Academic Advisor Information

Introduction

Studying in other educational systems offers students opportunities to develop academic skills and intellectual capacities that are not emphasized in the U.S. This exposure helps them become stronger learners who are better equipped to accomplish their individual goals. Pairing newly acquired abilities with the foundation K provides positions our students for success within more than one approach to education.

Study abroad participation is not automatic upon admission to Kalamazoo College. Study abroad is an optional academic program, and in order to participate, students must submit a completed application that meets GPA and other requirements, course prerequisites, deadlines, assignments and expectations for preparation.

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The Role of the Academic Advisor

The role of the academic advisor in the study abroad process is to help students fully consider the academic, intercultural, and career advantages of study abroad. Some questions advisors should ask their advisees about study abroad include:

1. What are your priorities and/or goals for this experience? What transferable skills (problem solving, planning, conflict resolution, listening, storytelling) do you wish to develop on study abroad?

2. What do you see yourself doing after K? How will this program impact your ability to pursue Life after K?

3. Are you concerned about any obstacles to participate in study abroad?

Who Can Study Abroad/Away

First Years

  • Apply for a fall short-term programs to study abroad/away fall of sophomore year

Sophomore Year

  • Apply for winter short-term programs to study abroad/away winter of sophomore year
  • Apply for spring short-term to study abroad spring of sophomore year
  • Apply for long-term programs to study abroad fall of junior year

Junior Year

  • Apply for winter short-term programs to study abroad/away winter of junior year
  • Apply for winter-spring long-term programs to study abroad winter-spring of junior year
  • Apply for spring short-term to study abroad spring of junior year

Senior Year

  • May be able to participate at the discretion of the Executive Director and Registrar

The academic department has the sole authority to accept or deny units that students can apply to their major, minor or concentration from study abroad. Students should make sure to have the syllabus and completed assignments available for assessment.

Terms and K-units

What’s the difference between short-term, long-term and extended-term?
While study abroad programs have different durations than K quarters student will earn credits based on the term.

•Short-term programs (ST) yield 3-4 K Units (equivalent to one quarter) and typically take place during fall, spring or winter quarter.

•Long-term programs (LT) yield 6 K Units (equivalent to two quarters) and are typically one semester. For programs that start in the fall students depart for these programs from July through September and are expected to return to campus in the spring. For programs that start in the winter students depart for these programs in January and are expected to return to campus in the fall. All long-term programs allow students to earn 2/3 of a year’s credit.

•Extended-term programs (ET) yield 9 K Units (equivalent to three quarters). Students depart for these programs August through September and are away for the entire academic year.