Steps to Study Abroad
Study abroad is a process that takes time and effort to accomplish.
Expect to be faced with numerous decisions about location, program,
courses and more. Each student has different requirements, needs, budgets
and preferences. It isn’t easy, but it is worth it!
Start looking into your options in advance. At the very latest,
you should begin exploring your options at the beginning of the semester
prior to the term you want to go abroad. Earlier planning can help you
figure out the best courses to “save” to take while overseas.
- Come to a study abroad information session
Learn about all of the options for K-State students. Sessions are
held in the Study Abroad Office, 304 Fairchild. You must attend a
session before meeting with your study abroad advisor. The Fall 2008
session schedule is as follows:
Tuesdays 11:00 - 12:00, 2:30 - 3:30
Wednesdays 2:30 - 3:30
Thursdays 2:30 - 3:30
| Agriculture, Business, and Engineering |
Elizabeth Hansen-Devaux |
ehd@ksu.edu |
| Architecture and Arts & Sciences |
Ben McKelfresh |
bmckel@ksu.edu |
| Education and Human Ecology |
Emily Merrifield |
emiam@ksu.edu |
| Coordinator for Faculty-Led Group Programs and National Student
Exchange |
Rose Redington |
rosered@ksu.edu |
If you cannot attend any of the above information sessions, please contact the Office of International Programs or
e-mail your the study abroad advisor for your college (listed above).
Walk-ins are welcome, but our advisors will have a better
idea of what to cover during the session if you call ahead.
Feel free to e-mail your advisor before you attend
the session if you have a particular program, question, or
concern you want to know more about.
- Do a self-evaluation
What kind of a person are you? How far outside your comfort zone are
you willing to step? Do you look forward to the challenges of something
new and different? How much money can you invest in your study abroad
program? Some study abroad options don’t cost substantially
more than staying in Manhattan, but others are more expensive and
you might need to begin saving. How much money will you need to travel
to all the places you want to see while away? Only you can decide
what kind of program will meet YOUR special needs and interests!
- Choose your language
Decide whether you want to learn another language,
improve a language you already know, or study
in English.
- Schedule a session with your study abroad advisor
When you are ready to talk about some of your options, make an appointment
with the appropriate member of the study abroad staff by calling the
office at 532-5990. If you have questions, you can e-mail your advisor.
| Agriculture, Business, Education, and Engineering |
Elizabeth Hansen-Devaux |
ehd@ksu.edu |
| Architecture, Arts & Sciences, and Human Ecology |
Ben McKelfresh |
bmckel@ksu.edu |
- Research your options
Get more information about the available programs, costs, and more
in the Study Abroad Office—where there are lots of catalogs
and brochures to read—and look at the OIP Web site (Study
Abroad Programs). Narrow your choices according to your own criteria
and the information you have gathered. This takes time because only
YOU can make the decisions about which program is best for you.
- Contact your academic advisor
Your academic advisor needs to be involved in the study abroad process
to assure that you can transfer back the credits you take abroad.
Your advisor will also know about programs where other students in
your field have studied. Have your academic advisor sign the course
approval form in your study abroad application when you have chosen
a study abroad program and selected your courses.
- Get your passport NOW!
A passport is your official identification while abroad. It takes
at least 6-8 weeks to get one and you can’t apply for a visa
(permission to enter a country) until you have it. You can apply for
a passport at any post office. Visit http://travel.state.gov/
for an application and information on required documentation. Passport
photos can be purchased at the International Student Center (532-6448),
Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Kinkos, etc.
- Explore ways to finance your program
There are different scholarships and types of financial support for
study abroad. See our website for information about scholarships or
pick up a flyer at the office. Check out the clubs and organizations
you and your family belong to, your church, or other places that might
offer assistance. Federal financial aid can apply to K-State programs
and those programs where we have affiliations. Your study abroad advisor
can tell you which programs qualify for financial aid and will provide
you with cost sheets for your program. Then, your financial aid advisor
can tell you how much aid is available. Non-resident students pay
in-state tuition while abroad on K-State programs.
- Turn in your study abroad application
Applications for study abroad in spring are due on October
15, and for summer or fall on March 16;
K-State faculty-led programs often have earlier deadlines. The Study
Abroad Office begins to process applications during the week after
the deadline. We do not accept applications before the beginning
of the appropriate semester.
- Go to the orientation sessions
Once you have accepted your placement into your program, you will
be invited to attend a country/region meeting with students who studied
there before and international students from that country. Students
going on group programs will also meet with their group and group
leader. At this time, you can ask questions about living and studying
in your destination. Near the end of the semester, you will be required
to attend a general pre-departure orientation where the staff discusses
cultural adaptation, health and safety issues, study abroad insurance,
etc., and returned students tell their study abroad stories. You’ll
receive a handbook with further important advice.
- Make your travel plans
Once you have been accepted to a study abroad program, you can start
looking into your airplane ticket. Our study abroad website and handbook
contain information on student ticket providers. Be sure you know
the official starting and ending dates of your program before you
purchase your plane ticket. Buying a ticket that can be changed for
a reasonable fee is your best option. This type of ticket may cost
a bit more than the cheapest tickets, but if you need to change your
dates, you’ll be able to revise your plans without too much
difficulty.
- Make an appointment with the Lafene Travel Clinic
Lafene Health Center
offers free advice for travelers and gives information about immunization
and health issues for the region where you will be. Call 532-6544
to make an appointment.
- Enroll for study abroad
While you are abroad, you need to be enrolled at K-State. If you are
going on a faculty-led program, you will enroll in your course(s)
through DCE. Those going to host institutions need to enroll in MLANG001
as a full-time student (12 hrs for a semester or 6 hrs for summer).
This makes financial aid possible and enables you to use your K-State
e-mail and access KATS.
- Get a visa
Most study abroad programs require a student visa. You will
need your passport, acceptance letter and perhaps additional documents
to apply for the visa. The website of the nearest consulate or embassy
of the country where you will study can give you exact requirements.
Some countries may require that you apply for a visa in person, while
others accept documents by mail. This process can take several weeks,
or sometimes months, so get information as soon as possible!
Find out more
about visas at the U.S. Bureau for Consular Affairs website.
- Get ready to go!
Research your destination by talking with people, looking online and
reading as much as you can find. Get your tickets and start to pack!
Have a great time abroad!
- While you're away
If you are studying abroad for the semester, you’ll have to
confer with your academic advisor via e-mail and enroll in classes
from abroad. Please contact the study abroad office if you need assistance
with anything or just to share your experiences with us. We love hearing
from you!
- Returning to K-State
Study abroad is a life-changing experience. In order to put it into
perspective, you will attend a re-entry workshop the semester you
return. This will give you a chance to reflect on your cultural experience
and how you have grown as a result of your time spent abroad. Many
of the skills acquired abroad are linked to the top skills that employers
are looking for. A representative of The Career and Employment Services
Office will give you tips on how to add this experience to your resume
and job interviews.