Since its founding in 1885, Yonsei University has been synonymous with international education and exchange in Asia. As the most internationalized and liberal institution of higher learning in Korea, Yonsei enjoys by far the longest history of international education in Korea with the most extensive network of exchange partners worldwide.
Yonsei maintains the most extensive international network in Korea with over 700 partner institutions in 77 countries and educates the largest number of international students among Korean universities, with over 4,500 students in 2015. JoongAng Ilbo ranked Yonsei University as the #1 comprehensive university in the 2012 National University Rankings. It has held the position as top private university in Korea in the QS World University Rankings for many consecutive years.
Yonsei University provides excellent global programs for international students. Its English-based degree programs include Underwood International College (UIC), a highly selective four-year undergraduate school which provides an intimate, elite setting within the larger institution of Yonsei, the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), renowned for its global competitiveness, and Global MBA, an MBA program that is reflective of the modern business environment of the world. Yonsei University also offers the most comprehensive and modernized international non-degree programs for ambitious international students, which include the exchange/visiting student program (SAY), Yonsei International Summer School (YISS), Winter Abroad at Yonsei (WAY), short-term programs, and various Korean language programs offered by the Korean Language Institute.
International students participating in Yonsei University's extensive degree and non-degree global programs have the opportunity to receive the best international education in Asia through its globally renowned faculty and innovative and extensive curriculum, with over 960 undergraduate courses taught in English. In addition, UIC, GSIS, and Global MBA professors form a unique and highly distinguished faculty from leading universities, including Harvard University, Stanford University, and Columbia University. Yonsei University also offers students a rigorous, globally-focused curriculum that can guide students to excel in their respective fields on an international level. In addition to gaining academic excellence, international students are also exposed to a beautiful and culturally rich environment. Yonsei University is particularly fortunate to be situated in a spacious, quiet, and well-wooded environment with a mountain, located just inside in the center of Seoul's metropolitan area. Its scenic campus had been described as "one of the most beautiful campuses in the world" by CNN's special program, EYE ON SOUTH KOREA. In addition to enjoying the beautiful environment, students can share special memories and experience Korean culture by participating in various Yonsei clubs and activities for international students. The famous Yon-Ko Festival, the annual friendly sports matches between Yonsei University and Korea University and their surrounding festivities, is also a major must-see event for international students.
In 2010, Yonsei opened its International Campus in Songdo, conveniently located just ten minutes away from the Incheon International Airport. The Residential College was recently established at the Songdo campus to introduce a leading educational model that encompasses global education, holistic education and creative education through the integration of living and learning. The Yonsei International Campus is a vanguard of Yonsei's globalization and of digital technology and will serve as the foundation of Yonsei's ascension as Asia's World University.