First Steps to Begin Your Journey

Our First Steps session will cover all of your global learning options as a WKU student, where to find resources, how to get started finding the best program for you, and what the application process looks like. 

• Go Global: First Steps Schedule 
  • Mondays at 10:30am in HCIC 3004 
  • Thursdays at 2:30pm in HCIC 3004
  • Every other Friday at 11am in HCIC 3004, starting August 30
  • Walk-in First Steps 1:1 Advising- Wednesdays from 2-4pm in HCIC 1001 

Additionally, you can meet with a Global Learning Ambassador for a walk-in peer advising meeting. 

• • Tuesdays from 10:30am-4:30pm
  • Fridays from 10:30am-4:30pm

Other resources: 

• Global Learning Handbook
• Create an advising profile within our global learning portal, Terra Dotta, to access additional advising resources. An account already exists for WKU students. Just log-in using your NetID and NetID Password. 
• Attend a Global Learning Fair - This info fair is held each semester and is a great way to browse programs. 
  • Fall Fair: September 11, 2024 10am-2pm in HCIC!
  • Spring Fair: TBD

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 attended a First Steps advising 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:

• Go Global: Financing Your Global Experience sessions occur throughout the academic year:
  • September 11, 10am-2pm in HCIC- meet with the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Office of Scholar Development during the Global Learning Fair
  • September 25 at 2pm in HCIC 3004
  • October 11 at 10am in HCIC 3004
  • October 22 at 2:30pm in HCIC 3004
  • November 7 at 3:30pm in HCIC 3004
  • Spring 2025 Dates/Times TBD
• Program Selection Guide
• Global Learning Financial Planning Worksheet
• Global Learning Handbook

It's important to keep your academic advisor in the loop about your global learning plans to make sure you stay on track to graduation, especially if you plan to spend a semester or academic year away.  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. 

Other resources:

• Go Global: Academic Transfer Credit Abroad sessions occur throughout the academic year:
  • September 17 at 11am in HCIC 3004
  • October 18 at 1:30pm in HCIC 3004
  • November 13 at 2pm in HCIC 3004
• Academic Credit Abroadweb resources
• Global Learning Course Approval Guide

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 in our program database.  Most program applications open up approximately a year prior to the program dates. 

• After submitting your application, a Global Learning Advisor will review your application and confirm you meet WKU's eligiblity requirements.   

Many programs also require that you submit an application directly with the provider of the program (i.e. CCSA, KIIS, Program Providers, Exchange Partners, etc).  

Don't forget to apply for scholarships by their respective deadlines!