About K-State Study Abroad Programs
There are several types of programs to choose from. You may go on a KSU exchange program, in which you study at a university abroad while someone from that university comes to KSU to take your place. This is usually the most cost-effective way to study abroad. You may choose a non-KSU affiliated program. Or, you may choose to go on a KSU faculty-led study abroad program, which are usually shorter than regular study abroad programs.
Exchange Programs
As the term indicates, an exchange is a two-way flow of students – you go out and someone comes in to take your place. You are actually admitted to and are enrolled in another university abroad. With a few exceptions you are a regular student taking regular university courses. Exchanges are usually the most cost effective programs and provide full immersion into the host country and university. K-State has many places available on exchange programs around the world.
Please keep in mind that participating in an exchange does not concern you alone. Whether you go or not affects another student who replaces you. This is because your fees are used to pay the costs for the incoming student, while that student pays for the costs for you at the university you will attend. Thus, the number of students exchanged must be equal at each university so that the fees can be paid. Should you sign-up and then pull out, you can spoil an international student's chance to come to K-State.
More Information is available here.
Program Providers
Program Providers most easily described as study abroad companies who offer K-State students the chance to study in a wide variety of locations. These programs are great for students who want a more structured adventure abroad. Program Providers offer assistance to students throughout the application process, the experience abroad, and returning home. Also, most providers will organize multiple excursions to locations around the study abroad site which are included in the tuition and fees. This offers K-State students a chance to travel around without the added travel stress!
More Information is available here.
Faculty-Led Programs
These are short-term trips led by K-State faculty and offered for limited credit, usually 3 hours. They are centered on a special topic and usually run for periods between 1-3 weeks during holiday breaks, intersession or the summer. Costs are variable depending on destination and often include traveling from place to place. These are good for your first “taste” of international experience and allow you to study abroad without interrupting your regular coursework.
More Information is available here.
Internships & Volunteering
K-State Study Abroad offers a variety of opportunities for students wishing to volunteer or hold an internship. Whether for credit or for the experience these international adventures are an incredible resume builder and a great way to explore new places, learn new customs, and meet new people.
More Information is available here.
Participating in non-KSU programs
In addition to KSU-affiliated programs, there are hundreds of other programs to choose from. All non-KSU programs have their own application procedures and fees. You are responsible for paying these programs directly whatever costs they charge. Always make sure just exactly what a program fee covers in terms of total costs you will incur for a study abroad program. Some fees may cover only tuition and fees, while others may include room and board.
Many non-KSU programs are “group study programs.” This means that there is a one-way flow of American students to the destination country – you go out to an international site with a group of other students, usually Americans, but sometimes from other countries as well. These programs are highly structured, often with set curricula, their own faculty, a director and a study center. Many of the administrative and logistical matter are taken care of for you, but rarely are you mainstreamed into regular course work at another university. It can be more difficult to meet “local” students on these programs. These programs are available for a summer, semester or as long as a year. Such programs are offered by universities, including K-State, and special study organizations – Semester at Sea, Council for International Educational Exchange, School for International Training, American Institute of Foreign Studies and Butler Institute for Study Abroad, to name a few.
You can also explore direct enrollment programs offered by an international university or institution. These programs may offer a limited set of courses especially designed for foreign students or may allow you to take regular courses at that university. These programs are highly variable in cost, depending on local tuition, fees and living costs.