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Study Abroad Application and Planning

Before You Apply

The first step in your semester or summer study abroad journey is to narrow down your program options. Think about what you want from your study abroad experience. Meet with our advisors and consider your goals, course expectations, and financial considerations related to study abroad. Meet with a representative from the Office of Financial Aid to understand how your aid will apply and estimate your total costs. You can apply for additional study abroad scholarships, too!

If you have a disability that may require an academic or other type of accommodation to enable you to participate in study abroad, please contact the Academic Skills Center to make your accommodation request.

When you're ready, complete the pre-application form, which automatically requests electronic approvals from your faculty advisor and the Office of Student Affairs. Then, apply for a passport if you do not already have one. If you have a passport, check the expiration date to make sure it will be valid for six (6) months past the time of your travel. It is important to start this process early, preferably a year in advance of your anticipated departure.

Application Instructions and Deadlines

You will apply directly to your study abroad program. You will also, at this time, apply for any study abroad scholarships. Application and application deadlines vary by program and country. Please check the program's website before applying.

Study abroad application deadlines
Program Type Deadline
King's Faculty-Led Programs November 15
Summer External Programs Varies, typically March 15
Fall External Programs Varies, typically March 15
Spring External Programs Varies, typically October 15
Irish American Scholars January 31
KC Scholarships for Study Abroad November 30, March 31

Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs 

Semester and Summer Study Abroad Programs

  • Step 1: Ensure you've submitted your Pre-Application Form.
  • Step 2: Complete the application for your program directly on the program’s application portal. You will need an official King's College transcript. Request the transcript from the Registrar’s Office, scan it, and upload it to your application.
  • Step 3: Apply directly to King’s and external scholarships. Please follow all instructions.

Prepare for Travel

As you prepare for your study abroad program, you will complete last details, which may include (as needed) securing your housing, courses, visa, air tickets, and financial and other planning. You will learn about your place of travel. 

Before you go, you will be invited to attend a pre-departure workshop at the Office of Study Abroad. All students should take advantage of the pre-departure advising and orientation. Stay organized and ask questions until you are satisfied that you have adequate answers!

Get to Know Your Program Location

The U.S. State Department offers a vital website for students and parents related to study abroad. You may find the US State Department’s Traveler’s Checklist helpful. Additionally, the King’s College Corgan Library offers access to a number of news sources internationally through Newstream. You will continue to have access to your King's email and Corgan Library electronic resources during your term abroad.

Insurance

Students must have international health insurance when traveling internationally. Check to see if medical insurance is provided by your study abroad program. If international health insurance is not provided through your external program, you will need to purchase coverage through the King’s College Office of Study Abroad.

Housing Abroad

Students participating in semester and external summer programs are responsible for signing up for and paying for housing in the study abroad location. Your study abroad program will give you clear instructions on the housing process. With our semester and summer abroad programs, accommodation varies from residence halls, to apartment-style living, to homestays with local families. Some programs only offer one type of housing option; be sure to discuss your interests with your Study Abroad Advisor.

Housing Upon Return to King’s

If you plan to return to on-campus housing after study abroad or if you plan to vacate your dorm room for spring semester, it is your responsibility to submit the Residence Life Form for Study Abroad to the Office of Residence Life before you depart for study abroad. For further information, contact the Office of Residence Life.

Transcripts

You must arrange for your transcript from your study abroad institution to be sent to King’s College. The address for the transcript is:

King’s College
Registrar's Office
133 N. River Street,
Wilkes Barre, PA, 18711, USA

The electronic address is registrar@kings.edu. In order to receive expected credit allocation, you are required to have had the Off Campus Study Form signed by your faculty advisor. The Office of Study Abroad can be of assistance with this process.

Registration for King’s Courses

If you submitted the Off Campus Study Form, you will be on the list to receive email notification from the Registrar’s Office inviting you to register for future King’s College classes during your semester abroad. Semester study abroad students will receive priority King’s course registration during the registration period. Pay close attention to your email; make sure that you communicate with your faculty advisor in advance and have your list of preferred courses ready.

Voting While Abroad

Don’t forget to register to vote in your U.S. elections. For an absentee ballot consult the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

Applying What You've Learned

First, it's important to recognize that when you return, you may experience what we refer to as “reverse culture shock.” Attending a re-entry session upon your return to King’s, leaning on family members, keeping in touch with your friends from study abroad, and even visiting the Counseling Center for extra support are all good ways to help make that transition easier. Next, it's time to apply what you've learned from your studies abroad! 

  • Attend the Welcome Back Reception. Held in the beginning of each semester for students returning from study/intern abroad, this reception includes a dinner and time for reunion with fellow travelers, group reflection exercises, a photo montage, tips for coping with re-entry, and tips on participating in future international opportunities.
  • Contact the Office of Career Planning to find out how you can translate the skills you learned into future internships and jobs. A good place to start is by adding study abroad to your résumé. We also recommend this Student Guide to Study Abroad and Career Development and this article titled What Do Employers Think of International Experience? 
  • Add a major or minor in a foreign language. Interested in continuing your language studies? Consider majoring or minoring in Spanish or French. In addition to improving your linguistic proficiency, you will continue to improve your intercultural skills and add to your employability.
  • Stay involved on campus! Contact the Office of Study Abroad to learn more about how you can get involved as a Peer Study Abroad Advisor, a work study student in the Office of Study Abroad or a language partner, and in programs and clubs like the international SERVE trips, the FIMRC Club, Multicultural and International Students’ Club, and other campus activities!