South Korea, Seoul
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
YISS provides a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students across all grade levels in academic, social-emotional, career, and spiritual development. The counseling team serves as advocates and guides, delivering a program that includes classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, individual counseling, and check-ins. The program is organized around four main areas: Transition Assistance, Academic Advising, College and Career Planning, and Social and Emotional Counseling. Social and Emotional Counseling promotes emotional wellness, resilience, and positive relationships through individual and group sessions, classroom lessons, and schoolwide initiatives. This counseling framework is designed to meet the developmental needs of students from elementary through high school.
YISS describes its SEN provision through a Student Learning Support (SLS) program, which provides specialized assistance for students with learning differences and for those acquiring English as an additional language. The SLS team comprises qualified educators and paraprofessionals who partner with classroom teachers, families, and students to promote success across academics and social-emotional development. SLS offers Collaborative Instruction within the mainstream classroom, Targeted Support via structured academic labs and study-skills, and Small Group Instruction to reinforce core skills and language acquisition. SLS aims to ensure belonging, access, and growth for all learners. The program is presented as the school's approach to learning support rather than a separate specialist SEN institution.
YISS provides English language learner (ELL) support through an instructional program for non-native English speakers. The program helps students attain proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing and is offered to a limited number of students each year. Students' English language abilities are assessed during the admissions process. Learning Support services include English language development and are delivered in collaboration with EAL teachers within the SLS program. These EAL provisions are part of YISS's inclusive approach to supporting diverse learners.
YISS places mental wellbeing at the core of its counseling program. The counseling team serves as advocates and guides for students across all grade levels, delivering services that include classroom guidance, small group counseling, individual counseling, and regular check-ins. Social and Emotional Counseling promotes emotional wellness, resilience, and positive relationships through these services. Counselors work across divisions to support students' social-emotional development as part of the four areas of the counseling program: Transition Assistance, Academic Advising, College and Career Planning, and Social and Emotional Counseling. These offerings are designed to support students' mental wellbeing and coping strategies.
YISS maintains a Child Safeguarding policy to protect and nurture every child. The school aims to create a safe, positive, and nurturing environment and to safeguard children to the highest standards. All staff involved with children receive training in child safety and protection. YISS complies with host-country legal requirements for training and reporting as necessary. The Child Safety Team received training from the Child Safety & Protection Network (CSPN), and the policies and procedures align with CSPN best-practice standards. Safeguarding is a daily practice across the school community.
Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS) is a K–12 school in Yongsan-gu, on Itaewon-ro and the school describes its campus as being in the heart of Seoul. YISS follows a U.S. educational model and its high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Families choose between two student programs, which are the NICS Christian program (with Bible class/chapel) or the Oasis program (character education/philosophy and weekly assembly). The school provides student support services, including a Student Learning Support program that includes help for students acquiring English as an additional language. For daily logistics, YISS offers bus transportation and states it operates a fleet of 20 buses, with average rides of 25–30 minutes. In early August, kindergarten families take part in the school’s “Boo Hoo Breakfast” tradition.