Global Learning & Study Abroad Advising
WKU Global is here to serve as a collaborative resource through your entire global learning experience, from exploration to return. All students should begin their journey by attending peer advising or joining a Study Abroad 101 session. Global Learning Staff Advisors are then available to help you select the best-fit program for you and answer more specific questions about the process.
The first step in your journey! Be sure to check out our Getting Started page as you start your planning.
Talk to someone who has been through exactly what you're experiencing right now! Through walk-in advising, scheduled appointments, or through a Study Abroad 101 session, our Global Learning Ambassadors are here to guide you through:
- Understanding the benefits of partcipating in study abroad & other global learning opportunities
- Learning about program options
- Navigating the study abroad process
- Starting your funding plan
- Connecting to more resources
OPTION 1: Walk-In Advising
Location: HCIC 1001, The Global Agora
Spring 2024 Hours:
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 - 4:30 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 4:30 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 4:30 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 4:30 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 4:30 |
OPTION 2: Attend a Study Abroad 101 Session
Held throughout the semester in HCIC 1001. Times and dates for Spring 2024 coming soon!
In most cases, you should attend a peer advising session before meeting with a staff advisor.
Our professional staff advisors are divided by the region and/or type of program that you are interested in. Click on the links below to schedule an appointment with the most appropriate advisor. Global Learning Advisors are here to guide you through:
- Encouraging you to define your global learning goals (academic, professional, and personal) and narrowing down programs to match those goals
- Confirming program eligibility
- Specific program advising (program experience, academics, housing, visa, application process, etc)
- Completing your required advising meeting (required for most students, strongly recommended for all)
- Navigating health and safety abroad
- Reflecting on your identity abroad
- Funding study abroad and scholarships
- Returnee student resources
Wes advises for programs located in Africa, Central & South America, Europe (except the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland), the Middle East, and North American programs (Canada). She also serves as the advisor for the Global Learning Ambassadors.
Toni advises for programs located in the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Asia, Oceania, and for Semester at Sea & WKU International Student Teaching.
It's never too early to begin thinking about where you want study abroad to fit into your graduation plan at WKU! Let your Academic Advisor know as soon as you start planning so that you can stay on track, especially if you plan to spend a semester or academic year abroad. Studying abroad in the summer and/or winter terms may even help you graduate early. Some program types offer WKU credit (WKU Faculty-Led, CCSA, KIIS), while you will be earning transfer credit on others. Be sure to check out our Academic Credit Abroad page for more information.
Your Academic Advisor can help you with:
- Developing your graduation course plan with study abroad included
- Identifying where you may have course flexibility
- Confirming degree requirements and credit rules
- Providing feedback (but not approval) on potential equivalent courses
- Connecting you with WKU academic departmental contacts that can provide transfer credit approval
Your Global Learning Staff Advisor can help you with:
- Searching for programs based on field of study/type of experience
- Navigating program provider and/or host institution websites
- Understanding the study abroad transfer credit process
- Providing feedback (but not approval) on potential equivalent courses
Your Program Provider and/or Host Institution can help you with:
- Confirming which courses will be offered the semester you plan to be abroad
- Sending course descriptions and syllabi for courses offered on the program
- Providing more details about course structure and teaching styles in your location
- Enrolling you in courses for your program
- Requesting official transcripts at the end of your program to the WKU Transfer Center
With careful planning and a strategic use of resources, any WKU student can afford to have a global learning experience. Check out our Funding my Program page to get started with your financial planning.
WKU Global can help connect you with resources and scholarship opportunities.
All students should meet with the Office of Student Financial Assistance to determine how their current aid package at WKU may be applied to study abroad:
- Andrew Hartley (andrew.hartley@wku.edu) is the current main contact in Student Financial Assistance for study abroad related aid questions, especially for state and federal funded aid
- Susan Fitzpatrick (susan.fitzpatrick@wku.edu) is the best contact for determining if your current scholarships can be used towards study abroad
- The Office of Scholar Development (OSD) mentors students applying for nationally competive scholarships for study abroad - schedule a meeting with OSD to determine what scholarship opportunities fit your academic, professional, and personal goals!
- Supported scholarships:
Attend an Upcoming Study Abroad 101 Session or Other Event! - See our event calendar.
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