longest running exchange program in the western hemisphere
follow us @KUStudyAbroad
Study Abroad Info Center, Lippincott 105 great resume builder
out-of-state students pay in-state rates
24-hour emergency assistance available affordable, high quality programs
first student studied abroad 1949 TH E JAY H AWK GU I D E TO
study abroad
40+ foreign languages taught at KU
5 student peer advisors
75
faculty-led programs
$530,000+ per year in
programs scholarships in more Winter Break, Spring Break, Summer, than 70 Semester, & year-long programs countries many programs in English
130 unique study abroad program options
programs for all majors STUDY ABROAD FAIR WED. SEPT. 9TH
Frequently Asked
study abroad info center 105 Lippincott Hall 1410 Jayhawk BLVD 9-5, M-f 785.864.3742 studyabroad@ku.edu studyabroad.ku.edu You have questions. We have answers.
@studyabroadku
questions What is Study Abroad? Study abroad is an opportunity to study, conduct research, or intern in another country and earn academic credit. Students have a chance to experience life in another culture, immerse themselves in a new community, and gain valuable skills. Research shows that international experience increases student success academically and professionally. For example, students who study abroad are more likely to get jobs faster and make more money over the course of their careers than their peers.
Who can go? Students from all majors and backgrounds are eligible and encouraged to study abroad. KU offers a number of programs that are taught in English and foreign language skills are not required. Students should have a 2.5 GPA and must complete one full semester on campus before they study abroad.
What are my options? Students can study abroad for a semester, an academic year, a summer, or over a winter or spring break. Students can choose from semester programs where they can take a full course load at a foreign institution, or they can take 3-12 credit hours on a facultyled program. Additionally, KU offers international internships and international research opportunities. Finding the right program is an important step, and we offer comprehensive advising for all students to help with this important decision.
What can I study? What do you want to study? Students abroad can study a foreign language, take KU Core electives, or take classes toward their majors (some majors have a few restrictions). Students can also explore a new subject or research a topic of interest to them, like marine biology, Nordic architecture, religion in India, or business practices in China.
When should I start planning? The earlier you start planning your study abroad experience, the better. We encourage students to visit the Study Abroad Info Center their freshman year to start looking into program options. We also encourage freshman to attend the Study Abroad Fair during the first few weeks of school. It’s never too early to come into the office to start planning.
When should I go? That’s a great question for your academic advisor! When to study abroad depends greatly on your major, your interests, and where you want to go. If you are in a highly structured program like engineering, architecture, or education, you will need to plan ahead to determine the best semester for you to go abroad. Generally, most students will go abroad their sophomore or junior year, but with some planning you could also go second semester of your freshman year, over a summer, or during your senior year.
Study Abroad: A Jayhawk Tradition Welcome to the KU family! Here at the University of Kansas, studying abroad is a Jayhawk tradition. The first KU student went abroad in 1949, and in 1958, KU began the longest running exchange in the Western Hemisphere with the Universidad de Costa Rica. Since then, KU has continuously fostered international experiences for students in Lawrence and abroad. Today, KU has one of the strongest study abroad programs in the region, with roughly 1 in 4 undergraduate students studying abroad prior to graduation. KU administers over 130 programs in 70 countries. Jayhawks can also study one of the more than 40 foreign languages taught at KU or earn the KU Global Awareness Certificate. KU offers four types of study abroad programs: Faculty-led/Short term programs. KU faculty members from a wide range of disciplines arrange programs for students that last anywhere from 2 to 10 weeks. Faculty-led programs run over the summer, winter, or spring break sessions. Semester and Academic Year Programs. KU has exchange and direct enroll agreements with highly ranked universities around the globe. Students enroll directly into classes with locals and can take classes towards the KU Core or their major. Many of our university partners offer courses in English. International Internships. International internships take place for 8 weeks in the summer. KU offers internships in Dublin, Madrid, London, Shanghai, Sydney, Kazakhstan, and Germany. Internships are open to all majors, as students are placed with organizations related to the students’ career interests.
Student Initiated Programs. If KU doesn’t offer a program that fits your needs, you may also participate in international study, internships or research programs sponsored by other accredited program providers. These programs are known as “student initiated programs.” Students participating in a SIP remain enrolled at KU during the study abroad program and receive KU resident credit and grades for the coursework they complete abroad. To become a part of our global tradition, we encourage you to visit the Study Abroad Info Center. The Info Center is open for walkin advising, and we can answer your questions and help you find programs that will suit your needs. We look forward to seeing you this fall. Rock chalk!
Graduate on Time KU students who study abroad graduate in 4 years at twice the rate of students who do not study abroad. With a little planning, you can easily study abroad and graduate on time!
Where can I go? KU students may study abroad on any accredited, creditbearing program that meets health and educational requirements. This means that, as a Jayhawk, you can study all over the world! KU administers semester and academic year programs, facultyled programs, and internships in Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. If the Office of Study Abroad does not sponsor our own program that fits your needs and interests, we can help you find something that is a better fit. Don’t speak a foreign language? Learning a foreign language is a great way to expand your skills and build your resume—and there’s no better way to get to know the locals in a new culture! However, students who are not studying a language can still study abroad. KU offers opportunities
costa rica
during every term and break for students to study abroad and take all their courses in English. You can study in an English-speaking country, like the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, or Australia, but you can also take your classes in English in many other countries, such as the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Denmark, Morocco, Italy, Germany and Japan. Different courses will be available in different countries, so you should check what is available for your major. *Students must have university approval to study in countries with a U.S. State Department Travel Warning. Visit the Office of Study Abroad if you are interested in one of these countries.
Grupo de Kansas, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica The longest running exchange in the Western Hemisphere, this program offers an opportunity for students to live with a host family and study alongside Costa Rican students. Courses available in a wide variety of subjects, including biology, journalism, history, political science, international relations, and business. Courses are taught in Spanish.
chile
ISEP Exchange: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso Valparaiso, Chile A variety of disciplines are available, including engineering, architecture, industrial design, international relations, and more. Introductory Spanish is available, as are upperlevel Spanish courses, including Creative Writing in Spanish.
brazil
Language and Culture in Salvador, Brazil Students study Portuguese at the beginning or intermediate level over the summer. Students live with a Brazilian host family and participate in numerous cultural activities, including taking samba and capoeira classes.
United Kingdom croatia
Language Institute in Zadar, Croatia Spend 6 weeks over the summer studying intensive Croatian language and live on the Adriatic Coast. Take day trips and excursions to nearby islands, historical attractions, and national parks.
KU Administered Programs
The British Summer Institute in the Humanities, United Kingdom
Student Initiated Programs
With a 30 year history, BSI is one of KU’s most popular programs. This month-long summer program led by Dr. Mary Klayder focuses on art, history, literature, and culture of the British Isles.
japan
Academic Year at Sophia University | Tokyo, Japan Spend an academic year studying in Japan as an exchange student. Courses are taught in English and Japanese and focus on East Asian languages and cultures and international studies.
india
Insight India: Engineering Applications Winter break faculty-led program that collaborates with the KU School of Business. The program is taught through lectures, company visits, cultural excursions, and interactions with Indian students.
south africa
Student-Initiated Program at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Students live and study with South African students and integrate into South African university life by participating in on-campus clubs and social events. The university offers a full curriculum as well as volunteer opportunities.
Australia
Internships in Sydney, Australia Students from all majors are eligible to intern for 8 weeks in Sydney over the summer. Gain real-world professional work experience in many fields, including the arts, business, communication, economics, journalism, politics, and healthcare.
2015 Peer Advisors
plan it out Your timeline for going abroad
NOW libby stoops Engineering major Libby Stoops continued her aerospace studies at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. This year she’ll be working as a peer advisor in the Office of Study Abroad. Drop by sometime and ask her about experiencing the cultures of over 10 different countries during her semester abroad in Europe.
Later
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @KUStudyAbroad
Like our Facebook page KU Study Abroad
fall Stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott 105 to talk to a Peer Advisor about programs.
between classes
summer Check out our website: studyabroad.ku.edu
Check out our blog at: jayhawksabroad.dept.ku.edu
ben ale-ebrahim Ben Ale-Ebrahim just graduated with a degree in Anthropology. He studied Persian language in Tajikistan last summer and is continuing his education by starting KU’s MA in Religious Studies in the fall. Stop by sometime to talk to him about living with a host family.
When you have a chance Attend a Study Abroad Financial Aid Info Session and learn how to apply for scholarships, student loans, and federal funding. Dates available at: studyabroad.ku.edu/calendar/ studyabroad
Semester before you go Meet with a program coordinator to learn more about programs and requirements. Call our office to make an appointment.
ashlie koehn Ashlie Koehn, a Global and International Studies, Environmental Studies, and Economics major, studied economics and Russian at the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan. She has also studied abroad in Germany and Switzerland. This year Ashlie will be a peer advisor in the Office of Study Abroad and would be thrilled to discuss study abroad scholarships with you!
remember To apply for your passport! it can take up to 3 months to process. KU’s passport office is in Room 300 Strong Hall
now you can Get started on your appliction. Complete your KU Study Abroad application online. Applications usually include a (short) statement of purpose, your bio, a transcript or advising report, and 2 recommendations.
Oct. 1 & march 1 Deadline Day! fall and summer applications are always due March 1. Spring applications are due on October 1.
When you have time Attend an info session about the program or region you are interested in. Dates are available on our website and Twitter.
be sure to Talk to your academic advisor. Your advisor may be able to recommend a suitable program or help you determine classes you can take abroad.
almost there Attend orientation.
finally Go abroad!
stand out from the crowd
Learning a language abroad
BY EMILY FARNAN Want a leg up on the competition after graduation? Studying abroad can help you get a job, make more money, and gain valuable skills. A recent survey by Global HR News revealed that 8/10 HR executives are more likely to hire students for global roles if they have studied abroad. Check out some recent study abroad alumni success stories:
Garrett Wolfe
Garrett studied abroad in India in the fall of 2013 and recently graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA in Global and International Studies. Garrett has been accepted into multiple top graduate programs across Europe, and plans to be abroad for 4-5 years earning his Master’s Degree and a PhD. Garrett says he will treasure his study abroad experience as it helped him adapt to a new learning environment and sparked a desire to continue his education abroad.
Sara Anderson
Sara studied abroad 3 times: a semester in Germany, a summer internship in Germany and a spring break program in Costa Rica. Sara just graduated with degrees in German and Global and International Studies. Sara accepted a position with the Meridian International Center in Washington, DC as a special projects coordinator. She will be working with international visitors through the U.S. Department of State.
Jake Wernel
Jake studied abroad in 2013 in Wollongong, Australia and recently graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jake accepted a position with Kiewit, a leading construction, mining, and engineering company. While surfing the Australian coast doesn’t relate to his new position, the problem solving and people skills along with the high level of education Jake received in Australia made him stand out to Kiewit.
If you are studying a language, immersion can be the best way to improve your language skills. If you are interested in studying a language abroad here are some options to consider:
already studying a language? Take the language placement exam before coming to KU to test into the correct level, and continue studying that language on campus. Build up your skills now so you’ll make greater gains in fluency when you are abroad. KU students can study language over the summer or during the academic year. You can take language and culture courses abroad, discipline-specific courses taught in a foreign language, or a combination of those.
start studying a language at ku! KU offers over 40 foreign languages. You can start taking a foreign language once you arrive on campus and continue studying that language abroad. KU offers an opportunity to study many unique languages and then continue that study abroad during a summer language institute. For example, you could study Italian on campus during the academic year, and then go to Italy for the summer to continue your studies.
emily farnan
Emily spent the spring semester of 2013 in the Czech Republic. She recently graduated with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Over the summer of 2014, Emily had an internship with Hallmark. Emily has accepted a job with General Mills as part of their leadership development program in Scottsdale, AZ.
Information from the IES Recent Graduate Survey, 2012
97% of study abroad alumni secured a job after graduation
students who study abroad typically earn
$7000 more in starting salary
84%
of alumni felt study abroad helped them build key skills like adaptabililty and communication
9.4% 90% Strikingly, only
of students study abroad during their degree program
of study abroad alumni got into their 1st or 2nd choice of graduate or professional school
http://www.iesabroad.org/study-abroad/why/alumni-survey-results
start studying a language abroad! You can also start studying a foreign language during your study abroad – no prior experience required. Beginning language courses are available in Morocco, Brazil, Hong Kong, France, Spain, Italy, and many more.
Quick facts on
scholarships
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The cost of studying abroad is based on the program you choose, the cost of living in your host city, and your own spending habits. For many students, the opportunity to study, intern, or research abroad is worth the additional expense; for example, a summer internship in Shanghai is a valuable addition to your resume. For a quick comparison, the chart below compares the cost of a semester in Lawrence to a semester abroad. The costs include tuition and fees, room and board, transportation, estimated travel expenses, and other costs associated with a semester in college.
Program cost comparisons City
Resident
Non-Resident
Lawrence, USA
$12,242
$19,883
Beijing, China
$11,504
$11,504
Brno, Czech Republic
$15,852
$15,852
San Jose, Costa Rica
$13,875
$13,875
Hong Kong, China
$15,769
$15,769
Uppsala, Sweden
$16,664
$16,664
Exeter, England
$15,970
$15,970
Bonn, Germany
$13,778
$13,778
Sydney, Australia
$25,728
$25,728
Angers, France
$17,371
$17,371
Program budgets are available for every program on our website and in program brochures. They include total estimated costs for a program, and show a breakdown of the costs.
Example of cost breakdown 2015 semester estimated expenses at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic
Tuition
$7,655 program fee
$1,790 estimated additional costs
$6,407
Estimated undergraduate tuition includes on semester of $40 placeholder enrollment fee. Exchange tuition covers instruction.
The program fee includes administrative fees, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services, and KU orientation.
Estimated additional costs include airfare, passport, travel expenses, lodging, visa, books and supplies, health insurance, transportation, and meals.