTO YOUR CALENDARS. My deadline to study abroad in the Spring was May 1st.
If you want to learn more, or have ANY questions, I highly encourage you to book a MIX advising appointment. Everyone is super friendly, and will answer all of your study abroad questions (even if you don't know for sure if you want to go). I got help from Kathy, who walked me through the whole process. 10/10 recommend !!!
MIX nomination
After you apply to MIX, you'll receive a nomination to study abroad!!! Spring nominations usually get sent out in June. My nomination to study at Seoul National University plopped into my inbox on June 19th.
You'll be nominated for one of the five schools you listed in your application, which you'll then accept or reject. You may/may not get your first choice. You should still study abroad either way. Nomination does NOT equate to acceptance. It just means you'll now be able to apply to that particular school. Your school will later send you their application and requirements.
Applying to Seoul National University
About a month after I received my MIX nomination, I received an email from Seoul National University on August 29th. They invited me to apply, and requested the following:
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
An original copy of your official University Transcript - You'll have to apply for one at the Registrar's office, and it currently costs $5. The transcript takes up to a week to get printed. I recommend applying for one as soon as you get nominated! You don't want to procrastinate on this one.
Certificate of Enrollment - This is a special certificate sealed into a stamped envelope that says you're a student at UH. You can apply for one at the Registrar's office too, and it's free! Read more about it here.
Copy of your passport - Make sure your passport isn't expired! If it expires before/during your study abroad time, you won't be able to go. Getting a new passport takes about 2-5 weeks! I got mine done at KCC, but the Campus Center Office does passports as well. Read more about that here.
The SNU application is online, but MIX also requests a physical copy of your application so you'll need to print one for them when you're done.
I got my SNU acceptance letter in November. MIX also sent me a pre-departure checklist which included reminders to get my visa and insurance squared away.
Applying for a Korean Visa
Surprisingly simple, obtaining a visa for Korea took about a week. The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea is located right off the Pali. It's a small little office which is usually pretty empty.
To apply for a visa you must have these documents:
A copy of your original acceptance letter from your school
An original copy of your official University Transcript
An original copy of your bank statement/financial aid statement - They just want proof that you're financially stable to study abroad. I submitted a bank statement.
Valid passport
Two passport photos (which you can get at Costco or CVS/Longs, and it takes 15 minutes.)
Cash, it was $65 for me but I feel like the price is going to increase. They don't accept card or check, so just bring cash.
Visa application, which you get and fill out there. It's about 3 pages long and a little hard to follow but the embassy workers can help you through the whole thing.
After submitting all of these documents, you'll leave your passport with them and pick it up in a week.
It looks like a lot, but this process is spaced out over the year, making it doable and sort-of painless. ?
There were so many people that helped me along the way, and I'm so grateful for the wonderful people at MIX, SNU study abroad veterans, and Shidler advisors that guided me through this process. Thank you again!
- vic