Physical Education Plus

General Planning Tips For Physical Education Plus

  • Start early: Planning ahead allows you to study abroad while staying on track for graduation. You can complete KU Core and even some teacher education requirements abroad.  
  • Eligibility: The minimum eligibility requirements are the completion of one semester on campus and a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Identify potential recommenders early on who can speak to your academic potential as well as your ability to be successful abroad. Most applications require two recommendations.  
  • Global Culture Goal of KU Core: Any study abroad program can fulfill this requirement through co-completion of UNIV 342 (online, asynchronous, and tuition-free) during your time abroad. If you haven’t completed this goal yet, plan to do so while abroad.  
  • Other KU Core requirements: You may also complete additional Core goals by selecting courses that transfer as approved KU Core or Core 34 equivalents. Be sure to check the correct list for your catalog year.  
  • Short-term programs: Winter break, spring break, and summer area great time to complete the Global Culture Goal, other Core requirements, or major electives. Several summer programs also offer short-term teaching experiences abroad.  
  • Semester programs: If you want to study abroad for a full semester, fall semester of sophomore year is ideal so early planning with your academic advisor starting your freshman year is essential. 
  • Courses to take at KU: There may be certain courses within the Physical Education Plus 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.

When To Go

Freshman

  • Meet with your academic advisor during your first semester to map out a 4-year degree plan based on your study abroad timing and duration preferences.  
  • Begin researching programs by visiting the Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall.  
  • Make an effort to get to know your professors and GTAs, as they may serve as strong recommenders for study abroad applications.
  • Winter break, spring break, or the summer after your freshman year would be a great time to complete the Global Culture Goal and/or other Core Goals abroad. 

Sophomore

  • Sophomore year is a common time for Physical Education Plus students to pursue a semester-long study abroad program. The fall semester is ideal.
  • You can take a combination of introductory HSES courses, pre-professional coursework, and KU Core requirements during your time abroad.  Your academic advisor can help you to determine which courses to target for your study abroad experience.

Junior and Senior

  • Spring break, winter break and summers are a great time for study abroad in your Junior and Senior year. Because of the PE Plus practicum requirements every semester during this time, you are not able to study abroad for a full fall or spring semester.
  • Over the summer, you can gain some experience by participating in one of the teaching programs in  Italy or South Korea or complete some of your general education requirements abroad.

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 Programs For Physical Education Plus

To help you get started on your search, here are some recommended programs for Physical Education Plus. We also encourage you to visit the study abroad Info Center for drop-in advising to meet with a Peer Advisor to discuss your interests and learn more about available options.