Copyright 2014 Cory Levin All Rights Reserved
Letter from the OSA
Dear Jayhawk.
Studying abroad opens up a world of opportunity to thousands of college students every year. Academically, students get the chance to study topics they may never have the opportunity on the KU Lawrence campus. It is a mind-expanding and life-altering experience. Just ask anyone who has studied abroad. One of your best resources for information on studying abroad can be a student who has returned from studying abroad. You'll find several experiences related here in this issue.
Our Fall Study Abroad Fair is another great opportunity for you to meet with students who have returned from studying abroad. The Study Abroad Fair is this Wednesday, September 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the $4^{\mathrm{th}}$ floor lobby of the Kansas Union. You will have the opportunity to speak with returned students, faculty and OSA staff about studying abroad as well as pick up information on all of KU's study abroad programs.
Your next step is to stop by the Office of Study Abroad Resource Library, located in 105 Lippincott Hall. The library, open 9-5, Monday through Friday, is staffed with Peer Advisors who can answer your questions and help you discover your options. They can help you figure out the next step in choosing a program, direct you to information on scholarships, and provide names of Study Abroad alumni who would be happy to talk to you about their experiences. The Peer Advisors are also recent study abroad participants, so they are not only familiar with what KU has to offer but they also remember well what the process was like for them.
See you at the Fair. . and remember if you are interested in studying abroad over Winter Break, Spring Break or the Spring semester the deadline for applying is October 1!
Sincerely,
Robert Lopez
Outreach Coordinator
Office of Study Abroad
P. S. Remember the Office of Study Abroad has opportunities to study abroad in over 60 countries and in more than 25 languages! We also have many programs in which you can take your classes in English, and these are in universities all around the world. Come in and find the program that is right for you.
Global Awareness Program (GAP)
The Global Awareness Program (CAP) is a program at KU that offers students a broader view of the world and recognizes undergraduates' international experiences. Students can have an international experience through study abroad, taking classes with an international focus, foreign language study, or participating in international co-curricular activities. Undergraduates in any major can earn global awareness certification. Students completing this program will have their international experience noted on their official KU academic transcript. They will also receive a certificate from the Office of International Programs.
Students who have already completed some or all of the requirements will receive retroactive credit. More than 1000 students have already registered and 224 have already received their certification since the program started in Fall 2004.
For more information about GAP contact:
Jenna Hunter
GAP Coordinator
Office of International Programs
Strong Hall Room. 300, Tel. (785) 864-7265
gap@ku.edu
www.international.ku.edu
TEN STEPS TO STUDYING ABROAD
1) Visit the Office of Study Abroad (OSA). Pick up an Advising Handbook and speak with a Peer Advisor. Browse through the resource library, request brochures, and view a video.
2) Investigate program options and inform yourself.
1) Visit the Office of Study Abroad (OSA).
2) Investigate program options and inform yourself.
Read the Advising Handbook to direct your investigation. Define your goals for studying abroad and identify suitable programs. Learn about the country where you wish to study abroad. Talk with exchange students and study abroad returns about their experiences.
3) Apply for your passport!
You should apply for your passport at this time. Passport applications take approximately 10-12 weeks to process. Information on applying for a passport is available at: http://travel.state.gov/passport.
4) Meet with a Study Abroad Program Coordinator.
Once you have determined what country and program you are interested in, make an appointment with the appropriate coordinator in the Office of Study Abroad to discuss your plans.
5) See your Faculty Advisor. Discuss how your proposed study abroad courses will fit in with your degree requirements and have your advisor sign your Academic Plan for Study Abroad.
6) Find out about financing your study abroad program. All students considering using federal financial aid and scholarships to fund their study abroad experience must sneak with a financial aid advisor in the Office of Study Abroad.
7) Apply! Submit your application to the OSA on or before the deadline.
Begin applying for your program of choice the semester before you plan to go. The deadline for most Fall, Academic Year, and Summer programs is March 1, and the deadline for most Winter Break, Spring Break, or Spring programs is October 1. Check with your Program Coordinator for program-specific deadlines.
8) You've been accepted!
Send acceptance forms to the OSA, apply for your student visa (if necessary) and make travel plans.
9) Orient yourself.
Attend the OSA pre-departure orientation for additional program information and question-and answer sessions with past participants. Read carefully all the information in your orientation packet.
Ask questions!
10) Packyour bags.
Kiss everyone good-bye,and go!
Contact us:
Walk-ins: Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-5p.m. 105 Lippincott
The University of Kansas Office of Study Abroad Lippincott Hall, Room 108 1410 Jayhawk Blvd. Lawrence, KS 66045
Phone: 785-864-3742
Fax: 785-864-5040
Email: osa@ku.edu
Website: www.studyabroad.ku.edu
KU OFFICE OF STUDY ABROAD
The University of Kansas
Jayhawks Abroad
2
Fall 2008