Getting Started

Studying abroad can help you in a myriad of ways, such as:

• Enhance your employability and stand out in job interviews.
• Enjoy better student success after you return (Previous participants have a reported average GPA of 3.58 compared to 3.41 from non-participants).
• Be exposed to new ways of living in and viewing the world.
• Learn about other cultures, mindsets and lifestyles.
• Gain exposure to a new language or become more fluent in one you're already studying.
• Appreciate a new understanding of the United States and its way of life.
• Benefit from a wider, more sophisticated view of the world.

Want to learn about more benefits? See our why go abroad page!

Anyone can study abroad as long as they are in good academic standing.

At Kent State, we believe it’s important to provide equal opportunities for all of our students - domestic, international, transfers, etc. Whether you are a first-semester student or heading into your final semester before graduation, we have a study abroad experience for you! 

If you're curious about what options are out there, we recommend using the search function on our Study Abroad website to explore which program might best suit your needs.

With hundreds of programs to choose from in over 60 countries, there’s a huge range of experiences to match your academic and personal goals. Keep in mind that some programs are offered year-round and others run just once, so it’s important to make note of key dates and deadlines.

Kent State hosts on-campus events (year-round including flagship events typically in February, September and November) to introduce you to various program options and help you prepare.

We’ve also outlined the steps you can take before you go abroad as a great reference point.

There are plenty of people at Kent State who are happy to help you at each step of the process - from pinpointing the best program for you to making a budget and managing logistics. Contact us at edabroad@kent.edu or schedule an appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor through KSU Advising.

When you click "Apply Now" on a program page, you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system. You will be able to view costs for the program and start an application there. Be sure to submit your application before the posted deadline.

If you don’t see the option to start an application, then the process might not be open yet. Most applications open yearly on July 1.

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications for most programs are accepted on a rolling basis.

Applications for some programs at partner institutions may not be accepted until after the application deadline has passed and admission is closed.

Additionally, if you are studying abroad at a partner institution, acceptance to the program by Kent State University does not serve as final approval. The partner institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

While we know everyone’s situation is different, we recommend first letting your parents know your goals for your education abroad program and how it fits into your education and future career aspirations.

From there, ask your parents if they have any specific concerns around you studying abroad so you can provide additional information to help address those concerns. Often, parents may have concerns about your safety while abroad. We recommend directing them to the FAQs below around safety for more information. You can also direct them to our webpage specifically for parents.

While you are abroad, you may notice that some of the identities you hold become more or less noticeable to you than they were at home. These changes could potentially have positive or negative impacts while you are abroad. To help prepare you for this, see our dedicated page of resources.

The Office of Global Education (OGE) manages a lot more than just study abroad!

We are responsible for:

• processing international admissions,
• advising international students and scholars,
• liaising with Kent State satellite locations around the world,
• setting up and maintaining international partnerships, and
• overseeing all education abroad initiatives.

Each department supports Kent State’s mission to provide an exceptional international experience for all students and foster a global community united by our passion for learning.

We recommend starting the process about one year in advance, but if you want to go abroad sooner, there’s still plenty of options! Our offices are open year-round and we are here to help you make the most of your international experience.

See our Before You Go Abroad page for a variety of helpful resources as you get started.

Most students go abroad during the summer or in their sophomore or junior year. It is important to consult with your academic advisor so that you can schedule your education abroad program according to your degree plan.

We offer a variety of programs to suit your goals. Our shortest programs range from one to three weeks in duration, and we also offer longer programs that take place over a summer, semester, or academic year.

Every program’s schedule is different, but typically you will have time to explore your host city or country independently. Be sure to not arrange any additional travel before you know your program’s schedule and expectations. 

With a direct enroll program, you will be enrolling directly in the host university abroad. This means you will also be paying their tuition amount, which may be more or less than what you pay for your Kent State tuition. The host university's tuition amount will be billed to your Kent State student account, which means you can use your applicable financial aid and scholarships.

Exchange programs provide students with opportunities to enroll in courses at one of KSU’s partner institutions abroad while paying their KSU equivalent tuition rate, typically for one semester or a full academic year. Students from the international partner institutions are then able to come to Kent State for one semester or a full academic year in exchange.

Kent State students pay their KSU-equivalent tuition rate for exchange programs. The equivalent tuition, international health insurance, and a $250 program fee are billed to your student account.

Other costs (such as housing, meals and airfare) will vary from one program to another and will be paid for out of pocket or to other entities, such as the host institution. Students should also budget for other expenses including books and supplies, passport, visa, personal spending money, and optional travel insurance.

Exchange programs typically have space for several KSU students each semester, but placement can be competitive for some programs. It is recommended that students apply early and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria to be considered for exchange program placement.

On this type of program, you will be traveling abroad with a Kent State faculty member, studying a topic relevant to the location. These courses can count towards your major or for general elective credit.

Programs are typically 1-3 weeks in duration and take place over spring break, winter break, or the summer. Offerings vary from year to year and are a great option if you want to study abroad for a shorter time in a carefully crafted schedule set by your professor.

Direct enroll and exchange programs often run year after year.

Faculty-led program options often change each year. You can reach out to the faculty leader to see if they will be offering their program in the future. You can also see this year’s programs on our program database.

The amount of free time on your program will depend on the nature of the itinerary. Please consult your program’s itinerary and your faculty leader for more information. Depending on the housing for the program, you may also have a roommate(s).

ISEP stands for International Student Exchange Program and is a consortium of 300+ universities from the U.S. and abroad. It includes exchange and direct enroll program options for the academic year, semester, and summer terms. ISEP also offers opportunities for volunteering abroad.

With ISEP Exchange programs, KSU students pay the KSU equivalent rates for tuition, housing, and meal plan; placement into ISEP Exchange programs can be competitive based on the university.

With ISEP Direct programs, KSU students pay the tuition, housing, and meal plan rates of the host institution abroad; placement into ISEP Direct programs is guaranteed if eligibility criteria are met.

ISEP has a helpful Chances of Placement Guide that describes the levels of competitiveness with the Placement Process.