GENERAL QUESTIONS

Why should I go on exchange?

Here is Top 10 Reasons to Open Your World:

1. Enhance your education

2. Increase your employability

3. Challenge yourself

4. Travel to new places

5. Broaden your understanding of the world

6. Meet new people and make lasting friendships

7. Live another culture

8. Learn or perfect a second (or a third, or a fourth) language

9. Learn more about your own culture and how the world perceives Türkiye

10. Build up your exciting story reservoir!

May I go on an exchange program with my double Major or minor?

Do I have to have travel experience in order to go on exchange?

No you do not. You do, however, have to have an open mind and be willing to face new cultural challenges.

Where can I go on exchange?

All over the world. For a list of partner schools please visit our Institutional Partner List.

If I am interested in going somewhere that is not on the list, is this possible?

Yes, students can arrange their own study abroad. They must research their institution of choice to see if the institution accepts non-degree seeking students for a semester or year. The student must then apply directly to their institution of choice. The student should request a letter of permission from KU’s registrar’s office outlining the courses they wish to take and how they will transfer back to KU. Independent study abroad students planning on attending an institution outside of the Office of International Programs must pay international student fees and are not generally eligible for Global Exchange or Erasmus+ Grants.

Can I still take courses in English?

Most of our partner institutions offer at least some instruction in English. Please see our partner pages to determine the language of instruction at each institution.

Where do I live when I go on exchange?

Each partner institution is different. Some institutions have on campus housing, others have homestay, and others will assist you in finding independent accommodations.

What program do I have to be in to go on exchange?

Exchange opportunities are offered across many programs. Please visit outo see which programs are offered at each institution.

Can I go on exchange to more than one university?

Yes, you can go on exchange to up to three different locations through Global and Erasmus+ exchange programs plus summer schools and internships.

When can I go on exchange?

You can go on exchange after you have completed 15 university credits (30 ECTS). After your exchange you must return to KU for a minimum of 10 credits (for Erasmus+ exchanges). Based on these requirements, most students go on exchange in the second semester of second year, during the first or second semester of third year or during the first semester of fourth year. Some programs have limitations on when you can go on exchange:

  • CASE:
  • CSSH:
  • CE:
  • CS:
  • CL:
  • SOM:
  • SON:
  • GSSSH:
  • GSSE:
  • GSB:
  • GSSH:

How long can I go on exchange for?

Most students go on exchange for one semester but you can go for a full academic year depending on the institution.

What kind of support is offered by KU Office of International Programs?

The OIP supports its students through the KU application process, partner school application process, cultural preparation, transfer credit, and re-entry.

Are there risks involved in going on exchange?

There are always risks involved with overseas travel. Students will be exposed to a new environment with risks that may be different to the risks faced by those staying in Türkiye. Cultural differences and language barriers can be very challenging for students. Going on exchange through KU helps to reduce the risk as we offer pre-departure training to help prepare students appropriately for their experience. Despite the support offered by KU, students need to take the appropriate precautions in order to have a safe and successful trip.

COST QUESTIONS

How much does it cost?

The cost depends on the cost of living in the country that you are going to and what type of spender you are.

Budgeting

Budgeting is an important step in planning your KU Exchange Experience. Each persons spending preferences will vary substantially so it is important for you to work out a budget suited to your goals and needs.

The amount of money required for exchange varies greatly from country to country and from student to student. For current information on costs and money-saving tips, please also contact previous exchange students.

When budgeting, you should consider the following costs:

Expenses: Income:
KU Tuition Global Exchange, Erasmus+ Grants
Program Fee (for some summer exchange options): Family Support:
Accommodation and Daily Living Expenses: Personal Savings:
Books and Supplies: Additional Income:
Airfare:
Local Transportation costs:
Passport and Visa Costs:
Medical and Travel Insurance:
Immunizations:
Additional Travel:
Gifts
Personal Spending
Other
Total: Total:

Are there any funding opportunities specifically related to exchange?

Yes, there are some specific scholarships available for exchange. Please visit our Global Exchange Scholarships and Erasmus+ Grants page for more info.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Is there a fee to apply?

There is no application fee to apply for exchange.

How do I apply?

You can apply by downloading the application form from KUAPP

What does the application consist of?

The application consists of a general personal information sheet, personal statement, budget worksheet if you are applying for Global Exchange Grants, study plan, the required English language certification.

Am I bound to the courses I put down for my study plan (Learning Agreement (LA) and Course Equivalency Form (CEF)?

No. It is however very important to consider what courses you will be able to take at the partner institution in order to make sure you know that they fit into your program. Please don’t forget to revise your LA and CEF after changes.

When is the application deadline?

Please see the Application & Selection Calendar.

How do you place students in their exchange spots?

Applications are scored and then ranked. The highest ranked students will get their first choice placement. We continue down the list until all places have been filled.

Is it very competitive to get a spot?

Some schools and programs are more competitive than others. Even though a spot for each student is not guaranteed, we do our best to make sure that everyone who applies and meets the minimum qualifications gets a spot.

How many students can go to each school every year?

Generally there are two to four semester spots available at each partner school per academic year.

If I am accepted to exchange but need to postpone my departure date, is this possible?

If you would like to postpone your exchange to a semester that falls within the same academic year, there are generally no problems depending on your program. However, you cannot postpone your exchange to the following academic year.

If my circumstances change, is it possible to withdraw from the program?

Students may withdraw from the program in writing at any time. Before withdrawing students should considering the impact of their withdrawal on their current program of study and future exhange applications.

EXCHANGE PROCESS QUESTIONS

What happens after I’ve been accepted to go on exchange?

You will attend a pre-departure session which will cover how you need to apply to the partner institution, transfer credit, cultural adjustment, insurance, passports, and visas.

How does the partner institution application process work?

After being accepted to the exchange program by KU, all students must apply to their partner institution. Each institution has a different application process. You will be informed of this process at your pre-departure session.

Can I be rejected by the partner institution?

In general, students are accepted by the partner institution without any problems. In very rare circumstances KU applicants can be rejected by the partner institution. Rejection can be based on timeliness of the application, space in the desired program, and quality of the application.

How do I register in classes while I’m on exchange?

Each partner has a different registration process. You will be informed of this process after you have been accepted to the partner institution.

What happens if there is an emergency while I am away on exchange?

Students are informed of emergency procedures during their pre-departure session. A students first point of contact will be local authorities and the Turkish government.

Do I get credit for all the courses I take while on exchange?

Credit taken on exchange transfer back to KU. We cannot however guarantee that the credit applies to your degree. It is the students responsibility to ensure that they are meeting their degree requirements.