Computer Science in South Korea

• Program Orientation
• Travel Arrangements
• On Site Transportation
• Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
• Entry Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens
• Insurance
• LGBTQIA+ Travelers
• U.S. Department of State

Program Orientation

Pre-Departure Orientation

There will be a program-specific orientation with the instructor and/or program provider at UC Davis. This orientation addresses travel, packing, academics, health and safety, and more. It also provides you the opportunity to meet with others on your program. Prior to orientation, you will receive a Program Specific Guide that will further support program preparation.

On-Site Orientation

Soon after arrival to the program destination, you will have an on-site orientation. The on-site orientation serves to introduce you to the new environment as well as provide on-site resources and support.

Travel Arrangements

You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to the program site. Detailed instructions for making flight arrangements are sent to enrolled students via email once the program is confirmed. Wait to purchase plane tickets until you receive this email. Instructions on how to get to the program accommodations will be included in your Program Specific Guide.

On Site Transportation

A pre‐paid metro card to use on public transport for the first few days is provided as part of your program. After the pre-paid amount has finished, you can charge it at any train or metro station. Outside of the pre-paid amount, transportation to and from your internship site is not included in your program fees. Your commute from your housing to your internship may be up to one hour door-to-door, which is not atypical for locals. 

Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

A passport is required for this program.

There are no visa requirements for this program. As UC Davis Summer Abroad programs are not affiliated with a host university, you will enter as a tourist - and can travel in South Korea for 90 total days if you are a U.S. citizen. The State Department website below shows the requirements for travel for U.S. citizens.

NOTE: if you intend to participate in another study, intern or travel program immediately beforehand or afterword, make sure to take this program into account when figuring out your visa situation. Study Abroad can provide you a verification of enrollment letter when requested, but you are responsible for securing visa(s) if needed.

Entry Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens

A passport is required for this program.

Non-U.S. citizens should check to see if they are exempt from visa requirements. For countries that are not exempt, check for more information about visa requirements. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own visa. Summer Abroad will supply a verification of enrollment or other necessary documents for non-U.S. citizens upon request.

International students in the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa interested in studying abroad, should ensure the US visa in their passport has at least 90 days validity remaining whenever they travel abroad. If the US visa expires or is about to expire (even if the I-20 is current), students may be required to apply for the visa to their study abroad country in their home country.

Non-US citizens unable to gain access to the study abroad country will be subject to cancellation fees as shown in the cancellation schedule. For this reason, international students are highly encouraged to research entry to their destination country well in advance, and before enrolling in the program if possible.

Insurance

Participants are enrolled in GeoBlue Global Health Insurance and UC Traveler Insurance for the duration of the program and will be provided with specific coverage information. More details about coverage is available in the Health & Accident Insurance section of our Health and Safety Resources.

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Please be advised that you are traveling to a country where there are limited or uneven protections for LGBTQIA+ people. You are encouraged to learn more about the country and host culture prior to departure. Resources: Equaldex—LGBT Rights in South Korea, ILGA World Database, and the UC Davis Global Learning Hub's LGBTQIA+ Students webpage. Please contact the program coordinator for further support and resources.

U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State advances the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity, by leading America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for country-specific travel information.