How I applied for the Sungkyunkwan University language program

Sungkyunkwan University Seoul campus.

So, I finally decided to go to Korea, yeah!! I will tell you in this first post how I decided to attend the Sungkyunkwan language course and how I applied for it. 

I've been wanting to attend a language course in Seoul for a long time, but hadn't had the chance until now. When I realised it was finally going to happen, I had to face the next step: which language program to choose... 

I always thought about going for the most known ones, like Sogang or Yonsei, but they were too expensive for me at the moment, as I really have to make this trip on a low budget. So I thought about the Seoul National University (SNU) 3-week language program, but I missed the application deadline because I still didn't know if I could travel. Just when I was about to give up, I found about the Sungkyunkwan program. It surprised me because I saw that it is slightly cheaper than the SNU one and you have free extra afternoon classes, which I didn't find in the info about the SNU program.

The application process it's really easy. You can find all the info about the program in their website:

SLI Korean Language Programs

I will attend the 3-week language course. There is also an 8-week one, which I would love to attend, but sadly I don't have that much time available to stay in Korea. :( 

The website tells you all you need to know about the program. You have classes from 9:00 to 13:00 (grammar and conversation) and from 14:00 to 15:30 (extra afternoon class and cultural activities) from Monday to Friday.

To submit your application you need to at least have finished high school. I just sent the following stuff per email:

• The application form (which you download from the website) with a recent photo.
• A copy of my passport.
• A certificate of enrollment from college. (you have to send it at least in English).

The answer came really fast. I received an email the following day saying that my admission was conditionally confirmed and it would be completed after payment. The invoice is attached and you have to pay the amount through bank transfer. Your bank will probably charge you some fees, in my case it was 25 € (Spanish bank). Their bank in Korea will convert the amount to Korean Won, so there can be a difference in the final amount they receive. Then they will refund or charge you the difference when you arrive at the SLI office.

I sent the proof of payment and again I received a very fast answer the next day, saying that my admission was completed. If you need to apply for visa you can request an admission letter at this point, but I don't have further information about it since it's not my case.

Now, one week before the course starts I'm very nervous and excited! I can't wait to finally arrive to Seoul and to go to this University. As you may already know, Sungkyunkwan was founded in 1398 and it was the highest educational institution during the Joseon Dinasty.

One of the buildings at the Sungkyunkwan old campus.