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Study abroad in
South Korea
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into the shoes of a South Korean teenager, experiencing the culture firshard as you attend a local high school and live with a Korean family.
Going with WEP is best
Since 1988, a wide choice of destinations and comprehensive assistance before, during and after your overseas program. WEP is the ideal partner for your adventure.
We also get to choose who we travel with: our schools, host families and overseas partner organisations are carefully selected.
We offer a custom-made insurance policy, specifically designed for our participants, and we have a solid network behind us.
Emergency assistance, overseas and from Australia, is available 7 days out of 7, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Allowing all our participants to live their desired overseas experience is a mission, a challenge we're thrilled to accept.
Why study in South Korea?
South Korea is a mix of history and modernity. Studying here means embarking on a fascinating adventure: you'll be able to explore ancient royal palaces, take part in a tea ceremony and immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture, whilst also letting yourself be captivated by the latest k-pop news and k-fashion trends, in the colourful city streets of larger cities.
If you'd like to take a break from the hustle and bustle, head to one of the lovely beaches - such as in Busan - or visit Jeju Island, immersed in nature and tranquillity. And of course, don't miss out on Korean cuisine: bulgogi, ramyeon, kimchi... the local flavours are a true triumph!
Study in South Korea with WEP
A WEP program to South Korea represents a unique opportunity for discovery, learning and entertainment.
On a high school exchange program, you will have the chance to step into the shoes of a Korean student, attending a local secondary school and living with a welcoming host family who will expose you to the most authentic side of South Korea. You may live anywhere in the country, forming new friendships in your local community and improving your Korean through daily interactions with your host family, schoolmates and teachers.
On a language study program, you will immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of Gangnam, one of Seoul's most popular districts. The focus of this program rests specifically on language improvement, following a high-quality Korean language course whilst making the most of this incredible opportunity to live in a large metropolis. Options to customise your program are available, including intensive classes, optional activities or private lessons for a more personal approach.
Whichever program you choose, by the end of your program your Korean will have certainly improved, together with your cultural knowledge and understanding of Korean customs and society. Don't miss out on this opportunity to complement your personal education journey with an experience in South Korea!
The education system in South Korea
The South Korean education system is known for its rigour and competitive structure. School is divided into 12 years of instruction: children start with primary school (chodeung hakgyo), which lasts 6 years, followed by middle school (jung hakgyo) for 3 years and high school (godeung hakgyo) for another 3 years. Students attend high school from 15 to 18 years of age and at the end, they obtain a high school graduation diploma.
Access to university in South Korea is highly competitive and often depends on how well students perform in a national standardised exam called Suneung. Once admitted to university, students can choose between various 4-year undergraduate programs, followed by a master or a doctoral degree for those who wish to continue their studies further. There are also junior colleges, that offer 2- or 3- year programs focusing on practical skills and preparation for specific professions.
FAQ
To participante in a High School Exchange program to South Korea, you need to be between 15 and 18 years old on departure, have a C grade average, be a non-smoker, and have positive personal traits, such as being motivated, curious, tolerant, open and adaptable. You also need to be physically and emotionally healthy - please discuss any specific conditions or requirements with WEP in advance.
For a Language Study program in South Korea, you simply need to be between 13 and 17 for a Junior Course + Activity program, or over 16 for a classic language course.
Our High School Exchange programs in South Korea can be either short-term (under 90 days), or an academic semester. The exact length depends on the departure period - please contact WEP for more information.
Language Study programs in South Korea have a duration of minimum 2 weeks, up to 6 weeks for a JCourse + Activity program or 16 weeks for a classci course. You can choose the duration that suits you best.
To decide which program duration is best for you, you should reflect on what you would like to achieve through the program and discuss your preferences with your family to make sure they are on board. If you're a high school student, you should also speak to your school to ensure that you understand their policy regarding re-integrating into Australian schooling (if you're going to be missing a significant amount of school) and any requirements to repeat school back home.
It's always best to check our website and/on obtain an online quote to see updated program prices.
We know an overseas program is a significant financial investment. We do our best to offer the best possible prices, which vary depending on the destination and chosen program, and provide discounts and special promotions to help towards the cost.
Whether you are participating in a High School Exchange program or Language Study program in South Korea, if you're under 18 you will live with a local host family.
If you're over 18 and participating in a Language Study program, you will be able to choose if you wish to stay with a homestay family, live in a residence, or even find your own accommodation (e.g. with friends).