Selecting a Program

Your journey starts here! The KU Office of Study Abroad offers study abroad programs for students in every part of the world and in a wide variety of majors.

Many students know that they want to study abroad but are not quite sure when, where, what or how to study abroad. Below are some questions to help you define your goals and narrow down what study abroad program(s) will work best for you.

Academics

• Have you discussed studying abroad with your academic advisor at KU?
• Do you know what courses you can/need/or want to take abroad?
• Would you like to take courses in English, or courses in a foreign language?
• Would you like to complete research or field work while abroad?
• Would you like to take courses with host-country students, international students, or both?

Cost, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

• Do you utilize federal or state financial aid (loans, grants, other)?
• Are you a recipient of any particular scholarship(s)?
• Do you plan to secure additional financial aid to finance your term abroad?

For more information visit the financial aid and scholarships section.

Location

• Where do you want to study?  Where do you NOT want to study?
• Are you open to any location as long as you can meet your other objectives (academics, cost, etc.)?
• Have you researched the health and safety environment in the countries in which you are interested?
• How much traveling do you plan to do while abroad?
• Do you prefer a lively, cosmopolitan city with a vibrant social scene or smaller “Lawrence-esque” location?

Review the information on study abroad in a high risk location if you are interested in studying abroad in a country with a Level 3 or 4 travel advisory. 

Timing

• Are you fairly flexible as to when you study abroad, or is there a specific term in which you must go?
• What is your ideal program length – a semester, an academic year, a summer, or a shorter program of a few weeks in length?

Extracurricular Offerings

• Would you prefer a program that plans excursions and field trips for you, or do you prefer to travel independently?
• To what extent do you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture; i.e., participate in local events and projects, do volunteer work, join student organizations, and other activities that will bring you in contact with the locals?

Level of Support

• Do you seek a program in which there is an on-site office and staff dedicated to assisting students or one in which you work directly through the offices provided by the host institution?
• How much interaction with other American students do you want – minimal contact, or do you prefer a program where you will take classes with other students from the United States?

Accommodation

• What type of accommodation do you prefer while abroad (host family, residence hall, student apartment)?
• Would you like to live on your own, with a roommate, or in a more independent setting?
• Do you prefer to have meals prepared for you, or would you like a program where you provide your own meals?

Once you have considered the above questions, you will be better prepared to begin your program search. You can search for programs by academic term, country, region, academic discipline as well as many other criteria. To begin your search, visit the program search section.

Were you unable to find a KU program that fits with your goals? Not to worry! There are hundreds of study abroad programs that are run by other U.S. universities or study abroad program providers.  As a KU student your options are endless!  KU students unable to find a KU program that meets their needs may participate in a Student-Initiated Program.  To search for Student Initiated Programs, visit the OSA Info Center in 105 Lippincott Hall or review the list of our Student Initiated Program options.