George Mason University Korea: A Student's Review

George Mason University is Virginia's largest public research university, with a total student population of 40,000 and a diverse student body, representing all 50 states and 130 countries. The university has three suburban campus locations near the District of Columbia in northern Virginia, as well as an international campus in Songdo, Korea. The Mason Korea campus offers selected bachelor's degree programs, following the same academic curriculum as the US campuses, with classes taught in English by George Mason faculty. The university provides a range of resources and services for international students, including advising, course registration support, housing, and career opportunities. With its convenient location in Northeast Asia's education hub, Mason Korea offers a unique opportunity for international students to gain a valuable educational experience while immersing themselves in Korean life and culture.

Course structure and fees

George Mason University Korea offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including Business Administration, Economics, Global Affairs, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, and Computer Game Design. The university also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in International Commerce and Policy, and Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering, among others. The programs at GMU Korea mirror the high academic standards and curriculum of its main campus in Fairfax, Virginia, with courses taught in English.

The tuition fees at GMU Korea vary depending on the program and the student's residency status. For undergraduate programs, the estimated tuition fees per year for international students are as follows:

• Business Administration: Not specified
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Not specified
• Computer Game Design: Not specified

For graduate programs, the tuition fees per year for international students are:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Not specified
• Master of Arts in International Commerce and Policy: Not specified
• Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering: Not specified
• Master of Arts in Global Affairs: Not specified

It is important to note that these are estimated costs and may not include additional expenses such as airfare, room and board, textbooks, and other personal expenses. The actual cost of attendance can vary depending on individual factors.

GMU Korea provides a range of payment options for students, including wire transfers and credit card payments through Flywire, a platform that allows payments from any country in the student's home currency. The university also offers scholarships, such as the Global Scholar Scholarship, Mason Korea Merit Scholarship, and Incheon Global Campus (IGC) Scholarship, which can provide significant financial assistance.

In terms of course structure, GMU Korea follows a semester-based academic calendar, with two main intake periods: the Fall Semester starting in late August or early September, and the Spring Semester beginning in late January or early February. The university offers small class sizes, fostering a close-knit academic community and personalized attention from professors. The diverse and experienced faculty bring international perspectives to the classroom, enriching the learning experience.

Admissions requirements

George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university with a main campus in Fairfax, Virginia, and three other suburban campus locations in northern Virginia, as well as an international campus in Songdo, South Korea. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and 130 countries.

The admissions requirements for international students applying to George Mason University Korea are as follows:

• Applicants must submit an online application through the University website.
• Applicants must submit an original, official high school transcript, including the date of graduation, to either the Korea campus or the main US campus.
• Non-native English speakers are required to provide proof of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, ACT, or SAT scores).
• There is an application fee of USD 80, which is non-refundable.
• Applications for the standard 16-week semester are open twice per year to accommodate both domestic and foreign high school graduation timelines. The application for the spring semester usually opens in August of the previous year, while the application for the fall semester usually opens in October of the previous year.
• The Office of Admissions will notify applicants of their admissions decision via email, approximately four to five weeks after the completion of the application and submission of all application-related documents.
• Non-US citizens are not required to provide financial documentation at the time of application. However, as the degree program requires studying at the main George Mason University campus in Fairfax, Virginia, US, for the sixth and seventh semesters, a student visa will be required, and financial verification will be necessary for this.
• Non-Korean nationals require a visa to study at the Korea campus.
• Students must score at least TOEFL 69 (15 or higher for each sub-score) or IELTS 6.0 (5.5 or higher for each sub-score) to qualify for the PPP curriculum, which is designed for academically qualified students who need additional English language assistance.
• AP, IB, or A-level exam credits may be accepted. Official results or certificates must be provided.
• Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts directly from the original institution to be considered for transfer credits. Only coursework with grades of C or higher are eligible for transfer credit review.
• All international students with a competitive high school curriculum and grade point average (as determined by the Office of Admissions) can be considered for admission without an SAT or ACT score. However, all US high school graduates are required to submit a New SAT Evidence-Based score of 500 or higher, or an ACT English and Reading score of 20 or higher.

Student life and accommodation

George Mason University (GMU) has an international campus in Songdo, Korea, where students can enjoy the Mason experience at a lower overall cost than at the Fairfax campus. The campus offers the same courses as the US campuses, and students use familiar Mason systems such as Patriot Web. Students live and learn in a vibrant Asian city, enjoying the same advising resources and fulfilling the same course requirements as they would in the US.

The Fairfax, Virginia campus is the hub of undergraduate student life, with over 6,200 students living on campus in traditional co-ed residence halls, suites, and apartments. 75% of freshman students live on campus in one of the residence halls.

There are over 3 dozen fraternities and sororities, and more than 500 student clubs and organisations. The Patriot Activities Council plans major events, like Homecoming and Welcome Week. The university's sports teams are members of the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference.

There is a wide range of housing and residence options available at GMU, including apartments for single students, and special housing for disabled and international students.

Career prospects

George Mason University (GMU) in Korea, also known as Mason Korea, offers a range of benefits for international students in terms of career prospects. Firstly, the university is committed to providing an affordable and valuable education, with opportunities for top-tier internships and career networking. This is further enhanced by its prime location in Songdo, South Korea, which is in close proximity to major cities and hubs such as Seoul and Incheon. This location provides students with access to a wide range of organisations and companies for potential internships and career opportunities.

The international campus in Songdo is part of GMU's broader network, allowing students to easily transfer between campuses and leverage the university's strong alumni network. The university has a large alumni network of over 235,000 individuals, with notable organisations such as Amazon, Deloitte, and Northrup Grumman, as well as institutions like the Smithsonian Institution, the CIA, NASA, and the White House, employing its graduates. This network can be a valuable resource for international students seeking career guidance and connections.

In addition to its alumni network, GMU also offers a variety of career services and resources to support international students in their job search. The university's Career Services office provides a range of programs and events, such as career fairs, resume workshops, and interview preparation sessions, to help students develop their professional skills and connect with potential employers. The office also offers online resources, including job boards and career guidance, specifically tailored to the needs of international students.

The diverse and inclusive community at GMU is another advantage for international students. The university encourages students to take intellectual risks and share ideas, fostering an environment that nurtures and challenges its students. This culture has led to many students gaining recognition through national and international fellowships and awards, enhancing their career prospects. The university's strong reputation for bold innovation and its diverse portfolio of academic programs that address global challenges also contribute to its graduates' employability.

Furthermore, GMU's location near the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., provides unparalleled access to government, industry, and research opportunities. Students can take advantage of internships and research positions with government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private companies, gaining valuable experience and building their professional networks. The university's high graduation rates and successful alumni outcomes demonstrate its ability to prepare students for their future careers.

Campus location and living experience

George Mason University Korea is located in Songdo, Incheon, South Korea. The campus is in Northeast Asia's education hub, and its address is 119-4 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21985. The campus offers the same courses as the Fairfax, Virginia campus, and students can use familiar Mason systems such as Patriot Web.

The campus is situated in a vibrant Asian city, and students can take advantage of the many cultural experiences Korea has to offer. The campus provides housing and residence life services, with lower housing fees than the Fairfax campus. International students can benefit from the International Student Services offered by the university.

Students at Mason Korea can enjoy a convenient and transformative international experience while remaining within the Mason system. They can take courses with special themes that highlight the Korean location, such as an anthropology class on K-pop, a conflict resolution class on the North-South Korean conflict, or a literature class on Korean literature. Additionally, excursions built into the classes, such as trips to K-pop concerts, the DMZ, and writer's museums in Seoul, enhance the overall living experience.

Mason Korea provides a unique opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in Korean life and culture while receiving a high-quality education.

Frequently asked questions