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WKU Study Abroad -- What Parents Should Know

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"Young Americans have much more practical reasons to pay attention to the developing world. With the rise of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) and the emergence of other players in South and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the southern cone of South America, today's students know they could very well end up making their living outside the West. They might take a job with Bain Capital in Hong Kong or Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Shanghai. They may find themselves collaborating with microbiologists from South Africa, filmmakers from Iran, or activists from Brazil. They want to start preparing themselves for such a future not merely out of cold calculation, but also because of an understandable curiosity about the world they're going to inhabit."

- William Deresiewicz. July 20, 2009. The Chronicle Review. "Beyond Europe: the New Student Travel"

>> Go to WKU's Financial Aid web site Right now! <<

> Financial Aid Guidelines and Budget Worksheet (PDF)

Western Kentucky University's mission is to prepare students for success in a global society. Studying abroad is the ideal way to prepare for that success. WKU students have the opportunity to learn about and experience other cultures, to see their own culture from a different perspective and to make global connections through studying abroad. Study abroad facilitates personal development and cultural understanding and increases professional marketability and maturity.

Study abroad is the ultimate combination of academic study and cultural experience, and it is important to factor in both location and academic need. Matching location and academics is the first and most crucial step to a successful experience. The student should meet with Study Abroad staff and his/her academic advisors to determine what the needs are and what programs are available.

Key considerations are:

  1. Where does the student want to go?
  2. What does he/she want to get from the experience?
  3. When is the best time to go?
  4. How long?
  5. What sort of financial support is available and needed?

Please refer to the Programs page for a current listing of available programs. And here too.

WKU Health ServicesHealth Insurance

Internaitonal medical insurance is mandatory for students traveling on WKU Study Abroad or Travel Abroad programs.

> Academic Health Plans - premiums and brochure

Strategies on Reducing Risks

All activities, whether around the corner or around the globe, inherently involve risk. Traveling abroad involves higher levels of risk do to many factors. Preparing strategies to reduce risk is the responsibility of everyone involved; WKU, the program leaders, and the student's family. The student will be the one to make the decision that will help keep him/her safe and make the study abroad program a worthwhile adventure. This link provide information on recognizing and reducing risks. While not the only source, it does bring together many perspectives and proven practices on staying safe.

> The Center for Global Education - Study Abroad Manual
> US State Department - International Travel Information for Students
> Students Abroad