KU Core 34 and Study Abroad

Students who are in the original KU Core (admitted to KU prior to Fall 2024) can use their study abroad experience toward completion of KU Core Goal 4.2.  Please click here for additional information.

KU offers a robust portfolio of study abroad programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.  These programs enrich the student learning experience at KU and support students at all academic levels in their development of a critical and reflective awareness of social, global, and cultural differences (Institutional Learning Goal – Social Awareness & Cultural Understanding).  

Participation in a study abroad program can also support completion of the KU Core 34 “Global Culture” goal.

KU Core 34 Global Culture:  Expand cultural understanding and global awareness

Participating in 21st century society means acquiring knowledge and understanding of the world beyond our immediate experience and culture, showing consideration and enhanced understanding for humans and cultures, and reexamining our own lives in a global context. Students will learn to analyze regional and international issues and perspectives, enabling them to engage with the languages, cultures, customs, beliefs, and/or behaviors from the world's various communities.

KU Core 34 Global Culture Learning Outcomes

Upon reaching this goal, students will be able to identify and examine cultural perspectives outside of the United States, recognize and develop an awareness of their identity within the global community, and interact respectfully with a variety of cultures. 

Completing the KU Core 34 “Global Culture” Goal through Study Abroad

Students can complete the Global Culture goal of the KU Core 34 and earn three hours of course credit by completing a significant study abroad experience and UNIV 342: Sponsored Educational Experience.  UNIV 342 is a 3 credit hour asynchronous course that, when combined with a significant study abroad experience, satisfies the Global Culture goal of KU Core 34. The course, which is delivered through Canvas, ensures students are appropriately setting goals, reflecting throughout their experience, assessing their personal and professional growth, and examining their cultural views. This class cannot be completed without approval from KU Core 34 staff and/or review and approval through the University Core Curriculum Committee (UCCC).

As part of their application to study abroad, all students will indicate if they plan to use their study abroad experience toward completion of the KU Core 34 Global Culture goal.  If a student indicates yes, they will be directed to complete an online request form through Core 34 for access to UNIV 342.  This form will be provided for all students who seek to fulfill the Global Culture goal through participation in a study abroad program, regardless of the program in which they are participating.  In collaboration with the KU Study Abroad office, KU Core 34 will verify eligibility and provide students with additional details on completing the UNIV 342 course requirements.

Note: there is no tuition assessed for UNIV 342.  However, upon completion of  your study abroad experience and UNIV 342 coursework, you’ll be charged a $50 administration fee (subject to increase) to post 3 credit hours of UNIV 342 to your transcript. 

Note 2:  A small number of KU faculty-led study abroad programs offer courses taught abroad that satisfy the KU Core 34 Global Culture goal (designated by the GLBC code on the schedule of classes). If you are participating in one of these programs, completion of this course will satisfy the Global Culture goal.  For these programs, no co-enrollment in UNIV 342 is required.