As a KSC student, you have the opportunity to study away either within the United States or through approved international programs—while staying on track to complete your degree. Many semester programs cost the same in tuition and fees as studying on campus at KSC.
The Global Education Office (GEO) is here to support you every step of the way—from exploring options to applying and preparing for your experience.
GEO offers information sessions and one-on-one advising appointments to help you explore your study away options before applying. We strongly encourage you to attend an info session or meet with an advisor to get your questions answered and learn more about the process.
Once you’ve submitted your study away application, you’ll be scheduled for a one-on-one meeting with a GEO advisor to discuss your program in more detail and review the next steps.
Important Information
- Spring Semester Programs: Apply between August 25 – October 1
- Fall Semester Programs: Apply between January 25 – March 1
- National Student Exchange (NSE): It is recommended to apply by March 1 for either semester of the following academic year
Below are links to the KSC-approved semester programs. This list may change due to evolving global conditions. Other programs and destinations may also be available—please contact GEO to discuss additional options.
* Study Away Domestic Destinations
* Study Away International Destinations
The Study Away application is a two-step process:
- Meet with a GEO advisor for an interview and personalized support. You’ll receive guidance on whether the program is a good fit and how to complete the host program’s application.
- Be sure to review eligibility requirements and instructions on how to submit your study away approval request here:
Academics are a central factor when selecting a study away program. As you explore your options, please keep the following in mind:
- Transfer Credit: Any course you pass on an approved study away program will automatically transfer back to KSC as elective credit—unless you have already taken an equivalent course.
- Grading: All study away courses are recorded as pass/fail and do not impact your KSC GPA.
- Credit Toward Major, Minor, or Integrative Studies: If you wish to have a course count toward your major, minor, or Integrative Studies requirements, you must complete a Course Substitution Form. It is strongly recommended that you do this **before** you depart for your program.
Be sure to review additional Academic Considerations here:
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Many study away opportunities align financially with on-campus study, and a variety of funding options can help make your experience possible.
- Comparable tuition rates – Several study away options have tuition and fees similar to a semester at KSC.
- Use of financial aid – Most of your KSC financial aid package and scholarships can be applied toward semester‐long programs, and in some cases summer programs.
- Additional scholarships – National awards, program‐sponsored scholarships, and institutional scholarships through KSC’s Financial Aid Office may be available.
Be sure to review additional information regarding Financing Study Away.
Frequently Asked Study Away Questions
Wondering how studying away fits into your plans? Explore this FAQ section for answers to common concerns - from ensuring timely graduation and financial expectations to language requirements and application details.
Can I study away and graduate on time?
Of course! While studying away, you can earn credit toward your major, minor, general elective, and elective requirements. After being accepted to a study away program, we work with you and your advisor to make sure all your credits will transfer back to Keene State College exactly how you need them to. With planning, there's no reason studying away would make you fall behind.
Is study away expensive?
Study away does not have to be expensive. There are many affordable options available to KSC students; in fact, some study away programs cost the same or less than a semester at Keene State! For approved semester study away programs (and some summer programs), you will remain eligible for financial aid.
Do I need a foreign language to study away?
No, you do not need to know a foreign language in order to study away. Most of our programs offer a variety of courses taught in English.
Who is eligible to study away?
You can apply to study away after your first semester at the university. And you can study away as a sophomore, as a junior, or as a senior.
Can I study away more than once?
Yes. Many KSC students are bitten by the travel bug while studying away. If you've already studied away but are yearning for more, just stop by our office to pick up your application and start your next great study away adventure!
Once approved to study away, students receive support from the Global Education Office (GEO) as well as faculty and staff across Keene State College.
GEO assists with:
- Navigating the experience from pre-departure through return
- Course selection guidance at the host program
- Cross-cultural adjustment strategies
- Safety, security, and health information
- Travel and logistical planning
Please refer to this handbook for more information:
Welcome Back and Support
Welcome back! As a returning study away student, you have valuable experiences to share. You can:
- Integrate your study away learning into your coursework
- Connect with other study away alumni and incoming exchange students
- Receive specialized guidance from Career Services on global work and internship opportunities
Study Away Experience Evaluation
We value your feedback. Please complete the Study Away Experience Evaluation in KSC-Via to reflect on your time abroad and help GEO improve programs and processes for future students.
Study Away Program Transcripts
To ensure your credits transfer smoothly:
- Confirm with your study away program or host university that your official study away transcript will be sent directly to the Global Education Office for processing.
- Submit all required approval forms:
- Major/Minor Approval Form (if applicable)
- ISP Approval Form (if applicable)
Important: Students who need copies of their official transcript for graduate school and/or job applications must contact their study away program or host institution directly.
Contact GEO
1st Floor, Elliot Center
229 Main Street
Keene, New Hampshire 03435-2612
603-358-2348
geo@keene.edu
Contact Admissions
Admissions Office
603-358-2276
229 Main Street
Keene, New Hampshire 03435