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First Steps to Begin Your Journey


Excited to embark on your journey From the Hilltop to the World®?  WKU Global is here to help every step of the way!  If you have any questions or concerns about studying abroad and other global learning opportunities, don't hesitate to contact us any time.

STEP 1

Meet with a Peer Advisor and/or Attend a Study Abroad 101 Session

Our Global Learning Ambassadors can't wait to meet you and talk about your study abroad goals through our peer advising option! Peer advisors have been in your shoes and will go over the benefits of global learning, all of your options as a WKU student, where to find resources, and how to get started finding a program and applying. 

Additionally, our office will offer regularly scheduled Study Abroad 101 sessions throughout the semester that will cover the same topics as a one-on-one peer advising session, but in a group setting. 

  • Study Abroad 101 Schedule 
    • Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2-3 pm HCIC 1001 

STEP 2

Explore Programs and Funding Options

Once you are more familiar with all the options available to you, begin researching programs online by using our program and application portal, TerraDotta.  All WKU students have an account with TerraDotta- login using your NetID and NetID Password HERE.

Visit the Funding My Program page for information about scholarships and financial aid. We strongly recommend meeting with the Office of Scholar Development to learn about nationally competitive scholarships for study abroad experiences. 

Once you've met with a peer advisor and/or attended a Study Abroad 101 session, you may also want to meet with one of our staff Global Learning Advisors to further narrow down what program(s) best fit your needs before you start applying. More advising information can be found HERE

Other resources:

  • Clicking the "Request Advising" button on any program brochure page in our program search tool will create a global learning advising profile for you within our portal, TerraDotta.  The advising profile contains helpful information to consider as you begin planning to study abroad. A profile will be created for you when you attend an advising session with our office. 
  • Attend a Global Learning Fair - This info fair is held each semester and is a great way to browse programs. Visit our Event Calendar to check on the next fair date.
  • Other WKU Global Events - Visit our Event Calendar for dates and times of additional events

STEP 3

Meet with Your Academic Advisor

It's important to keep your academic advisor in the loop about your study abroad plans to make sure you stay on track to graduation, especially if you plan to spend a semester or academic year abroad.  Your advisor may be able to assist you with selecting the best courses and obtaining approval for course equivalencies if you will be transferring credit. 

STEP 4

Select a Program and Start Applying

Once you have decided on the program that best fits your needs, you can start your application by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the program's brochure page.  Most program applications open up approximately a year prior to the program dates. Please note that for all programs except WKU Faculty-Led there is a non-refundable $150 study abroad application fee.

After submitting your application, a Global Learning Advisor will review your application and check your GPA and conduct record. Once you are accepted, you will be notified to return to your application, view the decision, and complete the remaining post-decision (pre-departure) materials.  

Unless you are going on a WKU Faculty-Led program, you will also need to complete an additional application through the study abroad provider website or partner institution.  Don't forget to apply for scholarships by their respective deadlines!

STEP 5

Complete your Advising Requirement with a Global Learning Advisor

After you begin the application process, you will need to meet with a full-time staff Global Learning Advisor to complete your advising requirement. Your advisor will go over program/location specific information and other items to keep in mind on your global learning journey. You must have this meeting for an application decision to be made. Visit our Request Advising page for advising options and to schedule your meeting. This requirement applies to ALL programs and ALL terms with the exception of WKU Faculty-Led, WKU International Student Teaching, CCSA, or KIIS programs. 

 



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 Last Modified 9/18/23