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
Audiology and Speech-Language Services in Bulgaria
Learn about speech and music therapy that is currently offered in Bulgaria, assist with formal and informal assessments of hearing and speech/language, and visit historic sites in both Bulgaria and Greece. This program operates in even years and alternates with Music and Speech-Language Therapy in Bulgaria (see below), which is offered in odd years.
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.
Spend the summer in Italy or Portugal 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.
Participate in an international internship that will allow you to experience the benefits of studying abroad while also gaining real-world professional work experience.
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.
Music and Speech-Language Therapy in Bulgaria
Learn about Music and Speech-Language therapy in Bulgaria, work with clients and families, and visit the Black Sea. This program operates in odd years and alternates with Audiology and Speech-Language Therapy in Bulgaria (see above), which is offered in even years.
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.