Interested in studying abroad?
Start early (9 months if possible) and follow the steps.
Lost? Confused? Forgot where to go?
Email us at AS-EdAbroad@uky.edu. We are here to help you!
Steps to Studying Abroad
Step 1: Attend a First Steps Session
These sessions explain what to think about when considering a program, how to select a program, cost, financial aid and scholarships, credit transfer and equivalencies, and much more.
Spring Semester Dates:
Wednesdays *Not 3/3 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | |
Thursdays *Not 3/4 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Can't attend one of these sessions? There are more general First Steps Sessions on the Education Abroad website to choose from!
Step 2: Meet with your Academic Advisor
Every student is assigned an Academic Advisor, who will help you think about:
- the best time to study abroad in your course planning, and
- which courses you may want to take abroad.
This step is critical to ensure you stay on track toward graduation.
Step 3: Find your Program
There are different types of programs (explained in detail here):
- Faculty-Led Programs (See Arts & Sciences faculty-led programs here.)
- Partner Programs (See Arts & Sciences faculty participating in partner programs here.)
- Exchange Programs
- Direct Programs
- Even Virtual Programs
Step 4: Determine Costs
Each program has a "Cost" or "Costs & Scholarships" tab. Find the cost sheet for your program.
- Select the correct term from the dropdown box at the top (e.g. Spring, Summer, etc.)
- Select any required fields (such as tuition)
- Click the print icon to save.
Example:
Step 5: Find Funding
Take advantage of funding available for education abroad!
UK Education Abroad Office
- Explore; Apply on UKEA Scholarship Portal
- Notice lists of additional scholarships:
- Partner programs
- External sources
- Notice lists of additional scholarships:
College of Arts & Sciences
- Explore; Apply on Scholarship Universe
- Notice different types of scholarships:
- College Scholarships: Explore
- Deadline: March 1
- Major/Department Scholarships: Explore
- Deadlines vary by program.
- Specific Need-Based Scholarships: Explore
- First Generation Students
- Internships, Service Learning
- Student Experience Scholarships: Explore (March and April deadlines)
- Education Abroad, Internships
- College Scholarships: Explore
- Notice different types of scholarships:
Scholarships range in deadlines, award amount and eligibility requirements.
Step 6: Apply!
To apply for a program, find yours in the Program Search.
- Click the blue “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the program page.
- Read the popup text box very carefully for an explanation of the UK EA Application fee. (Note: some applications don’t have a fee.)
- Click Proceed.
- Once you start your application, you will need to complete your profile and all of the application sections.
More Questions?
Within the College of Arts & Sciences: You have an advocate to help you ensure that you stay on track and work through all the steps:
Book an appointment with Tiffany Williams
Within the Education Abroad and Exchanges Office: You have an advisor who can help you navigate the many different programs, costs, scholarships and application:
Book an appointment with Allison Peoples
Have you considered?
Upon your return, you may want to pursue an additional resume-building certificate, which may be easier than you think!
Certificate of Global Studies
The Certificate of Global Studies attests to your ability to live and work in a global community. It documents the global issues you have studied in your undergraduate courses, the credit you have earned through education abroad, the second language in which you have learned to communicate, and your internationally-focused activities in the United States. To learn more, click here.