News and Information
General Planning Tips For News and Information
- The News and Information curriculum is fairly flexible, and with careful planning you can study abroad for a semester and still graduate on time.
- There are a wide variety of journalism electives to choose from abroad. Many of the courses focus on concepts and topics unique to that particular institution giving you the opportunity to study a topic not offered at KU.
- Because journalism students are required to have a second major or minor, many students choose to satisfy those requirements abroad.
- Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements. Therefore, it is a good idea to reserve some of your KU Core classes to take 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: Most journalism foundation courses and News and Info major requirements must be taken at KU. It is recommended that News and Info majors take journalism electives abroad.
When To Go
Freshman
- Schedule a meeting with a journalism advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your four year plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
- After you've met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting 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.
- Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it's good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
- The School of Journalism often offers faculty-led program opportunities during the summer term. Applications for these programs are around March 1st or earlier, so visit the Study Abroad Info Center early in the spring semester to learn more.
- The summer before your sophomore year would also be a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad.
Sophomore and Junior
- News and Information majors can study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their sophomore or junior year.
- Because many journalism courses at KU are offered during both the fall and spring semesters, this gives you quite a bit of flexibility in planning for your study abroad experience.
- You can take a combination of journalism elective courses, second major/minor requirements, and/or KU Core requirements during your semester abroad.
- In addition to the faculty-led program opportunities offered by the School of Journalism, summer internships abroad are a great way to gain valuable professional experience in a unique location. There are several locations to choose from, and you can participate in these internships the summer after your sophomore or junior year.
Senior
- If you study abroad as a senior, work closely with your academic advisor prior to your departure to make sure that you are on track to complete all your degree requirements on time.
Courses and Credit
- Journalism faculty have already pre-approved a number of journalism courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalency Database.
- If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.
Recommended Semester Programs
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: New Media and Strategic Communication
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Italy
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Digital Journalism and Digital Media, Publishing Publicity and Cultural Journalism, The Italian Approach to the Media.
Massey University - New Zealand
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Photojournalism, Multimedia Editing
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Media History, Theorizing the Media
Masaryk University - Czech Republic
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Diversity in Media, Global Media Industries, Media and Society, International Journalism
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Italian Culture & Television; Sports, Media & Society; Media Ethics
University of Stirling - Scotland
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Media Writing, Digital Media, Radio Feature Production
University of Wollongong - Australia
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Infomania, Newsroom Practice, Professional Writing
Semester Programs Offering Courses Taught in Spanish
Pontificia Universidad Católica - Argentina
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - junior year
Sample Courses: Politics and Journalism, Production and Graphic Editing
Universidad de Costa Rica - Costa Rica
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - junior year
Sample Courses: Investigative Journalism, TV and Video Production
Experiential Opportunities
Recommended Timing: Summer - after sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Varies by location
School for International Training (SIT) Field Studies in Journalism and New Media - Morocco
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Contextual Studies: Morocco & North Africa
Recommended Short-Term Programs
Creativity and Culture in Rome - Italy
Recommended Timing: Summer - any year
Sample Courses: JOUR 500
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.
Recommended Timing: Summer - any year
Sample Courses: Event Planning, War & Media