Unified Elementary Education

General Planning Tips

Start early: Planning ahead allows you to study abroad while staying on track for graduation. You can complete KU Core and even some teacher education requirements abroad.
Global Culture Goal of KU Core: Any study abroad program can fulfill this requirement through co-completion of UNIV 342 (online, asynchronous, and tuition-free) during your time abroad. If you haven’t completed this goal yet, plan to do so while abroad.
Other KU Core requirements: You may also complete additional Core goals by selecting courses that transfer as approved KU Core or Core 34 equivalents. Be sure to check the correct list for your catalog year.
Short-term programs: Winter break, spring break, and summer are a great time to complete KU Core courses or major electives. Several summer programs offer short-term teaching, field experiences, and internships abroad.
Semester abroad with education courses: If you want to take teacher education courses abroad, early planning with your academic advisor starting your freshman year is essential. Options include recommended universities in:
- Australia (fall semester sophomore year or spring semester junior year)
- United Kingdom (fall semester sophomore year)
Some requirements must be completed at KU including most Special Education (SPED) courses (based on U.S. law) and student teaching semesters.
Program application deadlines(may vary by program):
- Spring: October 1
- Summer: February 15
- Fall: March 1

Meet with your academic advisor during your first semester to map out a 4-year degree plan based on your study abroad timing and duration preferences.
You can study abroad as early as winter break of your freshman year.
Begin researching programs by visiting the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott Hall.
Identify potential recommenders early on who can speak to your academic potential as well as your ability to be successful abroad. Most applications require two.

The ideal time for Unified Elementary Education students to study abroad is the fall semester of sophomore year when you can take teacher education courses and/or courses that count toward KU Core requirements at:
- University of Leeds in England
- University of Wollongong in Australia
Some courses that count toward the KU Core that are commonly offered abroad include: GEOG 104, HIST 128, PSYC 104, ENGL 209.

Continue your teacher education coursework abroad in Australia:
- Macquarie University (spring semester)
If you need an education class (C&T, ELPS, EPSY, SPED) that is not available through your study abroad program and only offered at KU during the semester you are abroad, the School of Education & Human Sciences may be able to work with you to arrange access to the course via Canvas, Teams, or Zoom.

Education faculty have already pre-approved a number of teacher education courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Database.
If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Timing: Summer after freshman or sophomore year
Sample courses: BIOL 150, ENGL 102, ECON 144, MATH 125, POLS 170, PSYC 104, SOC 104

Recommended Timing: Fall semester - sophomore year
Sample Courses: ENGL 209, GEOG 104, HIST 128, PSYC 104

Recommended Timing: Fall semester - sophomore year
Sample Fall Courses: C&T 235, C&T 344, C&T 301 along with KU Core requirements

Recommended Timing: Fall semester - sophomore year
Sample Fall Courses: C&T 100, C&T 235, EPSY 305, MEMT/VAE 341, SPED 261, SPED 362

Recommended Timing: Spring semester - junior year
Sample Courses: C&T 352, ELPS 301, ENGL 203/209/210, EPSY 305