Not Sure Where to Start?
Study Abroad programs are available in 20 different languages in locations throughout the world. Study in English is widely available, in 25 countries in 5 world areas. KU administers study abroad programs in the following countries:
The Americas: Argentina, Brazil Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Honduraş, Mexico Paraguay, Uruguay
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland France, Great Britain, Greece, Germany Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia Middle East: Egypt, Israel Africa CUte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Tanzania, Togo Zambia Australasia: Australia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Zealand People's Republic of China, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand
Some programs focus on a particular field of study while others offer a general curriculum. Study Abroad participants come from all schools of the university, including: ArchitectureBusinessEducation EngineeringFine Arts Journalism Liberal Arts and Sciences Social Welfare
Most students are able to fulfill graduation requirements and maintain progress toward their degree while studying abroad. A few examples of discipline-specific programs include those for: Architecture-Art and Design Business Engineering Environmental studies Languages History International Business Economics Classics Education Social Welfare Humanities
Many semester and academic year programs allow qualified students with demonstrated language proficiency to choose from regular university course offerings.
Program costs vary, but studying abroad does not have to be expensive.
For instance, KU exchange agreements with universities in Costa Rica, United Kingdom, France, Australia, and with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) provide study abroad opportunities of great value at tuition, room and board costs close to those of staying on the Lawrence campus.
Students paying non-resident tuition will find that the cost of study abroad can be less than that of studying on campus.
Normally, federal financial aid is applicable to study abroad programs and in most cases KU scholarships and grants may be applied to the study abroad program fee.
Making Study Abroad Affordable: The NSEP Scholarship
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) is a scholarship program for students studying abroad in under represented countries and/or under represented languages as determined by the U.S. Department of Defense. Scholarship recipients are required to perform a service obligation with an approved government agency for an amount of time equal to their term abroad. Detailed information can be found at www.iie.org/nsep.
I entered KU as a Fall 1994 freshman with many plans and desires. Of course, by Spring 1995, a number of my initial expectations had changed. Nevertheless, one desire remained strong: the desire to study abroad in Spain or Latin America.
I soon learned, however, that desire even when assuming the forms of a packed suitcase, a plane ticket, and a pocket translator—is not enough. Through my experience of applying for a National Security Education Program (NSEP) scholarship to study abroad, I realized that studying in another country requires months of academic, emotional, and financial preparation.
When I first heard of the NSEP scholarship, a scholarship sponsored by the U. S. Department of Defense, I thought of it as only financial preparation for study abroad. I had no clue as to how much work went into the applications of friends and fellow Spanish majors who had said, "Lata,
After taking my friends' advice and asking KU's Office of Study Abroad (OSA) about NSEP, however, I quickly discovered that the scholarship is a lot more than a one to two page application that translates to thousands of dollars. Actually, the application is closer to ten pages requesting not only academic transcripts recommendation letters, and biographical information but also language test scores, a Statement of Purpose, and an Academic Plan.
I got an NSEP scholarship, so the government is paying for all the expenses of a semester abroad! You should apply for one, too!"
By Lata Murti, Topeka senior
Grueling? Yes, especially for a first semester sophomore; but it's not impossible. I would even argue that the NSEP application process is essential to an enjoyable experience abroad. The process forces applicants to analyze themselves and their reasons for wanting to study abroad. It
also ensures that that initial desire to study far away from home is strong enough to endure a year's worth of paperwork and waiting.
Waiting, and the intense competition involved in the NSEP process, compels applicants to research additional options for financing their experience abroad. NSEP asks that its applicants complete a study abroad budget form." Filling out this form with Barbara Gearhart, the Office of Study Abroad's financial
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Have you ever wanted to study abroad?
Come to the Study Abroad Fair Tuesday September 15
Kansas Union 10 am - 3 pm
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Jayhawks Abroad
www.ukans.edu/~osa
Fall 1998