Faculty-Led Study Abroad Since 1975
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Since 1975
The KIIS Advantage
Non-Profit Study Abroad
Credit Toward Degree Completion
Faculty-Led Programs
Each and Every Year!
We believe study abroad should be a part of your
college career.
Founded in 1975, the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) is a faculty-led study abroad consortium of colleges and universities in Kentucky and surrounding states. KIIS is dedicated to providing personalized, academically enriching, and affordable international education programs for college credit. We believe study abroad should be an integral part of any degree program, regardless of academic discipline, and should prepare students to be globally competent upon graduation.
Student Voices
“I loved the option of getting to do a two week program because it allowed me to see two different cultures in a short amount of time, and made me realize that studying abroad for a longer term may be something I want to do as I continue my college career.”
– Emily, Paris-Munich Winter
“After studying abroad for six weeks, I would highly recommend it to anyone. Studying abroad opens your eyes. You learn a lot about another culture but also yourself.”
– Sarah, Munich
“This experience taught me more than just Spanish. I didn’t want to go on this trip for a lot of reasons: money was tight, I didn’t speak the language well, I had never travelled, and I’m not always very good at making friends. But I received more than enough help from scholarships, I’ve mastered traveling alone, I learned more Spanish in one month than I have in my entire life, and I don’t even know where to begin to talk about the friends I made.”
-Katelynn, Merida Mexico
“I have worked in a community pharmacy in Bowling Green [KY] for awhile now and was able to spend most of my practicum time in the pharmacy in Tanzania. The parallels between the two work environments were striking. I noticed that the atmosphere of real concern for the patients and the betterment of their health was exactly the same in both pharmacy settings across the world.”
– Allison, Tanzania
“I decided to go back to Germany with the KIIS program a second time…I never regret making this decision. During these two semesters in Regensburg, Germany, I have changed a lot. These changes could not be described precisely or quantified, but they are irreversible reactions.”
– Sibei, Germany Spring Semester
“Deciding to study abroad with KIIS was the best decision I’ve ever made! I got to learn so much about Italian culture, see so many historical landmarks, and meet so many incredible people! I will always be grateful for all of the experiences and people I met while abroad. I can’t think of any other way I would want to spend my summer!”
– Hannah, Italy
“You may think you are diverse in the United States, but you never know what diversity is until you have traveled with the KIIS program. It’s more than an educational experience it is an experience that will change your views about yourself and the world in a very positive manner.”
– Tonya, Berlin
“I’ve never been somewhere so different and challenging and felt so at peace.”
– Sarah, Ecuador
“My favorite experience was spending time with my host family, whether practicing piano with their children or discussing language and history by the fire.”
– Tobias, France Spring Semester
“I was able to spend a month in Segovia, Spain in July of 2022, and the experience was amazing. I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture by living with a family and improve my Spanish skills while doing so. I went with students who I barely knew and came home with lifelong friends. Being able to explore a new country that is so different from the United States opened my mind to possibilities for my future career. It influenced me to work towards a job that allows me to travel internationally. If you are thinking about studying abroad–do it!! It is an experience that I will never forget.”
– Elizabeth, Spain II
“I signed up for a trip to see ancient ruins. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t simply see, but experienced and gained an appreciation for an ancient civilization and their language, social norms, and beliefs.”
– Elizabeth, Maya Mexico Winter
“As a non-traditional student participating in the KIIS Munich program was bar-none the best study abroad experience, for which I could have asked. The ability to spend 5 weeks in another country and truly immersing myself in another culture and language is an invaluable resource which will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
– Thomas, Munich
“The true value of the experience isn’t only what you see. The hidden worth of your experience returns with you in unexpected ways. It can be a new appreciation for corner coffee shops, new confidence in riding the subway or learning to communicate using charades. The adventure doesn’t end when you get on the plane to come home, instead it opens the door to a new and less far away world.”
– Shaleena, Argentina
“I loved my study abroad experience! I made friends that I hope I will always stay in contact with, and I learned valuable life skills that I couldn’t have learned any other way. Thank you, KIIS!”
– Alexis, Germany Spring Semester
“We are very pleased with the experience our daughter had during the KIIS Slavic Europe study abroad program. It truly surpassed our expectations. It was a wonderful opportunity for Abby to visit a part of the world that most people don’t focus on. Her participation in the classroom and her interactions with the people will be something that she will never forget.”
– Larry, parent of Slavic Europe student
“I signed up for the KIIS Italy Study Abroad program expecting that I would only learn about Italian culture, but I ended up also learning more about who I am as a person.”
– Leen, Italy
“Greece was… phenomenal to say the least. It truly felt like a home away from home. The food was great (which is saying something because I am a VERY picky eater), but the sights were even better. Being able to walk through a modern city/country and millennia old ruins almost simultaneously is absolutely astounding.”
– Sean, Greece
“This is my second time studying through the KIIS, and if I could there would be a third! I took 2 photography classes while on the KIIS Paris 1 trip and I really feel like these 2 classes pushed me in the direction of getting a way better insight of this beautiful city. The assignments were always fun and we were usually out and about in the city!”
– Betty, Paris I
“Overall, KIIS Munich was one of the best experiences of my life. I made incredible new friends, family and added a plethora of knowledge to my German. This was definitely one of the best decisions of my life. If you embrace the program for all that it is, you will have the time of your life!”
– Sydney, Munich
“Eiscafé Pinocchio is an Italian, family run gelato shop in Bregenz, Austria. The café serves house made gelato, Italian coffee, and select cocktails. Located in the heart of Bregenz’ pedestrian zone, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. For my Graphic Design course, I presented my branding ideas to Pinocchio and worked on a hand lettering project which I turned into a Wanderlust Travel Book.”
– Kylar, Austria
“The KIIS Italy Winter study abroad program was the most incredible adventure and learning experience I have ever had in my lifetime thus far. Not only were the places amazing, but the friendships and bonds I made are unforgettable. I learned so much through observation and communication. The architecture and lively atmosphere were some of my favorite parts of Florence and Rome. I also felt much more in touch with my Catholic faith and artistic background visiting several basilicas and famous art galleries which was very inspiring. When what you see turns into where you go, you have endless discoveries awaiting.”
– Anna, Italy Winter
“The KIIS Tanzania program was more than I ever imagined. It gave me the most meaningful relationships and experiences in such a short amount of time. If you want to study abroad, KIIS offers something for everyone; and it will be unforgettable!”
– Cierra, Tanzania
“An abbreviated list of things KIIS Paris II gave me: friendship, language practice, incredible museum visits, true ‘joie de vivre’, and an absolutely unforgettable five weeks. Paris, je t’aime.”
– Jenna, Paris II
