Types of Programs

KU offers a wide range of study abroad program opportunities for KU students.  Program types vary by academic discipline, credit hours, destination, cost, duration, and level of student support.  An important part of selecting a program is understanding the many opportunities available, what makes each of them unique, and which program will best meet your academic, professional, and personal goals for study abroad.

KU Reciprocal Exchange 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.

KU Direct Enrollment Programs

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 for the summer, semester or academic year.  Students pay the foreign university tuition and fees for visiting students.

KU Faculty-Led Programs

KU faculty and staff 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.

KU International Internship Programs

Group internship programs are offered during the summer in Dublin, London, Madrid, Shanghai and Sydney.  Students are placed individually in internships according to their majors/minors and industry preferences.  Students intern for 20-32 hours per week (dependent upon program) and may also complete coursework during these 8 week programs.  All internships are for unpaid and for academic credit.

KU Research Abroad

KU students may participate in independent research programs identified through KU faculty connections or offered directly through partner institutions, governmental programs or professional organizations.  Students work directly with their KU academic departments to ensure oversight and credit for the research experience.

Student-Initiated Programs

KU students may participate in international study, internship, or research abroad programs sponsored by other accredited U.S. universities, foreign institutions accredited directly by the Ministry of Education of the host country, or third-party program providers when no direct relationship exists between a foreign institution and KU.  Students participating in a SIP remain enrolled at KU during the study abroad program and receive KU resident credit and grades for the coursework that they complete abroad.  SIPs provide for a broader range of destinations and disciplines and can provide unique program components such as field work, internships, or research experiences.