Drexel in Korea: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
KAIST is recognized as one of the best research-oriented science and engineering universities in Asia. Since its establishment in 1971, KAIST has dedicated itself to educating highly qualified students in science and engineering and spearheading scientific and technological innovation for the betterment of the nation and the world. KAIST is located in Daedeok Science Town, the home to more than 60 government-supported and private research institutes, 4 universities, and numerous venture businesses. The Science Town is situated in the northern part of Daejeon, which is approximately 150km south of Seoul. Daejeon has a population of over 1.3 million citizens. Taking advantage of its geographical location, KAIST provides abundant opportunities for research and learning through collaboration and exchanges with institutions and organizations in the immediate vicinity.
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- KOR 101 language requirement
- Sophomore, pre-junior, or junior
Course Availability Classes at KAISTare taught in both English and Korean. Students must complete Korean 101 in order to apply for this program. However, you are encouraged to continue your language studies as course options are greater with an advanced level of Korean.
Use the
Course Catalog to search for KAIST classes.
Course Equivalencies
You must obtain approval by the appropriate department for each course you plan to take abroad. For example, if you want to take a sociology course at the host institution for Drexel credit, its equivalent must be pre-approved by the Sociology Department at Drexel.
Grading
Students are taught and graded by Korean faculty at KAIST. Grades are noted as "CR/NCR" on their transcript and will NOT affect their GPA. In order to receive CR students must earn a "C" or above at the host institution. Students must be a full-time student at the host institution while also taking the equivalent of a full-time load at Drexel.
Fall Term Dates (KAIST Semester 2)
| Program Start Date |
Late August |
| Program End Date |
Late December |
Drexel students will have to arrive in Korea at the end of August, before the end of Drexel's summer term. Students should plan on leaving their spring/summer co-op early.
Spring Term Dates (KAIST Semester 1)
| Program Start Date |
Late February |
| Program End Date |
Late June |
Drexel students will have to arrive in Korea at the end of February, before the end of Drexel's winter term. Students should plan on leaving their fall/winter co-op early. Please double check the end date for the spring semester to make sure that you are back in time for Drexel's summer term.
Students are guaranteed on-campus housing. The assigned dormitories (room type: double or triple occupancy) for exchange students are furnished with beds, closets, desks and chairs for each room. KAIST will lend you one pillow and one blanket. Shared facilities include restrooms, showers, washing machines, clothes drier, and a lobby on each floor.
All applicants who are not Korean need a visa to study in Korea. In order to get a visa, you must apply for one with the original certificate of admission issued by KAIST at the embassy or consulate of the Republic of Korea in your home country.
Program Costs
This is a Drexel sponsored program, thus all of your Drexel tuition and financial aid remain the same during your term abroad. For additional program costs, such as housing, visa, and other expenses, please consult the budget sheet.
Scholarships
If you receive Federal Work Study, consider applying for the Study Abroad Online Journalist work study position. The application is available to students after acceptance into the program.
To seek additional funding, review the Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly. Students may also want to submit a revised budget to the Financial Aid Office to see if additional funding may be available.
- Students who receive Federal Pell Grant should apply for the Gilman Scholarship. Awards up to $5,000 for U.S. citizen undergraduate students that receive the Federal Pell Grant.
- Students going on this program are eligible to apply for the PaCIE and The Asia Institute’s joint scholarship. Awards up to $1,000 to support students seeking to participate in global learning experiences in Asia.
- Students going on this program in the fall or spring terms are eligible to apply for the Freeman-Asia scholarships. Awards up to $5,000 for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
