Business, Communication, & Leadership

All students, including freshmen, can study abroad if they have completed one semester on campus at KU and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. For Exploratory Advising students, study abroad early in your academic career can provide the experience and exposure necessary to help identify or eliminate major or minor possibilities.  It's also a great way to  connect to a community of peers  early on in your KU experience. Winter break, spring break and summer are ideal times for Exploratory Advising students to study abroad; recommended programs for students in Business, Communication, & Leadership Exploratory Advising are listed at the end of this guide.

General Planning Tips for Exploratory Advising Students

  • The minimum eligibility requirements to study abroad are the completion of one semester on campus and a GPA of 2.5 or higher, so students can study abroad as early as winter break, spring break or summer of freshman year.  Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
  • Schedule a meeting with your JAA advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your exploratory interest areas and identify specific courses and timing opportunities for your study abroad experience. You should also review the online advising resources for exploring majors. Continue your program research at the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
  • Several winter break, spring break and summer programs explore Business, Communication, & Leadership. Some even fulfill KU Core requirements. Applications are due October 1st for winter and spring break programs, and March 1st for summer (internship deadlines are even earlier), so visit the Study Abroad Info Center early in the fall semester to learn more about your options.
  • Many KU study abroad programs fulfill Core Goal 4.2, so you might consider reserving that for your time abroad.
  • Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Research your opportunities early.
  • Courses to take at KU: There may be certain courses within your curriculum that you should plan to take at KU.  Meet with your academic advisor to learn more about any restrictions that may exist in your curriculum so that you can effectively plan for a study abroad experience.

Courses and Credit

  • A number of study abroad courses have already been pre-approved for KU credit.  To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalencies Database.
  • If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Winter and Spring Break Programs

Global Women's Leadership - India

Visit a variety of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multinational enterprises (MNEs) and educational institutions to learn about women's roles and the leadership challenges women are addressing in the contexts of business, politics, education and culture.

Preparing for International Careers in London - England

This program is designed for students interested in exploring international careers. Students learn strategies to create a job search plan that matches their individual career goals. While in London, students connect with KU alums, global businesses, universities, and international organizations.

Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Israel

Study business and entrepreneurship in one of the world's leaders in technological innovation. Students visit many new companies to learn from startup management  how to create a successful entrepreneurial new venture. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2

Understanding India: Business and Culture

Develop an understanding of the complexities of doing business in India. Students tour important industry sites and meet with executives of Indian firms. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2

Recommended Summer Programs

Summer Global Internships

Participate in an international internship that will allow you to experience the benefits of studying abroad while also gaining real-world professional work experience. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.

Korea University International Summer Campus - South Korea

Take introductory courses in management, marketing, organization and more during a 4-week or 6-week summer program at one of KU's partner universities in Seoul, South Korea.

University of Jyvaskyla Summer School - Finland

During this 4-week program, take courses in management and leadership, organization, new business development, corporate entrepreneurship, sport marketing, cultural economy, sports economics, intercultural communication and more.