Seoul, South Korea

Summer - Internship

Full-Time Internship
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Program Dates:

  • 2027 Summer: Early June - Early August

Credits:

3 or 6 per Summer

Estimated Cost:

$7,950

Visa Required:

Maybe

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English

Language Prerequisites:

None
Request Information

About the Internship

Intern in Seoul, a global city known for its dynamism, innovation, and cultural vitality. This high-tech hub blends ancient palaces with neon skyscrapers, offering a unique landscape where tradition meets the "Korean Wave" in a city that never sleeps.

Our program guarantees an internship placement to help you develop professional skills that will jump-start your career and make you more attractive to employers in today’s competitive job market. Before you depart, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, and hone your networking and interviewing skills, as well as prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be an intern at a local business or organization, where you’ll work approximately 32 hours per week. You will also enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns

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Personalized Placements

We'll work with you to find a placement in the field of your choice.

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Field Trips

Join IES Abroad-organized cultural events and field trips.

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Improve Your Korean Language Skills

Through cultural immersion, you can practice and build your language skills...

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Connect with the Community

By farming and serving the North Korean refugee and homeless communities.

Internship Program Advisor

Alexis Watson headshot

Alexis Watson

Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare for your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300  ✉️ internships@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

An arial view of Seoul, South Korea from N-Seoul Tower.

Why Seoul?

Seoul is a dynamic metropolis where ancient history and modern life converge. You may have heard that Seoul was ranked third “best student city” according to the QS World University Rankings® 2025! Winning factors include a “24/7” culture, late-night tea houses, and 115 museums; nine major subway (plus bus) lines, so everything feels convenient; and a population of nearly 10 million people to enjoy all that it has to offer.

Learn More About Seoul

Get to Know Your New City

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Take in a View of the Cityscape at the N Seoul Tower

Take the cable car up Mt. Namsan to access the observation platform.

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Admire the Gyeongbokgung Palace

Roam the grounds of the largest palace built by the Joseon dynasty.

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Taste Street Food at Gwangjang Market

Immerse yourself in South Korean flavors.

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Gaze at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Attend events, shows, and museums.

The Student Experience

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Program Dates

2027 Summer

Program Dates:

Early June - Early August

Application Deadline:

Academics

While your priority may be gaining professional experience, we also know how important it is to build community where you can reflect and learn about the work world with other students. That's why—during your semester—we offer placements in a wide range of disciplines, and a supplemental required 3- or 6-credit seminar.  

Before you go, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter, and hone your communication and interview skills as we prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed a placement at a local business or organization that fits your professional interests.

To supplement the real-life work experience you'll receive during your internship, you will also participate in a required 3- or 6-credit internship seminar. You should work with your current college or university to learn about how this credit will transfer back to your school. 

Courses

While working in Seoul, you'll also enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns, where you'll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in the workplace.

Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, resolving conflicts, understanding new cultures, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Seoul and when you return home.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your Student Portal. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (1)

Internship Seminar (2)

Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
  • Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 5 years after their graduation date (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
  • Non-U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools: Native English fluency or test scores demonstrating English proficiency, including IELTS scores of 6.0 or above or TOEFL certificate with a score of 500 or above for paper or 60 or above for internet.
  • Non-U.S. citizens attending school outside the U.S.: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
    • Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam.

About the IES Abroad Center

The Center staff are highly trained local professionals providing on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.   

While enrolling in your university, there is on-the-ground staff who are dedicated to supporting you during your time abroad. Get comfortable commuting to university and finding your study abroad hub; all the while, our staff is just a phone call away.

 

Housing in Seoul

Housing in Seoul

We will secure housing for you prior to your arrival in Seoul. We locate and contract housing for students every term that meets our high standards for health and safety while simultaneously increasing student understanding of the local culture. Housing options provided vary by term and location but may include hotel, residence hall, and/or apartment housing. 

We recognize how important housing is to students and their families, and we aim to provide all the information needed to ensure confidence and clarity before arrival. 

Please continue to monitor this page for the most up-to-date housing information for the Seoul - Internship Program! 

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Seoul, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. A list of potential field trips is included below. Trips are available at an additional cost and availability will depend on your work schedule.

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Large, colorful letters spell out "DMZ." A student stands behind the green M smiling at the camera.

DMZ: Orientation

1 Day Fall & Spring

One-day trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone where you will feel and experience the peace and tension between two Koreas.

View of the snowy rooftops of the Jeonju hanok village

Jeonju Hanok Village

1 Day Fall

Located in the southwestern part of South Korea, Jeonju is known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses, called hanok. Immerse yourself in the architectural beauty, delicious cuisine, and the rich history of the Joseon Dynasty.

Bulguksa Gyeongju

Gyeongju

2 days Spring

Explore Gyeongju, known as the “museum without walls,” to discover ancient Korean culture and history. Visit Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. 

Internship Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

2027 Summer

Tuition
$
5,540
Housing
$
2,210
Insurance
$
200
Total
$
7,950

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7.9 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More About Scholarships and Aid
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Orientation

Start at Home
Prepare for arrival in Seoul with our virtual orientation program where you will meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and get to know the city.
Arrive in Seoul
Orientation continues upon arrival. Participate in mandatory orientation sessions with additional academic and student life information to enhance your success abroad.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Seoul before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Korean culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Why You Should Apply ASAP
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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience