Plan Your Journey

An exchange program offers a unique chance to delve into a different culture and academic setting for a full semester or year. Through one of University of Kentucky's partner institutions, these programs let you study and live abroad as a local, fostering personal growth, cross-cultural insight, and language skills. It's an enriching opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and develop a global outlook during your college journey. 

• Term: Spring, Fall, or full year abroad, lower program cost, high level of independence
• Courses: Classes with local students and taught by local professors
• Housing: residence halls, homestays, apartments depending on location, availability and cost. 
• Credit: Transfer credit

Direct enroll programs allow you to enroll directly as a non-degree seeking international students at partner institutions abroad. Direct enroll programs are ideal if you are independent, willing to seek support services on your own, and want to be fully immersed in their host culture.  

• Term: Semester/Summer/Year abroad, medium program cost, high level of independence
• Courses: Classes with local students and taught by local professors
• Housing: residence halls, homestays, apartments depending on location, availability and cost. 
• Credit: Transfer credit

Partner providers offer education abroad programs and support services to students from a variety of institutions.

• Term: Summer/Winter/Semester programs available, higher cost program, high level of individualized support
• Courses: Classes with other students from around the USA and sometimes local students, can be held at host institution or partner's local study center, taught by local instructors and sometimes hired faculty from other US-based institutions. 
• Housing: dorms, homestays, apartments depending on location, availability and cost. 
• Credit: Transfer credit

A faculty-directed education abroad program is a University of Kentucky course designed and led by UK faculty or staff. These programs provide you with the chance to engage in immersive learning experiences, combining traditional classroom instruction with hands-on activities and cultural exploration. The guidance of the faculty or staff members ensures academic continuity while enabling you to gain firsthand insights into different cultures and environments, fostering personal growth and a deeper understanding of global perspectives.

• Term: Summer term or spring-term with travel in May, higher cost program, high level of individualized support
• Courses: Classes with other students from UK, sometimes in local classrooms but often taught 'on the go' while visiting places of local significance.  
• Housing: residence halls, homestays, apartments depending on location, availability and cost. 
• Credit: UK credit

A virtual study abroad program is an online educational experience that can enable you to engage in international learning and cultural exploration without physically traveling to a foreign country. It typically involves virtual classes, cultural activities, and interactions with peers from different parts of the world. This type of program is well-suited for students who seek to broaden their global perspectives, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and gain valuable international insights when typical travel is not possible. 

Our First Steps Information Sessions are a great place to start if you have questions about Education Abroad and Exchanges, what to think about when considering a program, how to select a program, cost, financial aid and scholarships, etc. UK EA requires you to attend one of these sessions before meeting with your EA Advisor!

View Schedule

In addition to using the resources in the Education Abroad office, you should also make sure to spend some time talking to your academic advisor.

With your academic advisor, you can keep track of your overall progress toward graduation, and they can help you to identify which classes would be best for your take abroad. This is especially important if you are interested in going abroad for a semester and academic year, but all students should plan to talk to their advisors about going abroad.

Once you have an idea of which classes you need to take, you can use this information to help you select the best EA program for you.

UK Education Abroad & Exchanges (UK EA) works with colleges and departments on campus to help you select programs which contribute towards your degree. Check out our Program Search to find your perfect program! 

Program Search

Check the Cost Sheet

1. Each program has a "Cost" or "Costs & Scholarships" tab. Find the cost sheet for your program.
2. Select the correct term from the dropdown box at the top (e.g. Spring, Summer, etc.)
3. Select any required fields (such as tuition)
4. Click the print icon to save. 

Example:

Study abroad might be more affordable than you realize, particularly if you apply early!

 

UK Education Abroad & Exchanges Scholarships

UK EA maintains a Scholarships Database featuring scholarships from UK Education Abroad & Exchanges, university colleges and departments, our partners, and more. Scholarships range in award amount and eligibility requirements. Visit our Scholarships Database to browse awards and apply. 

To apply for a program, visit the Program Search to find your program. After deciding which program you want to apply to: 

1. Click the blue “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the program page. 
2. Read the popup text box very carefully for an explanation of the our UK EA Application fee. (Note: some applications don’t have a fee) 
3. Click Proceed. 

Once you start your application, you will need to complete your profile and all of the application pieces. 

If you have questions or need additional help with your application, contact your EA Advisor.