Education Abroad Office

Kennesaw State University’s Education Abroad Office thanks you for supporting your student in their effort to study abroad and pursue experiential learning! 

Education Abroad exposes your student to diverse perspectives and cultures. It also teaches valuable life skills such as independence, adaptability, self-awareness, and intercultural communication, that will translate into the increasingly global society and workforce. By supporting your student in their study abroad journey, you are also supporting their future success. Studies show that KSU students who study abroad are more likely to graduate sooner with a higher GPA than those who do not.

We have a team to support your student throughout the process of their study abroad journey and are here to answer any questions you and your student may have. 

lunch/learn video
KSU student overlooks blue water and greenery through the Education Abroad Program

 

 

 

Study Abroad Outcomes

  • 4 Weeks

    Faster to Degree

  • 0.10 Higher GP

    Than Non-Study Abroad Students

  • 3.84 Credit Hour

    More Earned Upon Graduation

  • 11.1 Percentage Points

    More Likely to Graduate in 4 Years

  • 15.2 Percentage Points

    More Likely to Graduate in 6 Years

 

Bell, A., Bhatt, R., Hodges, L., Rubin, D. & Shiflet, C.(2020). CASSIE Study Abroad and World Language Analyses and Infographics. University System of Georgia.

Before Your Student Departs

  • Ask your student about attending an advising appointment together.  
  • If your student needs a passport or visa, don’t wait to get started.  
  • Talk to your student about any medical or mental health needs that will need to be disclosed in their application.   
  • Schedule a travel health consultation and obtain necessary immunizations or prophylaxis. 
  • Check in with your student on their application progress. Application deadlines are posted on the program’s brochure webpage.  
  • After your student is accepted, check if your student needs help forming a budget or packing list.  
  • Research the location to get familiar with the host culture and customs.  
  • Your student may feel anxious or nervous. These feelings are normal, so don’t be afraid to talk to your student or refer them to KSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services. 
  • Create a communication plan with your student before they depart.  

While Your Student is Abroad

  • Give your student time and space to get settled into their new surroundings.  
  • Work together to find a balanced level of communication. When they get to their destination, the communication plan may need to be adjusted.  
  • Your student may have feelings of anxiety or homesickness, also known as Culture Shock. These feelings are normal, so don’t be afraid to talk to your student or refer them to KSU’s mental health resources.  
  • Encourage your student to get to know their host country’s culture and to try new experiences. 
  • Send your student a letter or care package (long term programs only).  

After Your Student Returns

  • Some students experience reverse-culture shock after returning from an extended time abroad. Parents can help by referring their student to our resources about dealing with reverse-culture shock. 
  • Talk to your student about what they learned and their favorite moments while abroad.  
  • Ask to see pictures and videos.  
  • Your student’s goals and interests might change after studying abroad. Talk to your student about seeing their academic advisor or career counselor. 

Parent FAQs

  • Education Abroad is just one of the few High Impact Practices offered at Kennesaw State University. High Impact Practices are teaching and learning practices that are widely supported by educational research to improve student success and graduation rates for students of all backgrounds (George Kuh, 2008). When your student studies abroad, they are doing much more than just having fun in a foreign country. They are engaging deeply with their courses by connecting their academic experience to real life. Education Abroad exposes your student to diverse perspectives and cultures, challenges students to critically engage with their academic focus, provides opportunities to engage in research and with expert faculty, and teaches valuable life skills such as independence, adaptability, self-awareness, and intercultural communication. These skills and experiences are often sought after by today’s employers, as shown by the Institute of International Education (IIE). One study by IES Abroad, a not-for-profit provider, found that 95% of study abroad alumni earned a job within the first year of graduation. By supporting your student in their study abroad journey, you are also supporting their future success.  
  • Information on your student’s study abroad participation can only be accessed with your student’s consent. Kennesaw State University and Global Education are bound by a federal regulation called FERPA, which requires us to keep student records private. Your student can grant you access to specific education or billing information through the KSU Student Consent to Disclosure Form located within their Owl Express account. Students also have the option to sign a ‘Permission for Waiver of FERPA Rights’ form within their education abroad application. Approved contacts can contact KSU about records pertaining to your student’s participation in study abroad such as emergencies, disciplinary, or conduct issues. This waiver will be used in conjunction with education abroad only and will be valid through six months upon your student’s return. For more information on FERPA, please visit the official KSU FERPA webpage and the FERPA Information for Parents webpage.
  • The cost of a study abroad program will depend on a number of variables, including the location, length of time, amount of credits offered, and availability of financial aid. KSU Faculty-Led programs have a program fee attached. This fee includes student lodging, ground transportation, program activities, travel insurance, and some meals. Program fees will vary. KSU Exchange programs do not have a program fee. Instead, students will pay for their housing, transportation, and other living expenses independently. Study abroad programs do not include KSU Tuition and Fees, however, financial aid can be used towards these classes in most cases. Students are also required to pay for their airfare separately. At KSU, we understand that studying abroad can be a financial burden for some families. Global Education is proud to support an array of study abroad scholarships for students each year. Parents are encouraged to contact our office for questions regarding study abroad scholarships and fund-raising ideas.
  • The first step to starting a study abroad process is research! Our website has everything your student will need to know, from program availability and information to scholarships. Our ‘Find a Program Tool’ can help your student search for a program that is right for them. Also, encourage your student to visit the annual Education Abroad Fair in the fall semester, where they can meet faculty and take home information on our program offerings. When your student has an idea of what program they want to apply to, the next step is to see their Academic Advisor. Academic Advisors can help your student see their progress towards graduation and can confirm what credits are available for studying abroad. Finally, advise your student to meet with an Education Abroad Program Coordinator by making an appointment on our website. Our staff can go over the details of how to start an application and what to expect on specific programs. Parents are always welcome to join and ask questions.

  • Any student that meets the eligibility criteria can study abroad! Each experience also has an academic component to the program and must meet the requirements for it (i.e. course prerequisites or cohort/college admittance). All requirements are listed on the program web pages as some may differ from program to program.  
    For faculty-led programs, students must have a least a 2.5 institutional GPA to be eligible to participate in a KSU education abroad program (3.0 for graduate students). 
    Exchange program participants must have at least a 2.75 (undergraduate) and 3.0 (graduate) adjusted GPA to be eligible. 
    Students that do not meet the minimum GPA requirement for their intended program may submit a GPA appeal for further review.  (This does not apply to graduate applicants.) See Education Abroad Student Eligibility Policy below. 

    • Faculty-led program minimum institutional GPA for appeal is 2.0 
    • Exchange program minimum institutional GPA for appeal is 2.5  

    Third-party programs, international internships, and partner programs may have additional requirements. These will be listed on the program webpage. 
    See the Education Abroad Student Eligibility Policy for more information. 

  • We offer a variety of different program opportunities for students. Below is each main type of program that we offer.  
    • Faculty-Led Programs are led by KSU Faculty and are designed for KSU students. Programs can be 2 to 7 weeks long and are primarily offered during the summer. Offerings may vary from year to year and each program has a set itinerary and cost associated with it. Course offerings are set by the faculty ahead of time. Tuition and Fees are paid to KSU. Airfare and some other expenses are paid for separately.
    • KSU Exchange Programs allow you to earn KSU Credit while enrolled at a partner university abroad for a semester or Academic Year long. These programs allow you to be immersed in a new culture while earning credit towards graduation. Course offerings depend on the host university. Tuition and Fees are paid to KSU. Airfare, housing, meals, and some other expenses are paid for separately.
    • Many other opportunities are available like Internships, Directed Studies or Research Abroad. These programs are individualized, vary greatly and also require a KSU application, so we can still support your experience abroad.
    • If a student can’t find a KSU program that fits their needs, they can find a Non-KSU Program/Outgoing Transient Program, such as a program at another university, or with a provider like ISA, TEAN, CIS Abroad, ISEP, etc. These programs will all award transfer credit. Costs will vary and will be paid to the host institution or provider. It is encouraged to review these programs carefully. We will also require a KSU program application so that we can help support you in the process and sometimes help you get financial aid for the transfer courses. 

    *Each program is unique. Please check the Program Finder for the most accurate information. 

  • Risk is inherent in all aspects of life, including study abroad. However, the Office of International Safety and Security partners closely with the Education Abroad Office to mitigate risks facing KSU students participating in international programs.  
     
    Starting with the program proposal process, the Office of International Safety & Security conducts an initial risk assessment of the proposed destination and activities. The office connects to and actively monitors guidance from the Department of State, Overseas Security Advisory Council, US Embassies and Consulates, On Call International, various news outlets, and other resources to keep apace of the dynamic geopolitical sphere to best serve KSU travelers. 
     
    While abroad, your student will be enrolled with the university’s supplemental international insurance provider, Zurich Insurance, and the university’s security intelligence provider, On Call International. In addition to these 24/7 assistance resources, KSU also has a 24/7 international line travelers may contact for assistance from the university.  
     
    The best way to mitigate risks facing your student is by preparing before they travel.  
     
    We encourage parents to talk to your child about their readiness to travel internationally. Families should research the program area and consider any mental or physical challenges facing your student or concerns that may be unique to the program destination. For example, what medications will your student need, how much, and is it available or legal in the destination country? Talk with your student about best practices for travel, including traveling in groups, employing situational awareness, avoiding public displays of wealth, avoiding protests and demonstrations, knowing local laws, and keeping in communication with people back home. 
     
    For more information on best practices while traveling abroad, please visit the health, safety and security resources on the Office of International Safety and Security website. 

Upcoming Education Abroad Events