Health & Behavioral Sciences

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 Health & Behavioral Sciences 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 Health & Behavioral Sciences. 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

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.

Early Childhood Unified in Costa Rica

Gain a general perspective on early childhood development and special education services in Costa Rica. Examine services offered in Costa Rican institutions and how they are similar or different across contexts and cultures.

Hospital Shadowing - Spain or Italy

Spend the summer in Spain or Italy shadowing doctors four days per week (for 20+ hours) over a 4 or 6 week period and learn first-hand about an international publicly-funded healthcare system.

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 abnormal psychology, biology, brain science, calculus, chemistry, cognitive psychology, general psychology, physics, social psychology, and more during a 4-week or 6-week summer program at one of KU's partner universities in Seoul, South Korea.

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).

Services for Children with Special Needs - Peru

Spend a week at the Centro Ann Sullivan del Peru non-profit organization learning about innovative, equitable, and inclusive models of supporting children and adults with different disabilities.

University of Jyvaskyla Summer School - Finland

During this 4-week program, take courses in music therapy, domestic violence counseling, health promotion, dance movement and art therapies, and more.