Study Abroad

A world of opportunity

What if your student wants to study abroad? It might seem like a scary thought, especially if you just sent them off to college, but there’s an entire department devoted to giving your student a safe, affordable, memorable experience abroad. K-State’s Office of International Programs (OIP) is designed to help both parents and students plan a successful experience.

Why study abroad?

As the world is becoming more interdependent and globalized each year, students who leave college with a significant “globalizing” experience will increasingly be thought of as having a more complete education for the professional world. The study abroad experience enriches and diversifies undergraduate education, provides students with a global outlook, enhances career preparation, deepens intellectual and personal maturity, fosters independent thinking and builds self-confidence. Your student will return from their experience with a better understanding of the global world. Like many K-State students who have studied abroad before them, your student will return more aware of the richness of cultures prevalent in U.S. society.

How will we finance study abroad?

There are many programs set up to help students. Your student will have access to their own study abroad advisor, financial and academic advisors to help plan options for the experience. There are several scholarships available through K-State, specific colleges within K-State, outside organizations, and alumni supporters. Your student’s financial advisor will also walk you through changes you can make to your FAFSA that could qualify you for certain loans. Many study abroad exchanges also allow your student to study overseas at the cost of in-state tuition at K-State.

Will their overseas credits transfer?

Studying abroad will not delay your student’s graduation. Almost all fields can be studied in another country and academic advisors work to find classes to match K-State requirements. Students can remain enrolled full-time at K-State, enabling them to receive financial aid, if eligible, and student privileges.

How long will they be away?

K-State has a variety of programs with varying lengths from which students can choose. Most students choose to spend a full semester abroad but students can go abroad for a year, or over holidays and other shorter time periods. K-State also has an exchange program. This is usually the most cost-effective way to study abroad. Students can also choose a non-KSU affiliated (but approved) program or a K-State faculty-led study abroad program. Faculty-led study abroad trips are centered on a special topic and offered for credit.

What’s the safety like abroad?

Safety is a priority for K-State; established overseas study programs and many of the health and safety issues abroad are similar to those found on U.S. college campuses. They provide a secure and unthreatening environment for students to reside. Many orientations and informational meetings are planned for your student to attend before leaving the U.S., once they arrive in the foreign country, and during their experience overseas.   

For more information, contact:

Office of International Programs
304 Fairchild Hall
Phone: (785) 532-5990
oip@k-state.edu