Destination: Asia

Donggkuk University, Seoul, South Korea

Founded in 1906, Dongguk University is one of South Korea’s established private universities. Located in Jung-gu at the foot of Namsan, it sits in central Seoul with easy access to many of the city’s cultural and historical landmarks.


The university offers a variety of programmes across humanities, social sciences, technology, arts, film and media, and traditional Korean medicine, giving students plenty of options while abroad. Its Buddhist foundations inform an emphasis on balanced education and social responsibility.


Dongguk’s central location provides convenient access to Seoul’s culture, history and daily life, making it a practical and engaging base for study abroad.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Donggkuk University.


We recommend that students take as many modules as possible within their primary subject area, complemented by culture and language courses to provide a balanced blend of academic focus and cultural enrichment.

Please visit the Donggkuk University website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – The nearest major airports to Donggkuk University are Gimpo Airport or Incheon Airport. From the airports, you can reach campus by subway or bus.
  • Accommodation – Students can choose to live in on-campus housing or arrange accommodation off-campus independently. If you apply for on-campus housing and are approved, you will be allocated to one of three dormitories: Namsan Residence Hall, Chungmu Residence Hall, or Pildong Residence Hall (female students only). It is not possible to choose your dormitory, as allocations are made automatically based on availability, and not all applicants may receive a room due to limited availability. If allocated a room, it will be available for one semester only, so you will need to arrange accommodation for the second semester.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet South Korean entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in South Korea, and students are required to purchase health insurance, and must also enroll in the National Health Insurance Service NHIS.

Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan

Hosei University is one of Japan’s leading private universities, located in the heart of Tokyo, a global city that blends cutting-edge modernity with deep cultural heritage. Founded in 1880, Hosei combines a long academic tradition with an international outlook, welcoming students from around the world. Exchange students benefit from studying at a well-connected urban campus, with access to extensive academic resources, student support, and opportunities to experience life in one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities.


Tokyo itself offers endless opportunities for exploration — from museums, temples, and traditional districts to modern cafés, shopping, and nightlife. An exchange at Hosei University offers both academic growth and an immersive experience of Japanese culture, innovation, and city life.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Hosei University.

  • The Exchange Students from Overseas Program (ESOP) is open to all disciplines and is designed for students particularly interested in Japanese cultural studies.
  • Specific modules of study are available to Business Management, Marketing, Accounting, and Finance students through the Global Business Programme (GBP).
  • Students in International Business, Business Management, Marketing, Economics, Fine Art, Media and Communication, Journalism, Film Studies, Politics and International Relations, English Language and Literature, History, Education Studies, and Psychology can explore the Global Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) programme.

Please visit the Hosei University website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – Hosei University’s campuses are located in central Tokyo, with the Ichigaya campus in Chiyoda-ku and the Koganei campus in western Tokyo. The city is well-connected by trains and buses, making commuting to campus easy. The nearest international airports are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). From either airport, students can reach central Tokyo by train or bus.
  • Accommodation – Exchange students are eligible to apply for university managed dormitories. Additional information about housing options and application procedures is available here.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Japanese entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Japan. It is mandatory for exchange students to purchase National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) after arrival, according to the Japanese Government Policy for foreigners who will stay over 90 days. Further information about insurance can be found here.

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies – Seoul, South Korea

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) is a leading global institution established in 1954. Since its founding, HUFS has pioneered the way forward for Korea, leading the country’s economic growth and globalization.


HUFS is recognized as the best university in Korea for educating foreign languages and area studies. The mission of the university is to foster creative experts on the international stage, who can contribute to world peace and the exchange of cultures.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at HUFS.

Please visit the HUFS website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study

DMU student stories

Joe’s experience studying in Seoul, South Korea

Joe studies English Language with TESOL at DMU, and chose to study on exchange at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Here are Joe’s reflections on his year spent in South Korea. Did you notice any differences in the teaching styles between the UK and Korea? Studying in Korea is a lot more intensive. We had…


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – The nearest major airport to HUFS is  Incheon Airport. It is recommended that you use the HUFS Airport pickup service. A taxi to HUFS would be approximately £45-£55.
  • Accommodation – You will need to apply to live in the HUFS on-campus dorms. For more information check out HUFS Housing webpage.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet South Korean entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in South Korea, and students are required to purchase emergency medical insurance while attending HUFS.

Seinan Gakuin University – Fukuoka, Japan

Seinan Gakuin University (SGU) is a private humanities-focused university with a long history of international exchange and cooperation. The international exchange program, now managed in the Center for International Education, is one of the oldest such programs in Japan. With a total graduate and undergraduate student population of about 8,500, SGU is consistently ranked as one of the leading privately-funded universities in Western Japan.


Fukuoka city, where Seinan Gakuin is located, is situated on the island of Kyushu, the southwestern most of Japan’s four major islands. It is a city built on commerce, with a population of about 1.6 million, and has developed as the cultural and commercial center of the island. The city enjoys a convenient geographic location with easy access to other Asian nations, only 540 kilometers from Seoul and 870 kilometers from Shanghai, versus 1,100 kilometers to Tokyo.


One of the key attractions of Fukuoka is the way it combines the convenience of the city with a rich natural environment. The public transport network is excellent, with rail, bus and subway services that make it easy to get around in the city. Lush natural surroundings – sea and mountains – are only about 30 minutes away from downtown, and the city is noted nationwide for its delicious foods.


Programmes of study


Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Seinan Gakuin University.


All students on exchange at SGU study a combination of Japanese language courses and elective modules which are taught in English in relation to Japanese culture, history, tradition, business and society.


The Japanese language courses include Comprehensive Japanese, Writing and Reading which are offered at different levels. Students with no prior knowledge of Japanese language can start at beginners level.

Please visit the SGU website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – the nearest major airport to SGU is Fukuoka Airport, 20 minutes away using the subway.
  • Accommodation – Students can apply to live in the on-campus International Houses which may be shared or private. Off-campus housing is also available. Further information about accommodation types and costs can be found here. While SGU try to accommodate housing preferences, they are not able to guarantee that these will be met.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Japanese entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Japan. It is mandatory for exchange students at Seinan Gakuin University to purchase Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI), Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (PAS) and Comprehensive Insurance for Students Lives. Further information about insurance can be found here.

Kyung Hee University – Seoul, South Korea

Kyung Hee University is a private university located in Seoul, South Korea. The emblem of the university is the Chinese character for “university” and has a world map in the background. This symbolizes Kyung Hee’s vision for globalization as well as an open mind and humanism for the world.


KHU, home to over 34,000 students is considered as one of the best universities in South Korea, comprising of 3 campuses; Seoul, Global (Yongin) and Gwangneun.


Since its founding in 1949, Kyung Hee University has pursued the Kyung Hee Spirit of “Scholarship and Peace” as well as the founding principle of “creating a civilized world.” It has established an academic tradition combining education, research and practice while pursuing the universal values of peace and mutual prosperity.


Programmes of study

Modules taught in English are available for students of the following programme areas at DMU: Textile Design, Arts and Festival Management, English Language and Literature, all Business Studies, Management, Accounting and Finance, Economics, Politics and International Relations. There are also General Education elective modules available to complement your studies and provide an insight into Korean culture and society, as well as Korean language classes. An overview of the course offer in English can be found here.


Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Kyung Hee University.

view STUDENT HANDBOOK


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – the nearest major airport to Kyung Hee University is Incheon International Airport (ICN). An airport pick-up service is available for students arriving at ICN on the designated arrival date provided by KHU upon request. A taxi would be approximately £45-£55 or alternative means of transport are available.
  • Accommodation – Accommodation is available at Sehwa Hall (Sehwawon) for students studying at the Seoul campus. Other options are also available. For more information check out the Kyung Hee University Housing page.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet South Korean entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in South Korea, and students are required to purchase adequate travel and health insurance.

Kwansei Gakuin University – Nishinomiya, Japan

Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) is an independent institution for higher education, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in over 35 different disciplines to a student body of approximately 24,700. Founded in 1889, the university maintains academic standards that rank among the highest of all Japanese universities and colleges. KGU places a large emphasis on producing ‘global citizens’, and in 2014 was selected by the Japanese government as one of 37 out of a total of 800 universities nationwide to receive funding under the Top Global University Project.


Programmes of study


Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Kwansei Gakuin University.


KGU offers ‘The Contemporary Japan Program’ which is specially designed for incoming exchange students to Kwansei Gakuin University.


Exchange students are offered a choice between two study tracks that will define the main focus of their time at KGU, the “Japanese Language Track” and the “Modern Japan Track”. Exchange students are also able to select elective courses to learn more about “Contemporary Japan” from a variety of aspects such as language, culture, society, economy, and politics.


Please note that eligible DMU students from all Faculties can choose to study at KGU (subject to Programme Leader approval).

Please visit the KGU website via the button below to view the Contemporary Japan Programme.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – the nearest major airport to KGU is Kansai International Airport.
  • Accommodation – Students can apply to live in the on-campus dorm which may be shared or private. Availability is not guaranteed for students applying in 22-23. There is also the option to apply for a homestay with a Japanese family. Dorm rooms cost between £270-380 per month (excluding meals and utilities).

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Japanese entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Canada, and students are required to purchase medical insurance while attending Kwansei Gakuin University.

Hong Kong Shue Yan University – Hong Kong, SAR China

Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) is the first private university in Hong Kong. It was founded as Shue Yan College in 1971 and attained its university status in 2006. During the past four decades, the University has built up a solid reputation in the educational community both in Hong Kong and internationally. Ranked at 301-305 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2021, HKSYU is now comprised of 12 academic departments under the Faculties of Arts, Commerce and Social Sciences. The University currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for more than 4000 students. To find out more, why not take a virtual tour of the campus here.


Hong Kong itself is a special administrative region of China (SAR). With a population of over 7.5 million people and over 200 islands it is known for being a cosmopolitan financial and technological hub. While Cantonese is the most common language, English and Mandarin are also spoken. Its rich history and western influence make it a unique destination to witness both the past and the future.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at HKSYU.

Please visit the HKSYU website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – the nearest major airport to Hong Kong Shue Yan University is Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Upon arrival, an HKSYU student (exchange buddy) , will meet students at the airport to take them to their accommodation by the airport express train or bus.
  • Accommodation – guaranteed on-campus accommodation is available in the undergraduate residence hall. This is designed in a dormitory style and is gender-segregated by floor. Students usually reside in twin (approx. £180 per month) or triple (approx. £150 per month) rooms as single-occupancy rooms are limited. Rooms are en-suite with shared common areas and a pantry with basic equipment for food preparation. Further details are available here.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – to take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that meet Hong Kong immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Hong Kong, and students are required to purchase their own policy. The insurance should cover, but is not limited to, travel, personal accidents, medical expenses (accident and non-accident), hospitalization and emergency evacuation/ repatriation.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University – Hong Kong, SAR China

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) was first established in 1937 as the Government Trade School and assumed full university status in 1994. The student population at PolyU is the largest among all publicly funded university in Hong Kong. English is the main language of instruction and courses are offered via six faculties and two schools


HKPU is ranked 75th in the QS World University Rankings 2021 and is renowned for its spirit of determination and for providing students with global perspectives and opportunities, keeping with a vision of ‘Opening Minds – Shaping the Future’.


Hong Kong itself is a unique destination, one of Asia Pacific’s leading design and innovation centres, an international financial centre, where Eastern and Western cultures meet. The city has fantastic transport links, scenic hiking trails, an energetic arts community and English is one of the official spoken languages.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at HKPU at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing.

Please visit the HKPU website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – The nearest major airport is Hong Kong International Airport. It takes around 40 minutes and costs HK$75 to get to HKPU by train or by bus it takes approximately an hour and costs HK$33.
  • Accommodation – University-managed Accommodation (including the Student Halls and Off-campus Housing) is available for a twin-sharing room.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that meet Hong Kong immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Hong Kong, and students are required to purchase their own policy. The insurance should cover but is not limited to travel, personal accidents, medical expenses (accident and non-accident), hospitalization and emergency evacuation/ repatriation.

Sookmyung Women’s University – Seoul, South Korea

Sookmyung Women’s University (SMU) is a private university located in downtown Seoul, South Korea, within close distance to the city’s major attractions (10 minutes from Seoul Station). The university’s name is derived from Hanja characters of ‘sook’ and ‘myung’, which mean ‘elegant’ and ‘bright’ respectively.


First established in 1906 during the latter stages of the Korean empire, it was Korea’s first national women’s private school. Currently it has a diverse student population of 13,000. The university’s main goal is to foster creative leaders with power of thinking, delivered through rigorous academic training and opportunities for student leadership against the backdrop of the exciting capital city of Seoul.


Please note, male students are eligible to apply to study on exchange at Sookmyung Women’s University.


Learn more about Sookmyung Women’s University here.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Sookmyung Women’s University.

Please visit the Sookmyung Women’s University website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.
Please select the ‘teaching methods’ tab to search for modules taught in English.

View programmes of study

There are complementary Korean Studies courses available, to allow students to learn more about Korean language and culture. Full details of courses available can be found here.


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – The nearest major airports to Sookmyung Women’s University Gimpo Airport or Incheon Airport. An SMU buddy can pick you up at either airport and guide you to your accommodation for 50,000 Korean won (approximately £33).
  • Accommodation – You will need to apply to live in SMU on-campus dorm. For more information check out the SMU website.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet South Korean entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in South Korea, and students are required to purchase health insurance.

Sophia University – Tokyo, Japan

Sophia University was established in 1913 and has a strong reputation for excellence in undergraduate education, outstanding graduate programs, and a competitive research environment. This has enabled it to maintain its ranking as one of Japan’s top private universities. The word ‘Sophia’ was taken from the Greek language and it means ‘the wisdom which is expressed in ethical activities that further the goals of human existence.’ The wisdom, or ‘Sophia’ is the ultimate treasure which the university aims to give to its students.


Sophia, classed as a pioneer in global education has a student population of up to 15,000 students and welcomes over 1000 international students from 80 countries worldwide. The faculty includes members from more than 20 countries, and most faculty members have overseas study and research experience.


The university is located centrally in Tokyo, a culturally unique city with its mix of traditional and modern elements of Japan.  The campus is centrally located within walking distance of places of interest such as the National Diet and the nation’s administrative district, the Imperial Palace and the National Guest House. Shinjuku, one of the most exciting areas in Tokyo, is just a 5 minutes train ride away from Yotsuya, the closest station.


Programmes of study

Sophia University offers the opportunity for students to take Japanese language classes alongside other majors offered in the English-taught Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA). The tentative module offer can be found by following the links for each major.


Only students enrolled on the DMU programmes mentioned below in brackets are eligible to apply to study on exchange at Sophia University.

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Sophia University.

view exchange programme


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – the nearest major airports to Sophia University are Narita International Airport (1 hour and 15 minutes by train to Yotsuya station costing £20) and Haneda Airport (30 minutes by taxi for £50 or 50 minutes on the train to Yotsuya station for £5). Please note, prices and distances are approximate. Further details on arrivals will be provided by the university directly.
  • Accommodation – various off-campus accommodation options associated with the university are available. Commuting times vary between 45 – 90 minutes and rent costs are £4000+ for the academic year depending on the option selected. Full details are available here.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Japanese immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Japan. Students are required to purchase mandatory national health insurance which costs between £10-20 per month as well as personal accident insurance.

Yokohama City University – Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama City University (YCU) is a public university in Yokohama, Japan with approximately 5,000 students. YCU has been ranked 16th amongst the “worlds best small universities” (Times Higher Education, 2017) and is ranked 30th among universities in Japan (Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings 2019).


Founded in 1882, the university is located 18 minutes outside the vibrant and welcoming port city of Yokohama, and less than an hour away from Tokyo via public transport.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at YCU.

Please visit the YCU website via the button below to view the programmes and modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Japanese entry requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Japan, and students are required to purchase emergency medical insurance while attending YCU and may be required to complete health assessments prior to arrival.

University of Macau – SAR China

University of Macau (UM) is the only public research university in Macau, and is ranked 42nd in Asia by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The University is home to over 10,000 students from over 50 countries and regions, and the medium of instruction is English.


University of Macau offers more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines and has 30,000 students and has produced more than 140,000 alumni.


Programmes of study

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at University of Macau.

Please visit the University of Macau website via the button below to view the Psychology modules available.

View programmes of study


Travel & accommodation

  • Travel – the nearest major airport to University of Macau is Macau international airport. It is recommended to take a taxi to your accommodation, which should cost approximately MOP $70-80 (£6-7) .
  • Accommodation – you will need to apply to live in the UM student halls of residence. For more information check out  the University of Macau student housing webpage.

Visas & insurance

  • Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you meet Macau immigration requirements.
  • Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Macau, and students are required to purchase emergency medical insurance while attending UM and may be required to provide medical examination documentation as part of the application process. We recommend contact the Student Resources Office if you have any questions.