Resources for International Initiatives

Students interested in study abroad have unique advising needs, as academic and finacial policies and program requirements can vary. The information provided here is to help you understand key policies, student expectations, and required forms so you can effectively advise students considering study abroad.

The Study Abroad Journey:

The International Office supports KU students throughout the Study Abroad Journey:

Advising > Application > Pre-Departure > While Abroad > Re-Entry 

Study Abroad Advising:

Students interested in studying abroad should be referred to the International Office:

Office: International Office, Old Main 24 (East Wing)
Study Abroad Advisor: Kim Justeson
Student Meeting Link: Book a Study Abroad Advising Meeting
Email: studyabroad@kutztown.edu 
Website: MyGlobalKU

Study abroad advising centers on helping students navigate international programs that support with their academic, professional, or personal goals. This includes advising on program types, eligibility requirements, KU policies, the credit transfer process, program timelines, costs and budgeting, and pre-departure requirements. Study abroad advisors also address risk management, health and safety, immigration considerations, and compliance with both university and external policies. Study abroad advising may include discussions of the student's academic plan, however Study Abroad Advisors do NOT provide academic advising.

Battling Misconceptions:

• All students in every major, can study abroad. Almost every major has study abroad potential, not including General Education options. The key is identifying the right program and timing.
• No major is too structured for study abroad. Even highly sequenced programs often have windows (Ex. summer, winter, spring break, sophomore year) that could work.
• Study abroad does not have to delay a student's graduation. Most students can graduate on time if they plan ahead.  

Transfering Study Abroad Courses:

After a student is approved to study abroad, they can start the Study Abroad Course Approval Form. This form is signed by at least 4 different individuals so it may take up to two weeks to completely complete the form. (Here are the form instructions)

Instructions for Academic Advisors, Department Chairs, and Deans: 

• Review the provided course descriptions or syllabi provide by the student and complete the field asking for a “KU Equivalent Course Code/Title”. 
• If there is no direct equivalent, you may provide a special topics or other similar type of course recommendation.
• Determine if the course should count as a general education, major elective or core course, or minor elective or core course, or whether the course is a free/general university elective. 
• Academic Advisors are expected to consult the student’s second major advisor or minor advisor (if applicable), department chair, or dean to determine the best equivalencies for the student. Changes can be made by the Registrar's Office after the form is signed by the advisor. 
• If courses fall outside of your department or college, Academic Advisors are encouraged to consult the appropriate department chair or dean.

Curriculum Internationalization:

Interested in Leading a Study abroad Program?

Short-term programs led by KU faculty or staff are called KU-Led Programs. The International Office offers training each semester for KU faculty/staff related to study abroad advising and/or leading programs. Email studyabroad@kutztown.edu if you have questions! 

KU-Led Proposal Approval Workflow:

1. The Director of the International Office conducts an initial review of the proposal, focusing on risk assessment, the budget, and a general review of documents to ensure all required forms are complete and no critical information is missing. The Director may request clarification or additional information from Program Leaders and may also recommend revisions to the proposal materials.
2. The Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies conducts a secondary review for preliminary approval of the proposal, with a primary focus on the budget. Once preliminarily approved, programs may begin recruiting students.
3. The Council of Trustees then conducts a third review for final approval of the proposal. Programs approved by the Council of Trustees may begin collecting payments from students.
4. A final review takes place between the application deadline and the deposit deadline to determine whether the program has met the minimum enrollment needed to maintain a balanced budget. Programs that do not meet enrollment requirements may be canceled at this time, and deposited students will receive refunds.

Resources:

• (Video) How to navigate to MyGLOBALKU and the Proposal (Updated spring 2025)
• Case Study - Education Abroad Program Design and Implementation (Free Download)
• Standards of Good Practice 6th Edition (Free Download)
• Code of Ethics for Education Abroad 3rd Edition

Title III Grant Study Abroad/Away Goal

Increase number of faculty leading short-term study abroad/away experiences to expand equitable access to this high-impact practice. For more information, please visit the Title III Grant Webpage or the Title III Grant's Study Abroad/Away Webpage. 

How does the Title III grant support study abroad/away?

• By providing funding for faculty professional development training on best practices.
• By providing funding for Program Director and instructor payroll for new  study abroad/away programs to lower the cost to students.
• By providing support for campus-wide awareness for all high-impact practices, including study abroad/away. 

Grant Funded Workshop for Faculty!

Workshop: Designing a Study Abroad/Away Program
Participant Eligibility: 8 faculty members will be selected for fall 2026

• Have not led a trip since 2020. 
• Preference will be given to those interested in leading a trip in winter 2028 or summer 2028.
• Preference will be given to Academic Departments that have not previously attended the workshop.

Compensation: Participants will be paid $1,000. Participants will be paid via dual comp using Title III grant funds.

• Participants must attend all required workshop days.
• Participants must submit a draft of a Study Abroad/Away Proposal within one week of the workshop. 
• Participants will be provided with free training materials.

Fall 2026 Workshop:

• Workshop Day #1 October 20th 11:00am - 12:00pm: In Person, Old Main 26 (E-Wing)
• Workshop Day #2 October 22nd 11:00am - 12:00pm: In Person, Old Main 26 (E-Wing)
• Workshop Day #3 October 27th 11:00am - 12:00pm: In Person, Old Main 26 (E-Wing)
• Workshop Day #4 October 29th 11:00am - 12:00pm: Virtual, this day is optional. Time is set aside for online help/consultation to work on the draft proposal. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY - Deadline to apply is Friday, September 11th

International students have unique academic advising needs because they must meet both university academic requirements and U.S. immigration regulations. Advising that may be appropriate for a domestic student can have serious immigration consequences for an international student if not carefully considered.

The information provided here is to help you understand some basic visa and immigration regulations as you advise international students. It is the students' responsibility to provide this information to you but they may not always remember to bring it up during advising. It is not your responsibility to enforce or even remember these rules; however, familiarity with them will help ensure international students are referred appropriately to the International Office and avoid unintended immigration issues.

The International Student Journey:

The International Office supports KU internatioanl students throughout the International Student Journey:

Recruitment > Admissions > Pre-Arrival > Arrival > Beginning Studies (1st semester) > Ongoing Support > Final Transition (last semester > Post-Completion/Alumni

International Student Advising:

International students that need help with immigration, navigating campus procedures, life and wellbeing support should be referred to the International Office:

Office: International Office, Old Main 24 (East Wing)
International Student Advisor (Admissions, Services): Peter Rodenberg
International Student Advisor (Immigration): Dr. Christina Kinney
Student Meeting Links:
Book an Advising Meeting (Services)
Book an Advising Meeting (Immigration)
Email: international@kutztown.edu 

International student advising centers on helping international students navigate their academic, professional, social life in the U.S. and at Kutztown University. This includes advising students on campus processes, connecting them to existing campus resources, monitoring immigration compliance, and advising on immigration regulations pertaining to certain visa types. We also support faculty adivors and KU offices in working with international students. Internatioanl student advising may include discussions of the student's academic plan as they are deeply tied to immigration regulations, however International student advisors do NOT provide academic advising.

Who is an International Student? 

Kutztown University defines what an international student is by their immigrant vs nonimmigrant status. 

International Applicants are students who rare on a nonimmigrant visa. Common visa examples include F, J, H, L, M (among other visa categories). The F and J visa are the most common student categories. Students in these categories must comply with specific U.S. immigration regulations, which are monitored by the International Office and outlined below.

Regular Applicants are students who are US Citizens, Dual Citizens but also diverse student populations such as Legal Permanent Residents of the US (“Green Card” holders), Asylees, Refugees, Parolees, Temporary Protected Status, and students in other categories not addressed in “International Applicants”. While these students may identify as international based on their background or lived experience, they are not classified as international students for institutional or federal reporting purposes and are not subject to the U.S. immigration regulations administered by the International Office that are outlined below.

Enrollment Requirements

Full-Time Enrollment
International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to enroll full-time each fall and spring term. Full-time requirements for immigration purposes are at least:

• Undergraduate: 12 credits
• Graduate: 9 credits.

Note: International students with an F-2 visa are restricted to part-time enrollment until they have been approved for a change of status to an F-1 visa.

Online Courses 
International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to take most of their classes in an in-person or hybrid modality. Only 3 credits towards the minimum full time courseload is permitted. 

Concurrent Enrollment
International students on an F-1 visa are sometimes permitted to enroll concurrently in another school, as long as the combined enrollment amounts to full-time status. 

Reduced Course Load (RCL)
Under certain academic or medical reasons, international students on F-1 status may receive authorization for a Reduced Course Load (RCL), which gives them permission to enroll below full-time and still maintain valid immigration status. Students may request an RCL for one of three reasons: 1) academic difficulties (during the first term only), 2) illness or medical conditions, 3) completion of studies (during the last semester only). A Reduced Course Load Request Form must be signed by an academic advisor or department chair. 

Withdrawal / Leave of Absence
If a student on F-1 or J-1 status decides to withdraw or take a leave of absence from Kutztown University please contact the International Office prior to taking any action. The student must obtain immigration permission prior to withdrawal or submitting leave of absence forms with the Registrar's Office. 

Change of Major and Change of Level

Change of Major or Program
Undergraduate students are prohibited from changing their major in their first year. 
Graduate students are prohibited from changing their major/program. 

Students in F-1 status may only pursue majors that are approved for international students and cannot change to any non-approved major. The student should check with the International Office that their intended new major/program is on the approved list before completing a Change of Major form with the Registrar's Office. 

If the major/program is approved, the student must provide a completed Change of Major form to the International Office so new immigration documents can be issued to reflect the updated degree program. A change of concentration may be permitted in the first year - Refer the student to meet with the International Office. 

Change of Level
Undergraduate students are prohibited from changing their level in their first year. 
Graduate students are prohibited from changing their major/program. 
Changing to a program of study to a lower educational level is prohibited (Ex. moving from a master’s program to a bachelor’s program). 
Changing to a program of study at the same educational level is now prohibited (Ex. moving from a master’s program to a master’s program).

Students who are changing their degree level (ex. from bachelors to masters) must submit an application for admission and meet all applicable admissions requirements. Once admitted, the student will receive updated immigration documents that reflect their new degree level.

Change of Level requirements primarily apply to students enrolled in 4+1 accelerated programs and students who chose to pursue a second bachelor's degree but later changes their plans. 

Additional Time to Graduate

Extension of Program
A student who is unable to complete their degree in 4 years, must apply for a Program Extension (with the International Office) and an Extension of Stay (with the U.S. government) prior to their program end date. This process MUST begin six (6) months before the student's original program end date on their immigration documents. A Program Extension Request Form must be signed by an academic advisor or department chair. 

Internships / Curricular Practical Training

International students may participate in internships through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). A CPT Request Form must be signed by an academic advisor or department chair and indicate on the form:

• If the major does not require an internship, the student must register for a course that corresponds to the internship and earn credit. The course must take place during the same term as the internship (for example, a summer internship requires a summer course). Academic advisors have flexibility in choosing the appropriate course for the internship.

• If the major requires an internship, the student does not need to register for a course to participate in the internship. 

Hosting International Visiting Scholars

Will the scholar need visa sponsorship by Kutztown University?

• If yes, the International Office will issue documents for one of the J-1 visa categories.
• If no, what visa will they enter the U.S.? What organization will sponsor their visa (if applicable)?

Who at Kutztown University will be their academic host during their program activity dates?

• Do they have approval from their Dean to host the visiting scholar?

Scholar and Scope of Activity Information:

• Scholar's full name and title
• Scholar's Contact information (email address, phone number, WeChat/WhatsApp)
• Scholar's home institution
• Visa Sponsor Organization Name (if not Kutztown University)
• Academic host's name at Kutztown University (if not you)
• Desired arrival date
• Intended length of visit
• Brief description of the scope of their activities in the U.S. 
• Financial/Funding plan

Academic Host Responsibilities

While the International Office will help support all international visiting scholars, the academic host is responsible with helping the scholar settle into their life in the U.S. and their scope of activity. There are a number of important details for the academic host to coordinate to ensure a successful experience. The following may not apply to all scholars: 

• Clearances
• Social Security Card
• Banking
• KU ID and email address
• Housing
• Airport Arrival / Transportation to Kutztown
• Scope of Activity (Orientation or training for the project, assignment, research, etc.)
• Cultural integration

Read more about International Visiting Scholars on our website.