Languages & Cultures
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 Languages & Cultures 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 Languages & Cultures. 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
Globalization and Afro-Brazilian Culture in Salvador - Brazil
Learn about African slavery in Brazil, Afro-Brazilian history, and the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2 or 6.1.
Investigate a variety of current issues in Costa Rican politics, culture, ecology, and tourism through lectures, field trips to sites of interest, and individual research projects. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
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.
Explore pre-modern and modern Japanese history through visits to sites that provide visual evidence of past historical events. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Language & Culture in Buenos Aires - Argentina
Improve Spanish language skills and experience Argentinian culture first-hand by living with families in Buenos Aires. Earn 9 hours of university credit in Spanish courses. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Language & Culture in Florence - Italy
Improve Italian language skills and experience Italian culture first-hand by living with families in Florence. Earn up to 10 hours of university credit in Italian courses. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Language & Culture in Nicaragua
Learn Miskitu, an indigenous language, and experience Nicaraguan culture first-hand by living with families in Granada. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Language & Culture in Salvador - Brazil
Learn Portugese and experience Brazilian culture first-hand by living with families in Salvador. Earn 6 hours of university credit in Portugese courses. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Language Institute in Eutin - Germany
Improve German language skills and experience German culture first-hand by living with families in Eutin. Earn 9 hours of university credit in German courses. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Language Institute in L'viv - Ukraine
Learn Ukrainian and experience Ukrainian and Eastern European culture first-hand through cultural activities and multi-day excursions. Earn 6 hours of university credit in Ukrainian and Eastern Europe Area Studies courses. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Language Institute in Paris - France
Improve French language skills and experience French culture first-hand by living with families in Paris. Earn 6 hours of university credit in French courses. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Language, Literature, and Culture in Barcelona - Spain
Improve Spanish language skills and experience Spanish culture first-hand by living with families in Barcelona. Earn 9 hours of university credit in Spanish courses. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Law, History and Culture in Great Britain - England
Study how conflict in Britain over centuries has shaped the law and culture within Britain, as well as the evolution of international crime and procedure. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
Teach English at the Kyung Hwa Private Girls' School while studying theories of second language acquisition and models of English as a Foreign Language practice, with particular focus on the role of English in contemporary South Korea. This program fulfills KU Core Goal 4.2.
University of Jyvaskyla Summer School - Finland
During this 4-week program, take courses in Finnish language and culture, popular culture and identity construction, gender studies and more.