Frequently Asked Questions Get answers to our most frequently asked questions

Yes! While some programs have language requirements, many don’t. Check the program page for information on the language of instruction. 

That depends on the program you choose. Programs can be as short as one week and as long as a full academic year. Most students choose to study abroad for a semester or a 4-6 week summer program. 

That depends on your program. For Faculty-Directed programs, the courses abroad are UK courses, so the credit appears automatically. For other programs, a transcript from the program will be sent to our office and we will process it as transfer credit. For transfer credit you’ll need to do an Academic Approval Form so that the courses abroad can be equated to courses here at UK. 

What classes do you need? Different programs offer different courses. If it’s listed on the program page, it’s typically offered, but you’ll need to work with an academic advisor to make sure it will count towards your degree plan. 

That will depend on the courses you need and the experience you want to have. Chat with your academic advisor to figure out what courses to look for and speak with your UK EA Advisor to talk about program and experience types. 

Yes and no. If you’re on a faculty-directed program, the grade(s) you get will impact your GPA. On our other programs that have transfer credit, you’ll still get a letter grade that will be reported to UK, but it will be pass/fail on your transcript, so it won’t impact your GPA. 

Usually, yes! Some programs have specific tracks or a single course you would be taking, but most programs offer students a choice of enrollment. 

We offer Faculty-Directed, Partner, Exchange, Direct, Organization, and Virtual programming (Link). And for experiences, you can study, intern, conduct research, teach, or do community service abroad. 

Chat with your academic advisor about what courses you should look for while abroad. Then check out your major’s MAP to get started.  

With good research and help from people around you. Talk with your Academic Advisor to decide what courses to look for abroad and when to go. Speak with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn about using scholarships and aid abroad. Then work with UK EA to find a program that meets all of those needs. Don’t forget to talk to family and other support networks to make sure the location, length of time abroad, and other elements will work well for you. Ultimately, though, it’s your decision! 

The earlier the better, but programs don’t usually accept applications until 8-12 months before the program starts.  

Program costs vary, so we’ve listed out the fixed and estimated costs on each program page. Do a program search and click the “Costs” tab to see the expected cost of the program. 

Deadlines vary by program. Specific deadlines are on each program page. 

While each program has different eligibility, most require at least a 2.0 GPA, good academic standing, and approval from our office. 

To apply for a program, students will have one or two applications. The number of applications and how to apply is listed on each program page. 

If you aren’t able to click “withdraw” on your application, contact your UK EA Advisor to withdraw from your program. 

To ensure students have as safe of an experience abroad as possible, the UK International Center has several protocols in place to review programs, locations, student support, health and safety, and risk management for each program we offer. The UKIC also has a dedicated staff member who monitors world events 24/7 as well as a comprehensive insurance policy to help with nearly any incident that may occur. 

All UK students and employees traveling abroad on UK-endorsed international trips are covered under the University's blanket international travel medical insurance and evacuation policy. Please visit the insurance page with the office of International Health, Safety & Security for more details.

Please note that insurance for personal belongings, trip cancellation and other types of insurance are not included or provided by UK. 

On most programs, you'll have on-site staff to support and assist you. Please be sure to consult with your local staff.

Most illnesses you'll encounter while abroad are mild and can be resolved without intervention. These include colds, minor insect bites, sprains and strains, and digestive issues. However, please inform your local staff of any illness (even minor) so they're aware and can track your progress to recovery. 

In the event of an emergency medical issue, contact local authorities for immediate assistance. As soon as physically possible, contact International SOS at 1-215-942-8226 or through the app for additional assistance.

For urgent medical care, non-emergency care, or evacuation from your current location due to a natural disaster or civil unrest, contact International SOS at 1-215-942-8226. International SOS can help you locate medical providers near you and in some cases arrange for direct payment of medical services. 

Any medical or safety event should be reported to UK EA as soon as possible so we can help arrange local care and university support. 

Not to apply, but you’ll need one to travel! 

Not always – it'll depend on your location and length of time there. More information on visas will be on the program page if needed. 

You can book your flight once you have been accepted by UK EA and any other applications you have to complete. 

That will depend on the program. Check the “housing” tab on each program page for info on housing. 

That will depend on the program. Check the “housing” tab on each program page for info on housing.  

Usually it varies by program type, but it could be a hotel, homestay, student residence, apartment, or other accommodation. 

Program costs vary, so we’ve listed out the fixed and estimated costs on each program page. Do a program search and click the “Costs” tab to see the expected cost of the program. 

Yes and no. You will pay tuition for your program, but each program type bills it differently. For faculty-directed, you’ll only pay for one credit hour of tuition (EAP 599). For partner and direct programs, you’ll pay one credit hour of EAP 599 tuition here at UK and then the remainder of tuition will be paid to your program directly. For exchanges, you’ll be charged one credit hour of tuition (EAP 599) and your exchange program fee which is the normal cost of your tuition at UK.  

Usually yes! Talk with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to get more info.  

The UK EA Office has scholarships you can browse online (link to database). Check with your academic advisor and the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for more resources.  

Talk with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to get more info. 

That depends on the job. Typically, you aren’t eligible to work abroad for an international business, but if your job in the US allows you to work remotely while studying abroad, you can work that out with them. 

We’ve put together some resources on myEA. You can also reach out to your support people at UK for their experiences abroad. 

Wildcat Passport Services 

Talk with your family and support network about wanting to go abroad. Do some research on Google and YouTube to see what it’s like to study abroad. Talk with your academic advisor and UK EA advisor about their experiences. Meet with our Education Abroad Peer Ambassadors – they just got back from their program and can give you the best tips to prepare!