First Steps to Begin Your Journey

Our First Steps session will cover all of your global learning options as a WKU student, where to find resources, how to get started finding the best program for you, and what the application process looks like. 

• Go Global: First Steps Schedule 
  • Tuesdays at 1:30pm in HCIC 3004
  • Fridays at 10:30am in HCIC 3004
  • Walk-in First Steps 1:1 Advising (Priority given to Gilman Scholarship applicants from August 27 - October 1)
    
    • Wednesdays from 2-4pm in HCIC 1014
    • Thursdays from 8:30-10:30am in HCIC 1014

Additionally, you can meet with a Global Learning Ambassador for a walk-in peer advising meeting. 

• • 2:30-4:00pm Tuesdays and Thursdays in HCIC 1014
  • 10am-1pm Wednesdays in HCIC 1014

 

Other resources: 

• Global Learning Handbook
• Attend a Global Learning Fair - This info fair is held each semester and is a great way to browse programs. 
  • Fall Fair: September 17, 2025 from 10am-2pm in HCIC
  • Spring Fair: TBD 

Begin researching programs online by using our program and application portal, Via.  More info coming soon!

Visit the Funding My Program page for information about scholarships and financial aid. We strongly recommend meeting with the Office of Scholar Development to learn about nationally competitive scholarships for study abroad experiences. 

Once you've attended a First Steps advising session, you may also want to meet with one of our staff Global Learning Advisors to further narrow down what program(s) best fit your needs before you start applying. More advising information can be found HERE. 

Other resources:

• Go Global: Financing Your Global Experience sessions occur throughout the academic year:
  • Fall 2025 Dates/Times TBD
• Program Selection Guide
• Global Learning Financial Planning Worksheet
• Global Learning Handbook

It's important to keep your academic advisor in the loop about your global learning plans to make sure you stay on track to graduation, especially if you plan to spend a semester or academic year away.  Your advisor may be able to assist you with selecting the best courses and obtaining approval for course equivalencies if you will be transferring credit. 

Other resources:

• Go Global: Academic Transfer Credit Abroad sessions occur throughout the academic year:
  • Fall 2025 Dates TBD
• Academic Credit Abroadweb resources
• Global Learning Course Approval Guide

Once you have decided on the program that best fits your needs, you can start your application by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the program's brochure page in our program database.  Most program applications open up approximately a year prior to the program dates. 

• After submitting your application, a Global Learning Advisor will review your application and confirm you meet WKU's eligiblity requirements.   

Many programs also require that you submit an application directly with the provider of the program (i.e. CCSA, KIIS, Program Providers, Exchange Partners, etc).  

Don't forget to apply for scholarships by their respective deadlines!