Undergraduate Education Abroad

Study for two weeks in one of the world's most exciting cities! Through the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) program, students live and study abroad in a vibrant city rich in culture and history, where the old and the new coexist in harmony. Within days you'll be able to navigate the local public transportation system and experience the city as a resident rather than a tourist.

The course are designed to take full advantage of the host city's abundant cultural resources. Outside of class, you have ample opportunity to explore at your own pace and discover the city's treasures for yourself. Excursions to nearby historic and cultural sites are typically included, and long weekends give you a chance to travel further afield if you wish.

No foreign language proficiency is necessary to participate in this program. The program is available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

ART 491: Cultural Tourism

Tourism is a significant industry with the potential to shape communities, influence economies, and impact environments. This course explores the dynamics of cultural tourism, focusing on how art, architecture, traditions, festivals, and everyday life contribute to tourism experiences. Through case studies and field observations, students will critically examine how tourism practices can both enrich and distort the understanding of cultural identities. The course also investigates tourism’s complex role in cultural preservation, as well as its potential to contribute to cultural commodification and degradation.

Other courses are also available through the KIIS program which may be substituted for other program requirements. Please consult your advisor for more information.

Costs for Education Abroad programs vary based on the program location, length, and extracurricular activities that students chose to participate in while abroad. Students may utilize their financial aid packages toward Education Abroad programs.

There are a variety of scholarships available to help offset the costs of Education Abroad Programs. Consult the following resources for more information.

UK Education Abroad Website
UK Education Abroad is committed to helping UK students make their experiences abroad more affordable. Visit the Education Abroad website to find out more about the most commonly received scholarships.

UK Education Abroad Scholarship
A campus wide selection committee awards needs-based scholarships to UK students in amounts of $750, $1,000 & $1,500. The deadline to apply is March 1 for Summer/Fall programs and October 1 for Spring/Winter programs. 

Michael Braun Endowed Fund
Through the Michael Braun Endowed Fund, awards of up to $1,000 each will be awarded annually to students in the BA or MA in Arts Administration program who wish to enhance their educational endeavors by participating in an activity that enriches their knowledge of the arts administration profession or field including but not limited to, a study abroad program, an internship, a research or capstone project, or conference attendance.

Boren Awards
Supports graduate and undergraduate students studying languages, cultures and world areas critical to U.S. interests.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grants to study abroad.

Other external scholarship opportunities are available for students to use toward the expenses of their program such as travel, course credits, books and lodging. Students must apply for scholarships and some can be very competitive while others are underutilized.

Institute of International Education

Study Abroad Scholarships