Education & Public Service
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 Education & Public Service 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 pathway 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 Education & Public Service. 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 Short-Term Programs
Early Childhood Unified in Costa Rica
Gain a general perspective on education institutions, specifically early childhood and early childhood special education, and services in Costa Rica. Examine services offered in Costa Rican institutions and how they are similar or different across contexts and cultures.
Global Migration Studies in Rome - Italy
Learn about the political and sociological consequences of global migration on domestic policies in Italy, such as racism and anti-immigration practices. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 5.2 (pending approval).
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 comparative law, criminal justice, international relations, social problems, sociology, U.S. legal system, and more during a 4-week or 6-week summer program at one of KU's partner universities in Seoul, South Korea.
Law, History and Culture in Great Britain - England
Study the history of the British and American legal history in Cambridge, England. This program focuses on how conflict in Britain over centuries has shaped the law and culture within Britain, as well as the evolution of international crime and procedure with a focus on the International Criminal Court. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Rural Healthcare & Education Practicum - China
Gain hands-on experience in a qualitative research study aimed at improving health and education in rural China. Provide project and field support to faculty and researchers working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Gain hands-on teaching experience in South Korea and learn the fundamentals of teaching English to speakers of other languages. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
University of Jyvaskyla Summer School - Finland
During this 4-week program, take courses in education in Finland, national education systems, learning environments, learning and teaching in growing diversity, and more.