F.A.Q.S.

Q: I want to participate in multiple study away programs. How many Pre-Approval Applications should I complete?

• One. You’ll be able to select multiple programs on the application.

Q. Is it possible to have a first and second choice program in case I don’t get into my first choice?

• On the Pre-Approval Application, you can select multiple programs you are interested in. By including more than one choice, you’ll have some back-up options should you not get your first choice. 

Q: I completed the Pre-Approval Application, but I’ve changed my mind and now want to participate in a different study away program. What should I do?

• We may be able to change your placement. Send an email to FSstudyaway@kent.edu with the subject line ‘Pre-Approval Application Change’, and explain the change you would like to make. We’ll let you know your options. 

Q. What if my application for study away is not approved? 

• If we can’t admit you to your chosen program, it’s usually due to your student status or because you don’t meet GPA requirements. For all study away fashion programs, students must be at a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA with all 20000 level FDM courses completed. 

• The study away program is part of your degree, so we encourage you to apply again next year. It’s also a good idea to meet with your academic advisor before you fill out the Pre-Approval Application for advice on the study away program that best suits your interests.

Q: The program I wanted is at full capacity. Can I be added to a waitlist?

• Yes. If you were accepted into a program, you should have received a notification to complete a Commitment Contract or Application. Follow the email instructions and send an email to FSstudyaway@kent.edu saying that you’ like to be added to the waitlist.

Q: Housing is included in my study away program. Can I room with my friends?

• You may be able to. The application gives you the chance to share your roommate preferences. 

Q. Do I have to purchase flights on my own, or is that part of the program fee?

• Group flights are offered through the Florence program. For all other programs, you will need to book and pay for your flight.  

Q. My program requires me to get a visa. How do I do this?

• The Office of Global Education can help you if you need a visa for your program. Visit the website to make an appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor.  We also encourage you to order a passport as soon as possible. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website to get started.

Q: What advice would you give to students applying for competitive programs and scholarships?

• There are a few steps you can take to put yourself in a strong position for getting a place:

  • Maintain a high GPA

  • Visit the Writing Center for help with essay writing

  • Meet with a Career Advisor for a Resume Review

  • Speak to us about Financial Aid, if you'll need this

Q. How does the financial application process and applying for scholarships abroad work?

• We have a financial aid counselor for study abroad. Her name is Jessica Russell and you can arrange an appointment with her by emailing jrusse33@kent.edu. You can also find information about Financial Aid and Scholarships on the Office of Global Education’s site or on our own scholarship information page. 

Q. Does my Access Room Grant transfer over to the room and board cost in Florence or is it just for room and board on Kent's campus?

• For Florence, you will be billed for housing, so you can use your room and board scholarship to cover the cost. For other programs, please contact jrusse33@kent.edu to discuss how your financial aid applies.

Q. Do my honors scholarships also apply abroad?

• Yes, but the specifics of what will apply may depend on which semester you are studying abroad. Please contact jrusse33@kent.edu to discuss how your financial aid applies to these programs.

Q. I am an international student. Am I able to apply for scholarships to study abroad if I do not have a FAFSA?

• Yes! Some scholarships do not require students to have an FAFSA on file. The Office of Global Education provides information about Financial Aid and Scholarships. You can also find information about School of Fashion scholarships by visiting our information page.

Q. Are there payment plans available for study away? 

• There are no payment plans available for study away. Your acceptable email will include a schedule of when program fees are due.

Q. Am I able to receive scholarships for multiple study abroad opportunities?

• Yes!

Q: I applied for scholarships to study away. Will they appear on my acceptance letter?

• No, you’ll be contacted about your scholarship separately. 

Q. How do I get a Visa?

• The Office of Global Education will help you with your visa application process during the Florence Orientation course – you’ll take this the semester before you go. You can also contact the Office of Global Education for more information about visa requirements.

Q: Is there a difference between the fall and spring experiences?

• No, they are identical and offer the same experience.

Q. How does the summer program compare to the full semester program?

• In the fall semester, students take a minimum of 12 credit hours and many junior-level courses are offered. In the summer, students take a minimum of 6 credit hours and only elective courses are offered. 

Q: If I study away the semester before Florence, how will I take the Florence orientation course?

• You can complete the course online.

Q. Will it be difficult for me to balance work and free time in Florence? 

• Students often manage their time effectively by completing most work during the week, and saving the weekends to focus on travel and activities. 

Q. How will my studio course in Florence differ from my studio course in Kent? 

• Students say there are some differences between the European and American ways of approaching academics. The studio course in Florence is difficult in a good way – you will be challenged by your professors and will need to put a lot of time and effort into your course. 

Q. Are sewing materials provided in Florence? Or do I have to pack these things?

• If you don’t pack your drawing materials or sewing tools, you’ll have to purchase these items in Florence. KSU Florence Design studio has the same Juki sewing machines as we have on Kent campus. Muslin and pattern paper are provided. You will also take field trips to buy the fabric wholesale.

Q. Can I intern or work in Hong Kong? 

• Because you will be on a student visa sponsored by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, you will NOT be able to legally work or intern. If you have questions about your visa, please contact Molly Papay at mpapay1@kent.edu. 

Q. Is there a difference between the two groups?

• There is no difference between Group 1 and 2 – you simply travel to L.A. in a different week.

Q. Is there a group flight for the L.A. program? 

• A group flight is not offered for the L.A. summer program, but you could try to  coordinate flights or arrival times with other students. We’ve arranged the program in this way to give you flexibility should you wish to stay in L.A. longer to travel or complete internships.

Q. Based on the dates of the program, is it possible for me to do the L.A. Study Tour and then travel elsewhere to complete a summer internship? Would the dates conflict with each other?

• The L.A. Study Tour is early in the summer, giving you time for internships afterwards. Many students remain in L.A. to complete summer internships, but the time does allow you to travel elsewhere.

Q. Can I choose which week I go to L.A. if I need to plan around an internship?

• Yes, usually. You can email Sue Yoder at syoder19@kent.edu to say which week you would prefer to travel to L.A. to suit your internship start date.

Q. If I want to complete an internship in L.A. after the program, can I receive course credit?

• This may be possible. It’s best to contact Hillary Stone at hstone1@kent.edu, who can give you more information about the specific steps you’ll need to take to count an L.A. internship as course credit.

Q. Are there any places you plan to take students this year that you haven’t in previous years?

• This depends on who is in L.A. during the time of the trip. We plan to return to many of the locations featured in the information video and will know more about the specific itinerary closer to the date of the program.

Q. Are there study tours in the summer?

• You can enjoy a Study Tour in London during in the summer. You could go to see a castle, participate in a boat tour, and much more. 

Q. If I am doing an internship after my study-away program, can I stay in on-campus housing?

• Yes, Regent’s University can extend your stay on campus for the internship.

Q. Am I allowed to extend my program at Regent’s University (e.g., staying for both spring and summer)?

• Yes! You can extend your stay at Regent’s University, but you are likely to need a visa. Please contact Sara Morato at smoratoq@kent.edu to discuss your plans.

Q. Do I need a visa if I only go for the summer?

• At the moment, US passport holders don’t need to have a visa for the duration of the summer program. But if you are also completing an internship, you will need one. Please contact Sara Morato at smoratoq@kent.edu for more information.

Q. Will it be difficult for me to balance an internship and school?

• Previous students have told us they were busy in New York City, and it could be challenging. It helps to practice good time management before you go. Remember, the work you are doing will help you build the skills you need for a career in fashion. 

Q: Can I study in New York City during my last spring semester?

• Senior course courses are only offered in the fall semester. 

Q. How do I get assigned to work with a designer for fashion week?

• Paris American Academy receives requests and matches students with designers.

Q. Do I have the opportunity to travel to other cities and/or countries, or will I mainly stay in Paris?

• You’ll stay in Paris for the majority of your time due. You’ll have a busy schedule and plenty of opportunities to explore within the city. Having said that, Paris American Academy organizes day trips and you ‘re able to travel in the region independently. Lots of students choose to extend their trip to travel before or after the program, so this is an option if you want to see more of Europe.

Q. Are the apartments co-ed?

• Paris American Academy can offer co-ed apartments as long as all roommates agree. If you have a roommate preference, we can send this information to Paris American Academy and they will try to accommodate you.

Q. What activities can I take part in outside of class? 

• Students in the past have gone to various amusement parks, traveled to Jeju Island, and explored Seoul. There are also many cultural activities offered during the summer program such as making kimchi and learning about Taekwondo.

Q. Are there vegetarian options in South Korea?

• Dankook University will give you a card stating that you are a vegetarian in Korean language. Some reliably vegetarian options are bibimbap and kimbap. Some soups are also vegetarian but be aware that many soup bases may be made with meat or fish.

Q. Is it expensive to live in South Korea?

• Food is relatively inexpensive in South Korea and clothing is a similar price to the US. 

Do bear in mind that your US bank card may not work at all restaurants and retailers in South Korea. You may need to carry cash with you. Several major banks in South Korea have global ATMs that you should be able to withdraw money from.