Kansas State University

When is the best time to study abroad?

While students can study abroad at any time during their academic career, the "best" time to study abroad depends upon your academic field of study.  Some Colleges, such as Education, encourage students to study abroad before they begin their block courses, while others, such as Architecture, encourage their students to study abroad during their fourth year.  The majority of students in the U.S. students study abroad during their Sophomore or Junior year.  Check with a Study Abroad Advisor or your Academic Advisor to find out what is best for your academic field of study.

When should I begin researching program options/start the process?

You can begin researching program options at any time.  We recommend to start looking at least one year in advance of when you plan to leave for your study abroad experience.  Our Getting Started page provides useful information about how to choose a program, and the application process and timeline. Program deadlines are typically toward the beginning of the semester prior to your departure, although some are earlier.  For specific deadlines, please view our Important Dates page.

I don't speak a foreign language. Can I still study abroad?

Yes. There are many programs available in English in both English-speaking countries and non-English-speaking countries. You can study in English in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Fiji, Tonga, and many other places.

Studying abroad can give you the opportunity to learn a foreign language or to improve your skills in a language you already know. There are numerous programs that offer beginning and intermediate language instruction. Some students can finish their entire four semesters of language credit in one semester overseas.

Studying a language overseas is the single best way to learn a foreign language, since you are immersed in the foreign language daily. Ordering gelato in Italian, a pastry in a French bakery, or sushi in Japanese are all ways of practicing your skills. You can learn French not only in France, but in the French colony of La Reunion, an island in the Indian Ocean of the coast of Madagascar. You can learn Spanish not only in any beautiful Spanish city you choose, but also in Latin and Central America.

Am I able to study abroad in the summer?

Yes. We have several ways to do this. One way is through our faculty-led programs. Faculty-led programs are offered during the academic breaks (ie: summer, winter, and spring break) and normally accompany a course either during the semester prior or during the trip. A K-State Faculty leader takes a group of K-State students to travel the area discussed in the course. Another way is to study abroad independently, as some exchanges and many program providers offer summer courses and programs.

How long are study abroad programs?

Study Abroad programs vary in length from a week to a year. There are longer programs which are for a semester or year, or shorter programs, which can occur during university breaks, such as fall break, winter break, spring break or summer.  

When will I be notified regarding my KSU study abroad acceptance?

Applicants who have submitted all KSU application materials, as listed on their StudioAbroad online application, will be notified within approximately one working week of completion of the application if they have been accepted by KSU to study abroad.  Click here for the KSU Application Process and Timeline. KSU acceptance is separate from acceptance by the host program or university.  Host acceptance usually comes after a student has been accepted by KSU.

When will I be notified regarding my acceptance by the host program or university?

Each program has different dates, deadlines and rates of acceptance.  If you have applied through a program provider (API, CCIS, CIEE, ISA, USAC, etc.), you will be notified directly by the program provider regarding your acceptance.  Program providers typically have quick response times.  If you have not heard from your provider regarding your acceptance, you should contact the program provider directly.  If you have applied for an exchange or direct enrollment program, it could take anywhere from 2-6 weeks, or even longer to find out if you have been accepted. Please ask your Study Abroad Advisor for an approximate timeline for your specific university.  

When can I book my airline ticket?

You can book your airline ticket once you have received acceptance from K-State and your host program or university.  If you are also required to obtain a visa for your study abroad experience, it is recommended that you wait until you receive your visa before booking an airline ticket.  Be sure you are aware of your program or exchange dates, including orientation and final exams, before you purchase your plane ticket.

What is a student visa?  Do I need one?

A visa is a stamp or slip of paper attached to a page in your passport and is the official permission from a government for you to visit, study, or do business in their country. It is important to understand the visa requirements for the country you plan to visit.  Please see our Student Visas page for more information.

How much does it cost to Study Abroad?

The cost of a study abroad program varies depending on the type of program you select (exchange, faculty-led, direct enroll, program provider), the location of the program, and the length of the program. If you select an exchange program, for example, you are charged in-state (resident) tuition & fees, and sometimes room/board, so the cost of an exchange program could be very similar to what you normally pay for a semester at K-State in Manhattan. If you are an out-of-state student, keep in mind you pay in-state tuition on exchange programs, so the cost of tuition & fees is actually less for out-of-state students who participate on exchange programs. The location you select also greatly affects the cost of a program; places like Western Europe & Australia are generally more expensive than studying at K-State, Central Europe tends to cost about the same as remaining at K-State, and Central America & Eastern Europe are generally less expensive than studying at K-State. Program Providers vary in cost, due to what they offer in their program, where their program is going, and which program provider you choose. A sample budget sheet can be found on many of our program's information pages.

I receive financial aid from the Government. Will I be able to use it for Study Abroad?

Yes. You can use your federal financial aid on any approved study abroad program. Most scholarships you currently have can also be applied to your cost, and you're available to receive other Study Abroad Scholarships from the Office of International Programs, some academic departments, and other organizations. See our Funding page for more information.