• Explore the differences between European and US health care systems by visiting leading European public health organizations, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Spend three weeks exploring and experiencing some lesser-visited cities in Europe:  Linz, Vienna, Berlin, Leipzig, Prague and Budapest.
• Earn three Biology credit hours towards your degree.
• Applications open in November for Summer 2027!

This program will take students to some of the leading infectious disease research institutes and pharmaceutical companies in Austria, Germany, Czech Republic and Hungary.  Participants will be exposed to many of the public health approaches and aspects of central European countries giving them the opportunity to compare and contrast those found within the United States.  The itinerary will also include visits to historical sites related to infectious disease impacts on human development (e.g. plague, pox vaccine, etc.), industry visits highlighting food microbiology processes, as well as cultural tours and activities.

This program itinerary is intended to introduce students to some of Europe’s iconic cultural capitals such as Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest along with some hidden gems including Leipzig and Linz. These cities are less commonly visited in Europe and offer relief from summer tourism crowds along with a lower cost of living and unique cultural experiences.

The program will visit the following cities in Summer 2027:

• Berlin, Germany
• Leipzig, Germany
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Linz, Austria
• Vienna, Austria
• Budapest, Hungary

2027 Program Dates:

May 21: Depart U.S.
May 22: Arrive in Berlin
May 22-26: Berlin, Germany
May 26-29: Leipzig, Germany
May 29-June 2: Prague, Czech Republic
June 2-5: Linz, Austria
June 5-9: Vienna, Austria
June 9-13: Budapest, Hungary
June 13: Program Ends

Additional itinerary details for 2027 coming soon.

Participants will stay in conveniently located hotels in Berlin, Leipzig, Prague, Linz, Vienna and Budapest.  Rooms are double or triple occupancy, and continental breakfast is included daily. Transportation passes are included for most cities so that students can easily get around during their free time. Transportation between cities is also included in the program fee.

All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process. 

Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program. 

• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students
• Physical and Mental Health Histories
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities 

Open to undergraduate and graduate students, sophomore level and above, from any accredited US college or university who have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

No prior biology experience or knowledge is required, but priority will be given to students pursuing one of the Molecular Biosciences majors. Priority will be given to current KU students, but students from other colleges and universities will be accepted if space is available.

Program Cost

Program Cost for Biomedical Sciences and Public Health in Central Europe

Scholarships

• Students with financial need (a FAFSA on file for the current academic year) can apply for a scholarship through KU Study Abroad here.
• Students with a major in the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) are eligible for the CLAS Study Abroad Scholarship.
• Students in the KU Honors Program may apply for an Honors Opportunity Award.
• Pell Grant recipients are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship, a nationally competitive scholarship for Pell Grant recipients. Contact KU Study Abroad for more information.
• Visit the KU Study Abroad Costs & Funding page for additional information. 

Program Director: Scott Hefty

Dr. Scott Hefty, Professor and Undergraduate Studies Director for the Department of Molecular Biosciences leads the program. He has led this program since 2017.

pshefty@ku.edu
785-864-5392
8051 Haworth Hall

Study Abroad Program Coordinator: Jenna Hunter-Skidmore 
Have a quick question? Email me at: jmhunter@ku.edu
Looking for more detailed information? Book an appointment.
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