Pre-Departure Orientation
If you are participating on a KIIS program, you must attend the KIIS mandatory student orientation prior to departure. Your parents or other emergency contacts are welcome to join you at orientation.
Spain Spring Semester
Early November 2025, TBA, check email for Orientation Details
All Winter Programs
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Eastern Time), Bellarmine University Campus, Louisville, KY
The orientation is designed to inform you of what to expect in the foreign setting. Among the topics discussed:
- Host country culture and law
- Academics
- Housing
- Health & Safety
- Independent travel
- Social and sexual mores
- Climate
- Money Matters
- Communications
- Packing
In-Country
In addition to the pre-departure orientation, Program Directors provide all participants with a second, in-country orientation shortly after arrival at the KIIS program site.
Missed Orientation
If for any reason you cannot attend the mandatory orientation, a $150 fee will be added to your Charges and Payments to cover the cost of carrying out an individual orientation with your KIIS Program Director.
Email the KIIS Office to request the Individual Student Orientation Form be added to your KIIS Account in advance of your individual orientation with your KIIS Program Director.
Home Campus Orientation
Many colleges and universities require all students studying abroad to attend a home campus orientation. Contact your KIIS Campus Representative (typically in the Education/Study Abroad office) to determine if you need to fulfill any orientation requirements.
“I made incredible friends, traveled to several different countries, performed in a historic cathedral, and made memories that I will never forget all while learning things in a new perspective. Studying abroad had such a huge impact on who I am today.”
-Michaela, Salzburg