Types of Programs

KU has formal student exchange agreements with more than 50 institutions worldwide.  These programs allow KU students to enroll in regular university classes at the host institution for the semester or academic year.  Participants on exchange pay tuition and associated fees to KU and then study at the partner school.  Reciprocal student exchange programs can be the most economical option for KU students to study abroad for the semester or academic year.  In order to ensure the long-term viability of reciprocal exchanges, KU requests that these be departmentally sponsored (although open to a broad student constituency). 

Terms:  Semester and Academic Year 

Credits:  Students register in courses offered by overseas institution.  Equivalent KU credits are recorded on the KU academic record upon receipt of foreign transcript. 

Costs:  KU tuition and fees (All other fees paid directly by student to partner institution.)  A few exchange agreements include room and board, however this is the exception. 

Student Support:  Provided by both KU SAGE and host institution for outbound and inbound students. 

Involvement from KU Academic Unit:  Academic advising (for outbound & inbound students) and active program promotion to majors/minors. 

KU has formal agreements with a select set of overseas institutions which enable KU students to study as visiting students at the foreign university.  These programs allow KU students to enroll in regular university classes at the host institution.  With exchange partners, direct enrollment can be an option if the exchange is out of balance.  Direct enrollment agreements also provide opportunities to partner without a fiscal commitment on the part of KU for the receipt of incoming students.  Students pay the foreign university tuition and fees for visiting students. 

Terms:  Semester, Summer, and Academic Year 

Credits:  Students register in courses offered by overseas institution.  Equivalent KU credits are recorded on the KU academic record upon receipt of foreign transcript. 

Costs:  For international institutions with a signed agreement in place with KU, students pay host institution's tuition and fees through KU.  Costs vary widely based on region and institution. 

Student Support:  Support provided by KU SAGE prior to departure and host institution upon arrival. 

Involvement from KU Academic Unit:  Academic advising and active program promotion. 

KU faculty and staff envision, develop, direct, and teach these programs. Programs are generally two to ten weeks in duration and offer a unique but limited set of KU courses. These programs provide an opportunity for students and faculty to travel together exploring common interests. This is also a typical introductory programming model with a high level of student support. 

Terms: Winter Break, Spring Break, Summer and occasionally semester. 

Credits: In nearly all cases, these programs offer KU courses taught abroad.  Occasionally coursework is offered and a transcript is issued by foreign institution. 

Costs: KU tuition and fees, plus program fees for housing, faculty expenses, insurance, local travel, etc.  Costs vary widely by destination, duration, credit hours, and instructional staff. 

Student Support:  Provided by KU SAGE staff and on-site program providers. 

Involvement from KU Academic Unit:  Active program promotion and internship credit/independent study oversight. 

Group internship programs are offered during the summer in Dublin, London, Madrid, Shanghai and Sydney.  KU students participate in self-identified internships offered by other accredited U.S. universities, foreign institutions, or third-party program providers.  Internships are generally individualized to each student's major/minor and industry preferences.  Students intern for 20-32 hours per week (dependent upon program) and may also complete coursework during their programs.  Internships are unpaid and for academic credit.  Students work directly with their academic departments to ensure credit for the internship experience.   

Terms:  Semester and Summer. 

Credits:  KU credit or credit through a domestic/foreign institution.  Students work directly with their academic departments to ensure credit for the internship experience.   

Costs:  All program fees paid directly by student to program provider.  Students also complete SIP-Internship application and pay corresponding fee to KU. 

Student Support:  Highly variable, mainly provided by host institution or third-party program provider.