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Study abroad is an opportunity to travel abroad for an extended period of time and gain college credit/work experience in a program outside of your school. You can visit another country to gain college credit through classes, complete an internship (paid or non-paid), or do more a specific program (i.e., graduate programs, shadowing government officials, volunteering in third world countries, etc.), all depending on the program you join.

You can travel just about anywhere you wish to go. Visit the Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning website for more information and links to study abroad agencies.

WKU sponsors many trips each year. Information about these trips and links to other study abroad programs can be found on the Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning website.

You can also visit the Study Abroad Office in Honors College-International Center, room 1014 to look at brochures and/or talk with an advisor.

The typical application process is sometimes lengthy and time consuming. General application items might include: your school study abroad application, the specific program application which often includes essays and letters of recommendation, transcripts, health/insurance forms, and credit transfer forms (if you are taking classes abroad). Often, students need scholarships and financial assistance; applying for aid will also require paperwork. It is essential to start 6 months-1 year before you plan to study abroad.

The duration of study abroad programs vary. Programs can range anywhere from 3 weeks to 1 year and are available during all terms (fall/spring semester, summer, winter).

Studying abroad can be expensive, but there are also countless scholarships available. The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the program, the location (large cities are more expensive), the duration of your trip, and the types of things you do while abroad (travel to multiple places, sightseeing, etc.).

Scholarships and grants are plentiful when it comes to studying abroad. It is possible to get your entire trip paid for if you are willing to work at it! Staying for a semester or longer qualifies you for more scholarships. Please visit the OSD or study abroad office for more information and help on finding scholarships.

In 2009, the WKU World Toppers Scholarship fund gave around $74,000 to WKU students for study abroad and the Honors College awarded Honors students $20,000 in Travel Abroad Grants during the spring semester. If you receive a federal Pell Grant, you can apply for the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship, which awards individual students up to $5,000 for study abroad.

This can depend on the program you choose. As a general rule, you should start applying for scholarships a semester to a year in advance of studying abroad. Many scholarship applications involve essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc., and it is best to get started as soon as possible.

Yes, but it is very important to get this cleared BEFORE you study abroad. Not all programs will qualify for transfer credit, but it is always worth talking to the study abroad office and the department in which your credit would fall (for example, a foreign politics course falls into the political science department) to try and receive transfer credit.

Departments will often list opportunities to study abroad and gain credit on their website, or in their educational buildings (i.e., brochures to study foreign languages abroad in the Fine Arts Center, where foreign language classes are held). You can also contact your advisor when looking for major-related study abroad programs and/or transferring credits back to WKU.

Absolutely. This experience will set your application apart. Additionally, studying abroad gives you chance to build key relationships, broaden your knowledge beyond the classroom, and enhance your application by showing your willingness to travel and learn in another country.

The best time to study abroad is in your sophomore or junior year when you still have general education requirements that can be completed in another country.

However, it is never "too late" to study abroad. Talk with your advisor or contact the OSD with further questions about when is best for you to study abroad.

Several departments at WKU offer study abroad programs. Visit your department’s website and/or contact your advisor for specific questions. Also, if your department does not offer a specific program, it is still possible to find a program outside your department.

This depends. Some programs directly associated with WKU will allow scholarship money to pay for study abroad, others will not.

Studying abroad does not have to set your graduation date back, but it can if you do not plan your trip well. Search programs that offer transferrable credits to help you stay on track. Also, studying abroad in the winter/summer can help you gain credit outside of the school year, when you would not usually be in class.

There are WKU scholarships, like the World Topper, Travel Abroad Grants for Honors College students, and Student Government Association Scholarships. However, there are not many national scholarships that can be used for Harlaxton. Members of the Golden Key Honor Society can apply for scholarships through the organization. Additionally, Phi Kappa Phi offers study abroad scholarships. Students eligible to receive Pell grants can apply for Gilman Scholarships.

Contact a financial aid advisor in the Student Financial Assistance to see if you are Pell eligible.

There are WKU scholarships, like the World Topper, Travel Abroad Grants for Honors College students, and Student Government Association Scholarships. However, there are not many national scholarships that can be used for short programs. Members of the Golden Key Honor Society can apply for scholarships through the organization. Additionally, Phi Kappa Phi offers study abroad scholarships.

There are WKU scholarships, like the World Topper, Travel Abroad Grants for Honors College students, and Student Government Association Scholarships. However, there are not many national scholarships that can be used for short programs. Members of the Golden Key Honor Society can apply for scholarships through the organization. Additionally, Phi Kappa Phi offers study abroad scholarships.

There are WKU scholarships, like the World Topper, Travel Abroad Grants for Honors College students, and Student Government Association Scholarships. However, there are not many national scholarships that can be used for Australia or other English speaking countries. Members of the Golden Key Honor Society can apply for scholarships through the organization. Additionally, Phi Kappa Phi offers study abroad scholarships. Students eligible to receive Pell grants can apply for Gilman Scholarships.