Last year, 18 percent of the University of Kentucky graduating class graduated with global experience. The university’s International Center has taken steps to increase that percentage.

The UK International Center’s Education Abroad and Exchanges program (UK EA) recently announced a new 2018-19 scholarship and program fee reduction initiative for selected UK exchange partners around the world, ranging from $1,000-$5,000.

UK students who participate in an exchange program have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the language and culture of a host university, city and country. They enroll in courses at the host institution for either a semester or an academic year and earn transfer credit, while still paying their regular tuition to UK.

Nicole Funk, a junior from Lexington majoring in natural resources and environmental science with a Spanish minor, participated in a semester-long exchange at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Quito, Ecuador.

“I chose an exchange because I wanted to immerse myself in another culture and get out of my comfort zone. Through the exchange, I became a better communicator and learned how my own culture makes me who I am and how people from another culture perceive this,” Funk said.

UK EA is offering scholarships for the following international exchange programs for fall 2018, spring 2019 and academic year 2018-19 participation:

• Charles Sturt University (Australia) - two $2,000 scholarships; 
• Chung-Ang University (South Korea) - two $2,000 scholarships;
• Kansai Gaidai University (Japan) - two $2,000 scholarships;
• Lancaster University (United Kingdom) - six $1,000 scholarships;
• Nagoya University (Japan) - four $2,000 scholarships;
• Swansea University (United Kingdom) - four $1,000 scholarships; and
• USFQ (Ecuador) - four $2,000 scholarships.

In addition to these exchange program scholarships, UK EA is also offering an automatic $5,000 program fee reduction to all students participating in an International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) exchange in fall 2018, spring 2019 and academic year 2018-19. Through ISEP, UK students can choose from over 300 exchange program institutions in more than 50 countries worldwide using ISEP's program search. This automatic reduction does not apply to ISEP Direct or ISEP summer programs.

"Exchange programs are budget-friendly ways for students to study abroad for a semester or year,” Miko McFarland, executive director of Education Abroad and Exchanges, said. “We recognize that cost can sometimes be a barrier, so UK EA is focusing on ways to make education abroad opportunities more financially achievable. As a former exchange student myself, I know how impactful an exchange experience can be. For example, students can enhance key skills sought by employers, such as adaptability and problem-solving, when they themselves become an international student abroad."

Ten $1,000 automatic scholarships are also available for the 2018-19 academic year for students interested in domestic exchange opportunities through National Student Exchange (NSE). NSE offers semester and academic yearlong programs at more than 200 campuses across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. More information is available on UK EA's NSE program page.

These automatic scholarships and program fee reductions are only available for fall 2018, spring 2019 or academic year 2018-19 programs. Automatic exchange scholarships and program fee reductions do not require a separate application. Students must meet both UK EA and host institution's eligibility requirements in order to be eligible to receive the scholarship.

With a limited number of scholarships available, early application is encouraged. Email EA advisor and Exchanges coordinator, Laurence Tuccori, for all eligibility details or to begin the application process.

UK Education Abroad has more than 460 programs, including over 60 exchange programs, available in more than 70 countries. In addition to study abroad opportunities, students can participate in internship, service, research and teaching programs abroad. Students interested in learning more about education abroad opportunities can visit http://international.uky.edu/ea or visit the Advising Center at 315 Bradley Hall.