Korean Job Discussion Forums

[onie]

So it's no secret that the SKY universities in Korea (Seoul National, Korea and Yonsei) are ridiculously competitive to gain admission into for Korean high school students. But I don't know much about the conditions for graduate or international students.

What I am wondering is, how hard is it to gain admission to a graduate program at any of these universities as an international student? I know that Seoul National is trying to attract international academics and students to boost its ranking worldwide and figure this must be relevant.

The reason I'm asking is that I want to do a MA focusing on Korean politics and as far as I can tell, the best place to study Korea would be Korea.

Any first-hand (or second, third) would be appreciated.

[daeguowl]

Not sure about nowadays but it used to be that all you needed was a pulse and the ability to pay the fees...

[Trevor]

During the admissions process it is imperative that you be able to verify a pulse, as well as other vital signs.

OP, you have to ask yourself why graduate programs in Korea are so unpopular for international students. Everybody is looking for a bargain in education. Is Korea that bargain?

I'll let others expound, but I really think you should be clear on what you hope to achieve with your Korean MA and where it may lead you.

[Mariella713]

[onie]

I know from reading this board that a lot of people consider university education (including graduate programs) in Korea to be somewhat of a joke, et cetera, and there might be good ground for that, or maybe not. But I have looked into other schools elsewhere in the world, but one of the SKY schools seems to be the best option given my sole focus in undertaking this MA is to specialise in Korean politics.

I guess I could liken it to wanting to study say, Indian politics - going to India to do so is the most obvious and arguably most logical decision to make. But I do appreciate the point that you're making, and I realise that this MA will help me possibly as far as getting a job in Korea (and that's on the premise I overcome the intense competition for any jobs that this degree would lead to) but probably fairly little beyond that. I welcome suggestions, input and advice.

[SeoulFinn]

I think you're right. Studying in Korea is a good idea if -- and only if -- your topic is Korea related, let it be history, language or politics.

[furtakk]

I'm in the same boat as you (considering doing an MA in political science with a focus on korea). I've looked into it a bit and from the admissions information on some of the websites, they look like they have similar standards to mid-level schools in the west. That said, I don't know if those admissions standards hold up in practice.

[PRagic]

If you're looking at doing your MA in international relations, then all three of those grad programs carry some weight, and all three have prof with good backgrounds in political science. All three have put people through to excellent Ph.D. programs in other countries, and grads have good jobs.

As for getting opportunities in politics with an MA degree alone from any of these universities? Don't know for sure, but you could check with their respecitve alum. organizations.

If you're going to specialize, you might also want to think in broader terms (e.g. E. Asia rather than simply Korea/N. Korea). Just a thought. If you're in Korea, take the time to visit any or all of the schools and ask some specific questions.

[daeguowl]

Let me expound on my flippant comment from before.

I actually graduated from one of the aforementioned schools and a lot of my classmates have very good jobs within NGOs, government, IBs etc. It can definitely look good on your CV if applying for jobs in Korea. From a personal point of view, it is what you make of it. You can pretty much cruise through and graduate with minimal effort or you can work your socks off and learn a lot. There are some decent professors, most of whom are foreign educated, and some interesting people among your fellow students. Where it fell down when I attended was that my Korean classmates mostly appeared to be lacking the required pulse in class and therefore it was difficult to get any kind of discussion going in class. It may be better now...

There was quite a lot of competition for places among Korean students, not so much for foreigners who basically seemed to be accepted if they matched the requirements (kind of like an E2 visa then)...

[pkang0202]

I don't know about MA's. I know that the MBA requirements are high enough where you can't just walk in and get accepted.

I don't remember exactly which program does what, but I'm pretty sure all of them want GMAT scores. Also, you had to show them a bank statement showing you had like ~40 million won in your account.


Are there Accreditation standards for MA's? The MBA has the AACSB. If there is, I would definitely apply to the program that has the proper accreditation.

[Juregen]

As a foreigner there shouldn't be a real problem in getting in tbh.

The more foreign students they have the better, so you are on the "to want" list.

There are reqs, but they are just for show. Trust me.

I was excepted into an MBA program, and didn't have to pay a penny, not a single won for the entire program (Koreans paid 69M won ...).

Just play your cards right and ask for grants.

[atwood]

You shouldn't have any problem getting accepted; they are actively recruiting international students and giving many of them scholarships. Make sure you look into the scholarship angle.

[dharmabum86]

Right now I'm attending SNU as a grad student and its been good so far.

Expect academic culture shock. Anyhow...

I found that, depending on your desired area of study, it really depends on which professors are willing to take you as a graduate student. I applied to Yonsei but was turned down because I didn't have enough real connection with the professors in the program. Pretty much the same situation with any research heavy graduate program. The more relevant your interests are with the professors in the program, the higher chance you have of being taken on as a graduate student.

Honestly not sure how much weight my GPA had in my selection, but me being born in an English speaking did help for sure. I was even lucky enough to get project funding to pay for my first years tuition.

I suggest you do some heavy research into what programs and profs you like and make your statement of intent really match their areas of expertise.

[nautilus]

Is a Masters from a Korean University internationally recognised? obviously in a few cases at least,... but generally speaking? I mean as a stepping stone to PhD at a western university. I know Japanese universitiess at least have no problem in this regard...

[rickpidero]

I'm looking at Yonsei's GSIS. I've heard its easy for foreigners to get in, but maybe just hear-say. I actually have an interview soon.

But, look at some of the schools that it shares company with: http://www.apsia.org/apsia/members/allMembers.php?section=member

Seems legit.