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Information about Exchange and Visiting Student Programs

Exchange and Visiting Student programs have a long tradition at ������. They serve the purpose of increasing student mobility at an affordable cost to students. For more information about our exchange partners please visit the Education Abroad webpage for exchange programs.We are currently not accepting new partners for exchange programs. However, we welcome new partners for visiting student programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. What is a student exchange program?

Student exchange programs offer students the opportunity to study abroad while not incurring additional costs for tuition. Students pay tuition to their home institution for the term they are away. Essentially, the student going abroad pays the tuition for the incoming exchange student and vice versa. This type of program assists student mobility by making study abroad more affordable.

2. Why is it important to maintain a “balanced” exchange?

Exchange programs are based on the premise of an even exchange. For every one student we send abroad to a partner university, we must receive one student from that same university. The Ohio Revised Code permits student exchange programs on the premise that they will remain balanced over a reasonable time period. Operationally, for KSU, the tuition paid is in real dollars therefore we cannot afford to accrue an exchange deficit beyond one year.

3. What is the difference between the exchange student program and the visiting student program?

Exchange students pay their normal tuition and fees to their home institution. Visiting Students pay tuition and fees to their host institution. All other aspects are the same.

4. What are the tuition and fees for visiting students to KSU?

Visiting students must pay the tuition rate for Non-Ohio Residents for all non-ESL courses. For more information about tuition and fees please visit the Bursar’s Office webpage. Visiting students who are taking ESL courses pay the ESL rate which is currently a lower rate than the non-Ohio Resident rate. More information can be found at the ESL Program Fees webpage.

5. Why must international visiting students pay the Non-Ohio Tuition rate?

All rates for tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees for ������. Additionally, the  prohibits charging in-state tuition to a non-Ohio resident.

6. Why are you not accepting new partners for exchange programs?

We currently have 15 long-standing and active student exchange programs and we are a member of . KSU students have the opportunity to study abroad as exchange students in over 50 countries. We believe that with our current partners and the ISEP program we can meet the current student demand while maintaining a balanced student exchange program.

7. Can Exchange and Visiting students study in special Kent State programs such as the Florence Program, Fashion’s New York Studio, the Washington Program in National Issues, etc.?

All exchange and visiting students have the same rights and privileges as Kent State students. As long as students meet the admission requirements and are approved by the program they can participate. Additional fees may apply to these programs.

8. How long can exchange and visiting students attend KSU or the partner institution?

This program is intended for students planning to study for no more than two semesters at the host institution. It is not intended for students seeking a degree.

9. Why does KSU require all exchange and visiting students to submit proof of English Proficiency such as the TOEFL or IELTS?

All international applicants whose education has been primarily outside of the United States of America must provide objective evidence of proficiency in the English language. Students wishing to attend KSU to study ESL do not need to submit proof of English proficiency. Visit our International Admissions website for up-to-date information about English Language Proficiency requirements.

10. Can Exchange and Visiting Students attend KSU to study English as a Second Language (ESL)?

Yes. For up-to-date information about the ESL program at KSU please visit the ESL Center webpage.

11. Who manages the Exchange and Visiting Student programs?

12. Are the Exchange and Visiting Student programs open to graduate students?

Typically, yes. However, due to the unique nature of graduate programs and their admission requirements these are handled on a case-by-case basis.