Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cisco kid]

Quick question about the University of maryland on the Yongsan base, can regular people (non military us citizens) take classes there, as in a MA program?

[blackbird]

You can enroll in their "face to face" programs if you are an American and you are able to get on base. Korean nationals are not allowed to take classes. You may be able to enroll in their distance education programs even if you do not have permission to enter the base.

[Riposte]

You don't have to be American (I know a couple of students that are non-US nationals and not SOFA affiliated...and I was one one myself a few years back) and you don't have to be able to get on post (except for the first time when you enroll) as they will organize a base pass for you allowing for entry at the specific class times.

As far as Koreans are concerned, I remember there used to be plenty of Koreans with less-than-impressive English skills taking classes there. Maybe gyopos with US citizenship/green card? But that would suprise me because they really seemed "Korean Korean"...

[matthews_world]

Ah, cool. Website available?

[Mashimaro]

I'd be interested in a website too!

[Gaius]

I've been working on a second Bachelor's Degree through the UMUC Asia D.E. program. The majority of the work is done online/at home, but I have to go on base once a session for a proctored exam. Whenever I go on base, I need to call the field office for an escort.

The best part of the Asia D.E. program is the cost. You only pay $168 per credit. And once you are enrolled in the Asia program you can take classes through the Europe D.E. program or Maryland D.E. program. Check out the link below.

http://www.ad.umuc.edu/

[Mashimaro]

Does the U of Maryland have a good rep?
Not being American I wouldn't know

[Captain Corea]

[Mashimaro]

[Captain Corea]

[matthews_world]

Didn't see any Master's programs there.

Anyone taken the Korean courses?

[blackbird]

I stand corrected by Captain Corea. A few years ago the US government told the University of Maryland that Korean nationals are no longer allowed to take face to face classes. Obviously, there are special cases such as when the Korean is married to a contractor or works for the univerisity. I still think that you must be an American or somehow affiliated with the military in order to take face to face classes. Distance education has different regulations.

As to the University of Maryland's reputation, it is a very good school. However, classes in Korea are offered through UMUC (University of Maryland University College) which has a less impressive reputation.

[JeJuJitsu]

[blackbird]

The official facts:

1) There is no way for a non-military affiliated person to get onto a US military base in Korea on their own merit. This means that US citizens (or others) who are not DOD ID holders cannot legally take face to face classes with UMUC while in Korea. In the past, it was possible to issue some type of temporary base pass for people registered as UMUC students. This practice was ended after the 9/11 attack. There is a loophole. If you can convince the professor to sign you in and out of the base for each class, then it might be possible. Just having a friend who is willing is not enough unless your friend is willing to take the class with you and otherwise remain with you 100% of the time.

2) There is no way for a non-military affiliated Korean national to enroll in classes with UMUC. Koreans who are married to American soldiers may take classes and Koreans who work full time on the American bases may also enroll in classes.

3) Distance education classes are open to everyone except non-military affiliated Korean nationals. You must have a friend willing to escort you onto the base to enroll and to take exams.


Anyone interested in taking face to face math classes on Osan Air Base can PM me for more possibilities. (Trig, Calc, Linear Alg, Diff. Eq. ect.)