KIIS COVID-19 Stress-Free Refund Guarantee
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Since 1975
Over 140 courses in 26 locations
KIIS COVID-19 Stress-Free Refund Guarantee
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Since 1975
Over 140 courses in 26 locations
Featured Videos
Featured Programs
KIIS Netherlands
Urban Planning & Branding, Development, Economics, Public Relations
KIIS Barcelona
Graphic Design, Branding, Architecture, Art History, Typography & Poster
KIIS Slavic Europe
Education, English/GWS, History, Holocaust Studies, International Affairs
KIIS Costa Rica
Digital Photography (in English), Advanced Spanish
The KIIS Advantage
Non-Profit Study Abroad
Credit Toward Degree Completion
Faculty-Led Programs
Each and Every Year!
college career.
Founded in 1975, 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
“Traveling to Japan was my first time out of the U.S. and it was one of the most exciting and memorable trips I’ll ever take. I made friends and memories for a lifetime.”
– Garrett, Japan
“Through daily interactions with the locals at markets and shops, I developed a confidence in myself in managing new situations rather than avoiding them… I was not always successful in the trials of communicating with the locals, but I learned from my mistakes and adjusted how I would approach the same situation again. I have gained a sense of independence that I lacked before the program.”
– Katerina, Berlin
“I had heard so many great stories about KIIS and started looking at the programs they had to offer. That is when I decided to go for it, and it was the best experience of my life. Spain has forever changed my life and opened up my eyes to the world. I became such an independent and confident person, and I am so grateful for the memories I made over the course of that month.”
– Vanessa, Spain I
“I spent my whole life only seeing pictures and figurines of the Eiffel Tower, so the fact that I was there is still mind blowing. My favorite experience was probably having a photoshoot in the Tuileries Garden.”
– China, Paris I
“My favorite experience was getting lost in the Madrid airport after going to Italy for the long weekend. I was able to get around and ask questions without having to use my Spanish dictionary and it was one of the proudest moments.”
– Emily, Spain I
“Through this study abroad program, I gained a new perspective of Tanzania: it’s beauty, it’s people, it’s way of life. While helping in hospitals and visiting orphanages, we got to experience the need firsthand, while hopefully bringing some joy along the way. The interactions that I had with the hospital staff, the patients, the kids, the locals, and the other students are so special to me, for they are what made this trip so spectacular.”
– Lora, Tanzania
“KIIS Italy was an experience of a lifetime for me. I learned so much about the culture, religion, art and people, but above all, I learned a lot about myself. Italy was absolutely beautiful, and I was fascinated with all the historic places and pieces of art there. My favorite place we visited was Rome because it’s so old and contains so much history. This experience showed me that it’s possible to go and do things beyond my comfort zone providing me with the confidence to achieve more in my future career wherever I end up.”
– Hayley, Italy
“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
“Going in to this journey I had one goal: to gain more confidence in my Spanish speaking abilities. However, throughout my time in Mexico I not only achieved my goal but I gained so much more. Experiencing the culture, life style and building relationships with locals was priceless. This opportunity was once in a lifetime and I will cherish the memories forever.”
– Jessie, Merida Mexico
“I chose to study abroad in Spain so that I could improve my Spanish, but I ended up learning so much more than that. I learned more in these three months than I ever could’ve in a classroom.”
– Katie, Spain Spring Semester
“You can read hundreds of textbooks and see thousands of pictures. But if you don’t breath the air, walk the streets and talk to the people, have you truly learned?”
– William, Barcelona
“Making the decision on participating on this KIIS program has to be the best decision I have ever made in my life. I felt so at home with the Danes and with my other trip members. I have never felt such a connection to a place, not even my own home. I cannot wait to go back to Denmark. For my first time out of the country, Denmark has given me some high standards and the travel bug.”
– Kaylee, Denmark
“KIIS was such a special experience that I will never forget. Over the four weeks, I got to visit the most extraordinary places and create bonds with new people overseas. I learned more than I ever imagined about the places we visited and also about myself as an individual. I encourage anyone who ever has the chance to experience the KIIS Italy program.”
– Maggie, Italy
“I chose to study abroad in Caen because I knew I wanted to spend a semester in France, and the KIIS program ending up being the most affordable, and best program that I could find.”
– Nathan, France Spring Semester
“Study abroad was the most amazing experience. I got to meet so many awesome people and see so many things most people wouldn’t get to. It’s hard to explain how amazing it truly is. I wish I could go back and experience it all over again!”
– Sarah, Spain May
“It was only 11 days, but it was an experience to last a lifetime. Italy has been my dream destination for as long as I can remember, and I finally got to see all the places I thought only existed in movies. The beauty of the country can’t even be properly described in words, and the pictures hardly do it justice. It was the best decision I’ve made yet”
– Megan, Italy Winter
“I had the pleasure of spending winter break studying Comparative Health Systems in Zanzibar, Tanzania! It was such an incredible and unique opportunity to be fully immersed in another culture while gaining the experience necessary to take my education and career to the next level. My gratitude to KIIS Study Abroad, Dr. Mkanta, Dr. Sanyang, and the health practitioners in Tanzania cannot be adequately expressed. I’ve developed skills and relationships through this experience that will last a lifetime. I was able to learn alongside other health administration and public health students while also enjoying the beautiful sites of East Africa. Thank you University of Louisville for allowing me to represent UofL abroad!”
– Erin, Zanzibar Winter
“My favorite experience has been the ability to travel to other countries that I would never have the chance to go see otherwise! I also really enjoy meeting people from all other the world, in my classes and while I’m traveling.”
– Maddie, France Spring Semester
“So many amazing and influential musicians and composers have walked the city’s streets, and learning about that history while literally following their footsteps was incredible.”
– Joseph, Salzburg
“I choose to study in Caen because it offered chance to not only further my knowledge of the French language and culture, but also the chance to experience it all first hand. It also allowed me to knock out quite a few of the credit hours need for my French Major.”
– Julia, France Spring Semester
“My KIIS journey was to wonderful Mexico. My focus was photography throughout Maya Mexico. We ventured throughout Mexico City, Merida, and Cancun. Our focus was primarily to capture the culture, landscape, and interaction of people in social settings. I was blown away by how different Mexico was and it took me completely by surprise. I fell in love with all of the colors and people that made up the entirety of the locations we visited. I can honestly say that I have become a better photographer because of my journey with KIIS and I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. I would absolutely return to Mexico. Thank you KIIS for everything that you do and for providing me with a wonderfully life changing experience.”
– Jacob, Maya Mexico Winter
“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
“The Berlin trip has helped my graphic design skills more than I ever would have thought. Coming back to the states and working on graphic design projects and even just viewing the world around me, I am more aware of design in my daily life and the Bauhaus principles I was taught have definitely shown in the work I have done since I have returned.”
– Angela, Berlin
“I’ve always had a love for the Mexican culture and I am so grateful I had this opportunity to immerse myself in it and learn new things that I wouldn’t be able to learn in a textbook. My host mom and roommate were by far some of the most amazing people ever, and I plan on remaining in contact with for the rest of my life. The amazing sights we were able to see and the food we were able to try were by far my favorite memories.”
– Haley, Merida Mexico
“Africa has given me a whole new perspective on life. It has allowed me to learn more about myself and fall in love with the Tanzanian culture and its people. It has given me a new love for nursing and reassured me why I chose to become a nurse in the first place.”
– Claire, Tanzania
“Studying abroad opened me up to a completely new type of independence I’ve never experienced before. I adapted and found a way to call a completely new place my home for the two weeks I was abroad. This was an experience that has helped me grow, and I will always carry this experience with me.”
– Tricia, Spain May
“Study abroad changes the way you think and feel. It’s a crash course in language acquisition and development. Just do it, and do everything to your fullest extent.”
–Erin, Munich
“I grew so much more than I could have possibly imagined in Munich. The knowledge I’ve gained in 6 weeks is unfathomable.”
-Abby, Munich
“My time in Austria taught me to thrive outside my comfort zone and to find happiness right where I was while opening opportunities at home to further my education and better my employment.”
– Tara, Austria
“This was a one of a kind opportunity to really experience the culture, create new memories, and make life long friends. Too often we live in a bubble, this program introduced me to a different way of life. After living in a post soviet society during the program, I gained a greater appreciation for what I have and a greater understanding of the world at large.”
– Patrick, Slavic Europe
“It’s been a great experience so far, I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve experienced. I am eager to see what else I’m going to experience.”
– Larry, Costa Rica
“I woke up one day there, and I heard guitar music playing outside, I saw hot air balloons flying outside my window, and I smelled authentic Spanish food from the market outdoors. And I thought ‘wow, you just can’t get the same traveling experience without having a program like this.”
– Grace, Spain II
“Having been a part of this program two times, I can honestly say that my time in Slavic Europe with KIIS was one of the highlights of my college experience. There is nothing quite like learning about WWII and Holocaust history in the very location where it happened. It is experiential learning at its finest and studying in Eastern Europe has, and continues to, open so many doors for me.”
– Courtney, Slavic Europe
“The Salzburg study abroad program made me realize that there is a large variety of careers in the field of music, outside of the United States. The experience helped open my mind to new career options within my field of study.”
– Andrew, Salzburg
“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
“Studying in Costa Rica changed my life. I did not just have one professor but the entire country was like a professor. I learned so much information outside the classroom and inside my home stay.”
– Courtney, Costa Rica
“Acclimating to a culture that isn’t my own is a humbling reminder that His world, this earth, isn’t mine, or anyone’s; we are all in this together, and we all have to take care of each other.”
– Hannah, Greece
“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
“Leave your comfort zone at home. Studying abroad is about pushing your personal boundaries to truly experience the world around you. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Ask for directions in a new language, try unusual food at a street fair, and buy the bus ticket to a magnificent waterfall 17 hours away. You learn more from those experiences than the ones found within the confines of your hotel room. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
– Gabrielle, Argentina
“Salzburg allowed me to study in a country where so many great composers were born, including Mozart, while earning credit towards my degree. Earning these hours allowed me to lighten my course work for the regular semester and gain experience to aid my future career.”
– Amber, Salzburg
“As a lifelong musician, our daughter dreamed of going to Salzburg, Austria. Exploring the sights of the city like the birthplace of Mozart, the Sound of Music locales and the Belvedere Museum to see the work of Gustav Klimt and Egon Shiele has broadened her view of the world. Studying the history of the city and the history of the Hapsburgs has deepened her education in the field of Humanities. Our daughter has enjoyed the friendships she has made with the other students during her time with KIIS. This was a wonderful and meaningful experience for her!”
– Elizabeth and Chris, parents of KIIS Salzburg student
“My study abroad program through KIIS on Spain I was absolutely incredible. I learned so many lessons about not only traveling and planning, but also about myself. Going to a new country for a month and not being able to speak your native language is pretty wild, and it took some time getting used to speaking in Spanish often. Adjusting to a whole new schedule for eating, sleeping and school was not as easy as I predicted. However, the downsides to this trip pale in comparison to the positive experiences. I visited six different cities in Spain, ate foods I never expected to see on a plate, and formed genuine relationships with people from around the world. Study abroad may be a daunting concept for some, but I firmly believe that everyone should do it. You never know what you will learn, see and discover!”
– Amy, Spain I
“My KIIS experience was absolutely incredible, and I honestly believe that I learned more in my 3 & 1/2 weeks in Denmark than I have throughout my entire academic career.”
– Allison, Denmark
“I loved my trip and the experience was more than anyone could have given me staying in the states. My favorite day was spent in a town where I learned about culture, food and even improved my Spanish speaking skills. This experience opened my eyes but also made me a better candidate for graduate programs!”
– Krystal, Maya Mexico Winter
“Living with a host family was a very rewarding experience because I had to learn how to [communicate] with a family that had a very different culture than me as well as spoke a different language. It was challenging at times, but my host mom was very caring with my roommate and I, understanding with the language barrier, and hilarious.”
– BayLeigh, Spain II
“I spent three weeks studying WWII and Holocaust history in L’viv, Ukraine and Warsaw and Krakow, Poland. It was this experience that made me realize the benefits of learning on location and studying abroad. This realization was so strong for me that upon my return to Kentucky my career aspirations shifted and I decided to pursue a career in the international education field. I knew that I wanted a job that helped make sure that all students have the ability to study abroad and experience the world just as I was able to through KIIS.”
– Courtney, Slavic Europe
“The KIIS Regensburg program was a very enriching and worthwhile experience. The intensive language course really helped the exchange students to get to know one another and ease into being totally immersed in another country.”
– Brittany, Germany Spring Semester
“This will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable experiences of my entire life. The knowledge you gain, the experiences you have, and the friends you make will be more than worth the trip. Austria is the best country in Europe; it has the beauty of Switzerland, Germany, and Italy all in one all the while having German as its official language.”
– Nickolas, Austria
“Despite how drastic the change was for me, I was fully indulged in Costa Rican culture. I was able to experience the Costa Rica and Nicaragua soccer rivalry in person, I ate tons of “Tico” (the nickname for Costa Ricans) food, and did a lot of other adventurous things. I climbed mountains, swam in rivers, and most of all grew as a person. The rural farm life in La Paz and the urban coffee city of San Marcos both helped me grow in terms of Spanish language skills and I grew connections with both of my host families.”
– Brendan, Costa Rica
“KIIS Japan was an amazing opportunity and I learned so much. The friendships I made on my trip are lasting ones, not just with the other members but also with the host families and people we met along the way. I wish I knew about this sooner because I would have loved to go on more of these study abroad programs!”
– Laura, Japan