Do you want to study in another country? Do you want to experience other cultures? It is easy to see foreign students while walking around campus. Most of them came to CNU as exchange students and visiting students to study in Korea. Then, what is an exchange student?

 ◎ Exchange Student Programs

 An exchange student program is one where a student can study at a foreign university during a fixed period. This program is supported with the student’s university tuition fee, so the student doesn’t have to pay more tuition fee. The student’s credit earned at an exchange school is also transferred to the student’s school. This program not only promotes mutual development between two universities but also vitalizes the international exchange of scholarship.

 ◎ Types of Exchange Programs

 There are two types of exchange programs. There are regular exchange program courses in American universities as well as in the non-English speaking world universities. Regular courses are the most general type. Students in regular courses take classes with general students using that country’s language in that country. They can earn credits the same as general students. Most non-English speaking universities provide classes with English separately for non-English speaking students like those from Japan and Southeast Asia.

◎ Qualifications of Applicants

 There are 4 qualifications to apply for an exchange student program. First, students from sophomore to graduate level can apply for an exchange program, but students who are supposed to graduate at the time of dispatch can’t apply. Second, anyone can apply who don’t receive disciplinary measures under the school rules and unless the one is incapacitated or unqualified for a study abroad under the military service law. Third, anyone whose total average GPA is over 3.0 can apply. Fourth, anyone who has foreign language proficiency scores can apply. English speaking universities demand high scores on the TOEFL or IELTS. Japanese universities demand a score over the second-level on the JLPT. Chinese universities demand a score over the sixth-level on the HSK (over fifth-level of the new HSK). European universities demand high grades on official language tests. Southeast Asian universities demand over 750 on the TOEIC.

◎ Application Procedure

 There are 4 procedures. First, find the exchange student information at the school or visit the website of the Office of International Affairs. Second, apply for the exchange student program at the Office of International Affairs using CNU portals. Sometimes each college recruits students individually. Third, evaluation and selection is influenced by many things. Generally, a selection standard of 50% is the faculty recommendation, 45% is foreign languages scores, and 5% is a study plan. Fourth, write an application for the university and send it.

◎ Matters Requiring Attention

 If you are interested in being an exchange student, you should know of some matters that requires attention. You should get ready for the language test at least 1 year before you plan to start as an exchange student. Exchange student programs allow for second year students to apply, so first year students who are interested in studying overseas should prepare it from now. Acquired credits that you earned at exchange schools can be transferred to CNU. Exchange students should follow the rules of the exchange school. Shortening or changing the period of dispatch isn’t possible. Serious disease or unavoidable household situations are the exception. All exchange students must study at their own schools to their last semester. If not, they can’t graduate from university. If a position is vacated, then additional selection is realized. 

◎ Other International Exchange Programs

 Other than exchange student programs, there are other many international exchange programs. They are double degrees, visiting student, language study abroad, foreign internship, IWO, CHP and temporary resident. A double degree is a program that lets students take half of their total credits at our university and take half of them at a foreign university, so that they can get two degrees from those two universities. Visiting student is a program where the student gets 1~2 credits at a foreign twin university. It is similar to the exchange student program, but there is a difference in tuition. In an exchange student program, students only pay the tuition of their own university and tuition of the foreign university is exempted. In a visiting student program the student should pay all tuition to the foreign university or they get a little exemption in the tuition. Language study abroad is a program for advanced foreign language ability and recognizes 3 credits. Foreign internships are programs where the student works at a foreign enterprise or institution and acquires practical business skills through hands-on experience. IWO is a program where the participants from around the world volunteer together as a team. GHP is a program which supports English and Chinese classes to foster talented students in those languages. Temporary visiting is a program which helps students to experience foreign cultures and makes global networks by visiting foreign universities.

 For more specific information, you can visit the website of the Office of International Affairs (http://cnuint.cnu.ac.kr) or visit the office personally. The exchange student program will be a good opportunity to experience more various cultures in global world. It is one of the ways to experience other cultures beyond the satisfaction of the present circumstance. In the future, it is expected that more CNU students will study abroad all around the world.