KU Study Abroad Fair connects students with international opportunities

By KU-led programs and external partners in attendance

By Bethany McDonald

On Thursday, Sept. 24, the KU Study Abroad Fair was held in room 218 of the McFarland Student Union (MSU) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students had the opportunity to speak with KU-led program leaders and external partners about a range of study abroad programs and the application process.

Arcadia Abroad, an external partner of KU, attended the fair. The organization offers undergraduate and graduate programs, providing students with opportunities to study at universities overseas through faculty-led or independent programs.

Hannah Leidich, a representative for Arcadia Abroad, said the organization is unique because of the number of programs it offers for specific majors.

“We have opportunities for students in STEM and neuroscience in addition to anthropology and kinesiology,” Leidich said.

AIFS Abroad, another external partner of KU, was also present at the fair. The organization offers study abroad programs, internships and programs that combine studying and interning.

“We have been in the business for over 60 years. We are all experts who have lived, worked and studied abroad,” said Emma Freese, global program manager for AIFS.

Dr. Hanson, associate professor of German, and Prof. Nurczynski, associate professor of English, represented KU’s Germany and the Alps faculty-led program. The program takes place over three weeks, from May 20 to June 15, in Munich, Germany, and the Austrian Alps.

The courses offered through the program are GER 360: Study Abroad Experience, ENG 145: The Fairy Tale and PRWR: Travel. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2027.

Students who participate in the program will have the opportunity to travel independently, either alone or in groups, during two weekends. Past students have visited Verona, Venice and Bolanzo in Italy, Prague, Switzerland, Berlin and other locations.

Hanson said Germany and the Alps is KU’s “mother” program, referring to it as the university’s longest-running study abroad program.

The University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) also had a booth at the fair, emphasizing the variety of countries where students can study in English. The program focuses on less tourist-oriented locations while providing affordable options for students.

USAC also offers summer programs, providing students with additional flexibility and opportunities to study abroad.

“It’s a great way to enhance academics and gain perspective,” said Jonathan Hakim, a USAC representative.

For more information about study abroad opportunities, students can visit KU’s Study Abroad office in room 24 of Old Main.