Study abroad in South Korea

UF in South Korea partner: Asia Internship Program

AIP was founded in 2013 with the aim of connecting talent to Asia. Throughout the years, the organization expanded its outreach to offering academic and customized study abroad programs in Europe and South America.

Collaborating with prestigious academic institutions worldwide and partnering with respectable and well-known local and national organizations, AIP has hosted and placed thousands of students in various industries across Asia, Europe, and South America. AIP’s expansive network of organizations offers students the opportunity to align their academic and professional goals while also developing the cultural competencies needed to succeed in the global context. AIP’s mission is “not just to provide internships but to shape the global citizens of tomorrow.”

AIP’s talented team will provide onsite logistical support throughout the program and help students acclimate to their new surroundings in South Korea.

This program is open to students in all colleges and majors. Korean language ability is not required, as all students are paired with an English-speaking supervisor.

Program dates

Summer 2025

• May 12–May 15: Virtual UF class, GEB 4956
• May 16: Departure for South Korea
• May 17: Arrival in South Korea
• June 28: End of program and departure from South Korea

Terms of agreement

• Students may withdraw from the program without financial liability (other than forfeiting the program’s deposit, which can be used toward another study abroad program within a year) by April 1, 2025.
• Students withdrawing from the South Korea program between April 2 and 14, 2025, will incur a $500 cancellation fee from the partner abroad.
• Students withdrawing from the program between April 15 and 30, 2025, and if their placement has already been confirmed, will be charged a cancellation fee of $1,000. Students cancelling between May 1 and 16, 2025, will be liable for 50% of the program cost. Cancellations after May 17, 2025, will incur a charge of 100% of the total program fee.

Program structure

Before departure, students will complete a one-week online course focused on South Korea and its culture. Students will investigate South Korean history, economic development, family life, cultural practices, government structure, and business culture through readings, assignments, and synchronous class time from May 12 to 15 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., Eastern). 

Students arrive in Seoul, South Korea, on May 17 and begin their internship on May 21. In addition to engaging in their internship, students will have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities (guided and recommended), participate in career readiness seminars (Friday mornings), attend guest speaker panels, and visit business organizations on Friday afternoon.

Academics

Students will complete 6 credits over the course of the program. The GEB 4956 course begins on Monday, May 12 through May 15 (virtually) and will continue virtually and through in-person meetings in South Korea during designated times on Fridays. This course will provide students with a rudimentary understanding of South Korea and include internship preparation activities. Participation and being fully present in this course are mandatory.

Coursework:

• GEB 4956: UF in South Korea Commerce and Culture (3 credits)
• GEB 4941: South Korea International Internship (3 credits)

Degree requirements:

• This program satisfies the UF Summer credit requirement.
• This program satisfies the internship requirement for business majors.
• Internships

Students will apply their knowledge of South Korean commerce and culture through a six-week professional internship with a Korean or multinational company in Seoul, South Korea. After submitting a résumé, selecting sectors of interest, and completing an interview, students are matched with a company that relates to their professional interests, experience, and goals. Student interns will have an English-speaking supervisor and be assigned specific projects throughout their internship.

Students will work Monday-Thursday, completing 32-35 hours of work per week. Students must be prepared for a variety of work environments. Many companies now have a hybrid work environment. Some companies may allow remote work on certain days depending on the circumstances.

The internship experience is designed to help students develop the following learning objectives:

• Gain valuable professional skills for career development and enhanced employability.
• Obtain industry knowledge and experience to improve their résumé.
• Achieve a cultural understanding of South Korean and Asian business practices.
• Enhance cultural agility to work in foreign contexts and networks.
• Develop global connections and networks.

Placements

Every effort is made to match students with a sector and company that aligns with their major and interests. Although students are not guaranteed placement in a specific sector, interns tend to be successful in getting a placement related to their interests. All internship placements provide the opportunity to develop transferrable skills. Placements are available in the following sectors:

• Agriculture and Food
• AI
• Architecture
• Art and Fashion
• Blockchain and Crypto
• Business Development
• Consulting
• Content Creation
• Data Science
• E-commerce
• Education
• Engineering
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Science
• Finance
• Graphic Design
• Health and Fitness
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Journalisms
• Law
• Marketing
• Nonprofit and NGO
• Real Estate
• Robotics
• Supply Chain and Logistics
• Veterinary Science
• Video Production

Accommodation

Students will be housed in single or double rooms with private or shared bathrooms. Please contact the International Programs office for more information about housing.

Other estimated expenses

In addition to the program fee, which is billed by UFIC and due before the program begins, students can also expect to incur the following out-of-pocket incidentals at various stages before or during the program:

Pre-departure

• Passport: $165 (if needed)
  • $225 if Expedited Service
• Flight: ~$2,000
• K-ETA: ~$10

During program (in-country)

• Meals: ~$700–$1,100
• Other personal expenses: ~$100–$500
  • E.g., shopping, leisure, travel, etc.

The above figures are general estimates. All incidentals, except the passport and K-ETA, will vary between students depending on circumstances and preferences. Students are strongly encouraged to devise a budget for meals and other personal expenses in-country. The currency in South Korea is the Won (₩).

Useful links

• Seoul information