FAQ for Students

WKU's minimum requirement to study abroad is a cumulative 2.0 GPA and good academic and disciplinary standing; however, many programs, including WKU exchange programs and programs through 3rd party program providers, require a higher GPA (2.5-3.0).

Yes.  While you do not have to pay WKU tuition for study abroad programs (except exchanges), there is a nonrefundable $150 study abroad application fee that goes toward administrative costs and support services provided by WKU Global. Qualified students who apply for the Gilman Scholarship receive a scholarship that essentially waives the application fee. Click here for more information about the application fee.

For most programs, two applications are required--one through WKU Global and one through the program provider.  The program provider application deadlines often vary from WKU's deadlines, so be sure to check the website of the organization you are studying abroad through to confirm their deadline.  With a few exceptions, the WKU Global application deadline is October 1st for winter programs, October 15th for spring term programs, March 15 for summer term programs and April 1st for fall term programs.  Scholarship deadlines vary.

Check the withdrawal refund policy of the program you applied for to be aware of any nonrefundable fees you will stille owe if you decide to withdraw after applying.  To officially withdraw, contact the appropriate WKU Global Learning Advisor and the program provider to notify them of your decision.  If you received scholarships, you will also need to notify the organizations that awarded you funding.

Student Ambassadors and Global Learning Advisors in WKU Global are here to help! We’re located in the Honors College and International Center, room 1014.  You can come in for advising, or e-mail or call us at 270-745-4857 with questions. Come to one of our events or make an appointment with a Global Learning Advisor.

There are also other offices that can assist once your plans are in motion:

• The Office of Scholar Development in HCIC 1045 can advise you on nationally-competitive scholarships like the Gilman Scholarship and Freeman-Asia Award.
• The Office of Student Financial Assistance in 317 Potter Hall can advise you on how to apply financial aid toward the cost of study abroad. Don’t forget that scholarships are available. 
• Contact your academic advisor for assistance with selecting courses and obtaining approval for transfer credit, if required. Inform your academic advisor early in in the academic year that you want to study abroad to make planning easier.

There are a number of scholarships available to help with study abroad costs, and most financial aid can be applied as well. You can find more information about funding options here.

No. Although WKU Global offers a diverse number of language-based programs, the majority of our study abroad programs offer courses in English and do not require knowledge of a foreign language.

With careful planning and assistance from global learning advisors and your academic advisor, you should be able to find a program offering courses that fulfill degree requirements and keep you on track for graduation.

No, WKU Global offers many short-term programs during the summer and winter. In fact, the majority of students study abroad on short-term programs.

There are programs for all majors, but some fields of study may have more options than others.  It is a good idea to plan early, before you take all of your Colonnade (gen ed) courses and elective courses for your majors/minors, so that you have more options. Depending on your major, you may need to be flexible with regards to the destination, study abroad term, and/or type of program.

Yes! Many programs offer Colonnade credit, particularly WKU Faculty-Led, KIIS, and Harlaxton Semester program, but there are others. You can find more info here.

You will need a passport book. Make sure you apply well in advance (2-3 months) of your departure date. For certain destinations and/or program lengths, you may need to obtain a visa as well. You can find more information about passports and visas here.

For certain destinations you may need immunizations. Consult the CDC website and your physician for more information.

Yes, you are free to pursue independent travel during your free time, as long as program rules permit such travel. Be sure to inform your on-site program leaders of your travel plans, obtain their advice/recommendations, and research safety and security concerns at your destination to know how to prepare for and avoid risks. Do not undertake any high-risk activities that are not be covered by insurance (white water rafting, bungie jumping, etc.).