Student Initiated Programs in Japan

• Study abroad with a program provider, another U.S. university, or directly enroll in a foreign institution
• Choose from a wide variety of destinations and academic options
• Access most financial aid and scholarships
• Receive credit at KU with approval of academic departments

Schedule a meeting with a KU Study Abroad program coordinator to learn more about the SIP process.

Students can study in a wide variety of locations around the world; however, out of concern for student safety and well-being, KU does not sponsor study abroad in locations where a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 3 or Level 4 has been issued. The classification level applied to each country can be accessed via the U.S. Department of State Website. Information on Level 3 or Level 4 regional designations within a country is available by reading the country-specific advisory. Exceptions to this policy will be considered by petition to the International Travel Review Committee (ITRC). For information on travel to high-risk locations see KU International Travel Policies.

While abroad, all KU study abroad participants will maintain student status at KU by enrolling in study abroad placeholder credits. Students studying abroad for a semester or academic year must maintain enrollment as a full-time student, which is at least 12 KU credits per semester. The University of Kansas requires that all courses taken abroad, including electives, be transferred back to the student’s academic record at KU and all grades earned abroad will be calculated into the student’s KU GPA. 

Students will work with their academic advisor(s) to determine courses that they can take while on their study abroad program. As part of the KU SIP application, students will complete is the Academic Plan and Approval form, which allows students to find out how classes will transfer back to KU and make sure that the program they have selected is a good academic fit. The host organization can provide students with course syllabi or descriptions, which students will submit to departmental approvers to get KU course equivalents assigned. More information about obtaining course equivalents is available online. 

Students should ensure that the transcript for their study abroad program is sent by the host organization to KU Study Abroad following completion of the program and that their study abroad courses are posted to their KU transcript by the end of the following academic term. 

Each program provider or foreign institution will provide students information about housing options for their program. Options typically include residence halls or apartments.

Students can learn from the program provider or host institution about any cultural activities and/or excursions that might be included or offered to them.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students 
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC

All students must have a 2.50 GPA, be in good academic standing at KU, and have completed one semester at KU prior to studying abroad. Additionally, students must meet all host organization eligibility requirements.

Students will work with their KU program coordinator to develop a comprehensive budget for their selected program that includes tuition and fees, housing and meals, travel expenses, passport and visa fees, health insurance, a KU SIP fee and other costs associated with participating in the selected program. 

The KU SIP fee includes an administrative fee, KU enrollment, KU resident credit and grade posting, access to federal and state financial aid, eligibility for study abroad scholarships, pre-departure orientation, 24-hour emergency contact services, access to the AlertTraveler safety app, and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services. The KU SIP fee is billed through the KU Enroll & Pay system. 

The KU program fee for participation in a Student-Initiated Program is as follows:

Summer/Short-Term: $580

Semester: $1,050

Academic Year: $1,330

All other program related expenses such as host organization fees, tuition, room and board, etc. will be paid directly to the host organization, not through KU.

KU students who qualify for federal financial aid in the form of loans, Pell Grant, and/or SEOG Grants or scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a SIP.

KU Study Abroad offers individualized financial aid planning and advising and limited KU Study Abroad supplemental scholarships for KU degree-seeking students. Additionally, there are scholarship opportunities through KU departments and others outside KU. For those students who qualify, there are also passport grants and airfare assistance. Read more about these opportunities and schedule a financial aid and scholarship advising appointment on the Costs and Funding page. 

Some program providers offer scholarships to students participating on their programs. Information about these scholarships can be found on the program provider’s website. 

Passport and Student Visa information

Students who do not have a passport should view the processing times and apply for one immediately. Students with a passport should verify that it is an adult passport (valid for ten years), not a child's passport (valid for five years). Students with a child's passport should either apply for an adult passport or consult with the program coordinator about the expiration date. 

KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement has a Passport Center where students can apply for a U.S. passport. Some countries require students to obtain student visas which can take several months to process, depending on the host country. 

Students with any questions should contact Study Abroad & Global Engagement.