Global Learning & Study Abroad Advising
WKU Global is here to serve as a collaborative resource through your entire global learning experience, from exploration to return. All students should begin their journey by attending a Go Global: First Steps session or meeting with a peer advisor. Global Learning Staff Advisors are then available to help answer more specific questions about program options and the process.
The first step in your journey! Be sure to check out our Getting Started page as you start your planning.
Our Go Global: First Steps advising sessions are here to walk you through:
- Understanding the benefits of participating in study abroad & other global learning opportunities
- Learning about program options and how to choose the right program for YOU
- Defining your global learning goals (academic, professional, and personal) and narrowing down programs to match those goals
- Navigating the study abroad process
- Starting your funding plan
- Connecting to more resources
OPTION 1: Attend a Go Global: First Steps Advising Session
Offered in two formats- group advising session or walk-in 1:1 advising with a global
learning staff advisor
- Thursdays at 2:30pm in HCIC 3004
- Fridays at 11am in HCIC 3004
- Walk-in Availability-
- Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30am in HCIC 1001
- Wednesdays from 2-4pm in HCIC 1001
OPTION 2: Walk-In Peer Advising
Talk to someone who has been through exactly what you're experiencing right now! Peer advising is available with our Global Learning Ambassadors.
Location: HCIC 1001, The Global Agora
Spring 2025 Hours:
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11am-1pm |
| Wednesday | 11am-1pm |
In most cases, you should attend a Go Global: First Steps session before meeting with a staff advisor.
Our professional staff advisors are divided by the region and/or type of program that you are interested in. Advising with Global Learning Staff advisors is by appointment only- click the buttons below to schedule a meeting.
Global Learning Advisors are here to guide you through:
- Narrowing down program options
- Confirming program eligibility
- Specific program advising (program experience, academics, housing, visa, application process, etc)
- Navigating health and safety abroad
- Reflecting on your identity abroad
- Funding study abroad and scholarships
- Returnee student resources
Wes advises for programs located in Africa, Central & South America, Europe (except the United Kingdom and Ireland), and the Middle East. She also serves as an advisor for the Global Learning Ambassadors.
Toni advises for programs located in Asia, Oceania, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Semester at Sea.
Toni has walk-in advising on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 am
Katie advises for WKU Faculty-Led Programs, National Student Exchange, and WKU International Student Teaching. She also serves as the advisor for the K-Pop Culture Club.
It's never too early to begin thinking about where you want study abroad to fit into your graduation plan at WKU! Let your Academic Advisor know as soon as you start planning so that you can stay on track, especially if you plan to spend a semester or academic year abroad. Studying abroad in the summer and/or winter terms may even help you graduate early. Some program types offer WKU credit (WKU Faculty-Led, CCSA, KIIS), while you will be earning transfer credit on others. Be sure to check out our Academic Credit Abroad page for more information.
Go Global: Academic Transfer Credit Abroad sessions are held throughout the academic year:
- Spring 2025 Dates/Times TBD
Your Academic Advisor can help you with:
- Developing your graduation course plan with study abroad included
- Identifying where you may have course flexibility
- Confirming degree requirements and credit rules
- Providing feedback (but not approval) on potential equivalent courses
- Connecting you with WKU academic departmental contacts that can provide transfer credit approval
Your Global Learning Staff Advisor can help you with:
- Searching for programs based on field of study/type of experience
- Navigating program provider and/or host institution websites
- Understanding the study abroad transfer credit process
- Providing feedback (but not approval) on potential equivalent courses
Your Program Provider and/or Host Institution can help you with:
- Confirming which courses will be offered the semester you plan to be abroad
- Sending course descriptions and syllabi for courses offered on the program
- Providing more details about course structure and teaching styles in your location
- Enrolling you in courses for your program
- Requesting official transcripts at the end of your program to the WKU Transfer Center
With careful planning and a strategic use of resources, any WKU student can afford to have a global learning experience. Check out our Funding my Program page to get started with your financial planning.
WKU Global can help connect you with resources and scholarship opportunities. Go Global: Financing Your Global Experience sessions are held throughout the academic year:
- Spring 2025 Dates/Times TBD
All students should meet with the Office of Student Financial Assistance to determine how their current aid package at WKU may be applied to study abroad:
- Andrew Hartley (andrew.hartley@wku.edu) is the current main contact in Student Financial Assistance for study abroad related aid questions, especially for state and federal funded aid
- Susan Fitzpatrick (susan.fitzpatrick@wku.edu) is the best contact for determining if your current scholarships can be used towards study abroad
- The Office of Scholar Development (OSD) mentors students applying for nationally competitive scholarships for study abroad - schedule a meeting with OSD to determine what scholarship opportunities fit your academic, professional, and personal goals!
- Supported scholarships:
Attend an Upcoming Study Abroad 101 Session or Other Event! - See our event calendar.
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