Student Initiated Programs: Internships
Student-Initiated Programs
Student-Initiated Programs (SIPs) allow KU students to earn resident KU credit for study abroad programs sponsored by other accredited U.S. universities and colleges. The SIP category also applies to degree-seeking KU students who opt to enroll directly in foreign institutions accredited by the Ministry of Education of the host country for a summer, semester, or academic year.
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. Continuous KU enrollment allows for access to state and federal financial aid as well as deferment of loan repayments. In addition, students on a SIP receive academic, cultural and safety information at the mandatory Study Abroad & Global Engagement (SAGE) orientation and have contact (including 24-hour emergency assistance) with the SAGE while abroad. Students also receive emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage for the study period.
Program Selection
Students must schedule an appointment to meet with an SAGE program coordinator before beginning the KU application process. The program coordinator will help the student determine if the non-KU program meets University of Kansas* and SIP guidelines. The program coordinator will also explain the application process in greater detail and provide the student with SAGE SIP application directions.
*Note: 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 regarding travel to high risk locations see KU International Travel Policies.
Below are a few of many SIP program providers that offer internship programs in alternative locations. Students may find other program providers on this list offering programs that better fit their needs. KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement does not endorse any particular program provider.
- AIFS
- API
- CEA CAPA
- CRCC Asia
- DAAD RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering)
- DAAD RISE Professional (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) for Master and PhD Students
- ISA
- IAESTE
- IES
- The Education Abroad Network (TEAN)
- University College Dublin Summer Internship Programme (business internships)
- USAC Health Internship Program in Khon Kaen, Thailand
- US Department of State Embassy Internship Program
Application
Once students have selected a program, they will complete an application through their chosen program provider AND a KU SIP application. It is the student's responsibility to monitor application procedures and deadlines for their chosen program provider, which may differ from KU’s deadlines. The KU SIP application deadlines are as follows:
- Winter Break or Spring Semester programs: October 1
- Summer programs: February 15
- Fall and Academic Year programs: March 15
Post-Acceptance
Students will complete post-acceptance requirements for Study Abroad & Global Engagement and their host organization. Post-acceptance requirements include paperwork for international travel, submission of travel information, and participation in the Study Abroad & Global Engagement mandatory pre-departure orientation, which provides important academic, cultural, and safety information.
Students can intern in a wide variety of locations around the world; however, out of concern for student safety and well-being, KU does not sponsor internships 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.
All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more.
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. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile 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 Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
- Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
- First Generation Students
- Physical and Mental Health Histories
- Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
- Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Students of Color Abroad
- Students with Children
- Students with Financial Need
- Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
- Visible and Invisible Disabilities
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, in-residence 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 Healix Sentinel Travel Oracle safety app, and out-of-country medical insurance 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.