To Do Lists To Complete Your Application
So, you’ve researched online and applied to a Korean Language program in Seoul, South Korea that you want to attend. Whether you’re applying for a short-term or regular semester program here are the next steps you will need to complete your preparations to attend a foreign language program.
#1. Pay Fees (Tuition & Dormitory)
An invoice will be emailed with an attachment itemizing the tuition and dormitory fees (if applicable) to be wired to the bank account provided by the University. Additionally, there may be a one time charge for an international express mailing fee to mail your admission letter. It’s important to note that you should pay your fees as soon as possible because your admission letter will not be mailed until your fees are paid.
#2. Admission Letter
The University you’ve chosen will need to send you an Admission Letter to present to the Korean Consulate in your city to process your Visa application. You will need to provide your address and a telephone number so the University can send your Admission package. Remember the package is coming from an international address and sometimes a signature may be required upon delivery.
#3. Bank Statement Printout
You will need a recent bank statement printout with you or your parent/guardian’s name, address, and minimum (varies by University & Country) financial requirements. *When I applied for my Visa at the General Republic of Korea Consulate Office in Los Angeles I was required to show my last three bank statements proving that my monthly bank balance consistently met the minimum financial requirement. My suggestion is to verify the Visa requirements in your city before heading over to the Consulate office.*
#4. Round Trip Airfare
You will need to present a round-trip airfare ticket as proof of purchase for your Visa requirements. A helpful tip is to set up an airfare alert on your favorite booking websites for round-trip flights to South Korea. *Make sure that you check what time you will arrive in South Korea. I was not allowed to check into my dormitory until 3:00 p.m.*
#5. Dormitory, Officetel, and or Goshiwon
If you don’t plan on staying at the school provided dormitory I would suggest as soon as you’ve chosen the University you want to attend you begin researching the area where the school is located. Seoul is a huge area and it can be frustrating if you don’t know the different cities/provinces you should choose to live while you study abroad. There are a lot of affordable officetel and/or goshiwon it all depends on your budget. Check out my blog post on Facebook Groups in South Korea for group chatrooms that list available housing.
#6. Visa D-4 (student) or C-3 (short-term)
After you’ve received your admission letter you will need to take the completed Visa application form, passport, processing fee (usually cash only), one passport size photo, admission letter, plane trip itinerary and financial documents to your nearest Korean Consulate Office to apply for a Visa.
#7. Travel Shots
If you chose to live in a dormitory most Universities will require proof of a recent Tuberculosis test. *Double check with your Doctor or Travel vaccination clinician because additional shots may be required depending on your previous vaccinations. (Hepatitis A/B combo, Hepatitis C, Malaria, Tdap, etc.) *
Lastly, some additional fees that I wish I knew about after applying to my Korean Language program:
- Purchase extra passport-style photos. You will need the photos for your school I.D. and Alien Registration Card ($10 won).
- Look into purchasing international medical insurance. Universities will require that you have medical coverage while you attend school. Look into prices either provided by the school or a reputable insurance provider.
- Purchase textbooks and workbooks needed for your Korean language program. Plan to go to the University a little early on the first day of school to purchase necessary class requirements at the nearest bookstore. *After completing the program I was reimbursed my textbook fees.*
For a listing of the available Korean language programs in South Korea click on the link. I hope this list helps you understand what to expect after you have applied to a Korean language program.
If you have any questions about attending a Korean Language program in South Korea let me know in the comments below.
Finally, if you would like to read more stories about my University experience check out my blog posts on:
- South Korea School System
- Non-Teaching Jobs: South Korea
- What To Expect The First Week Studying Abroad
- University Student in Korea
- How To Stay Warm During Winter In South Korea
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