Kansas State University

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.

Studying abroad should not delay your graduation. We help you find the right classes to match your K-State requirements so that your education will not take additional time. Most students are able to take courses in their major while they study abroad. Almost all fields can be studied abroad, although you may not find your field of study at every location. If you decide to study abroad at a location without classes in your major, you can often take classes to fulfill university “general education” and general elective requirements, or fulfill language requirements.

There is a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5, although exceptions can be granted (ask your Study Abroad Advisor for more information). Some programs may have higher requirements which students are subject to if they choose those programs. 

All courses taken for credit abroad, and for which you receive a passing grade, will transfer back as credit at KSU. Credit for a failed course will not be transferred back to KSU.  The Registrar's Office will use the information from the Academic Approval form you completed prior to studying abroad to determine the KSU equvalents of the courses you took abroad.  If you took a course which was not listed on the Academic Approval form, you should work with your Advisor to complete a Request for Validation of Credit form. The grades you earn abroad may appear on your official KSU transcripts, but do not calculate in your GPA.

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.

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.

Yes. There are programs with courses offered that will apply to all of our academic programs offered at K-State. Many programs also offer the options to intern or volunteer abroad. Though some programs are more competitive than others, students can normally find one that fits their interests.

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.

Housing differs from program to program. Housing options may include on-campus housing, host family stays, or independent living. Feel free to check out the program for their housing options, or to stop by our Office in 304 Fairchild Hall.