Frequently Asked Questions

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

• One. You will 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. It is possible to have more than one choice in case you do not get offered a space in one of the programs.

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

• Send an email to FSstudyaway@kent.edu with the subject line "Pre-Approval Application Change." In the body of the email please explain the change you would like to make.

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

• Usually, we are unable to admit students to their chosen program due to their student status or not meeting 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 prior to attendance. We encourage you to apply again next year as this is a requirement for your graduation. We suggest you meet with your academic advisor prior to filling out the Pre-Approval Application to select 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 and received a notification to complete a Commitment Contract or Application, follow the email instructions to complete the online form and send an email to FSstudyaway@kent.edu, stating that you would like to be added to the waitlist.

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

• We provide an opportunity 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, students will be responsible for purchasing their airfare. 

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

• If you need a Visa for your program, the Office of Global Education can assist you through this process. Visit their website to make an appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor. We also encourage students to obtain 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?

• Maintain a high GPA, visit the writing center for essay writing assistance, and meet with a Career Advisor for a Resume Review. 

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

• We have a financial aid counselor for study abroad - Jessica Russell! She has advising appointments through Kent State University Advising, under the Education Abroad - Office of Global Education group. Her email address is jrusse33@kent.edu. The Office of Global Education provides information about Financial Aid and Scholarships on their site. You can also find information about School of Fashion scholarships by visiting our 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, if you have a room and board scholarship or grant, because you are being billed housing, you will be able to apply your financial aid toward the bill. 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 the 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 a FAFSA on file. The Office of Global Education provides information about Financial Aid and Scholarships on their site. You can also find information about School of Fashion scholarships by visiting our Scholarship information page.

Q. Are there payment plans available for study away? 

• There are no payment plans available for study away. Program fees are due according to the schedule provided in your acceptance email.

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, scholarship recipients are contacted separately. 

Q. How do I get a Visa?

• The Office of Global Education will assist you in the visa application process during the Florence Orientation course which you will take the semester before your departure. You can also contact the Office of Global Education for more information about visa requirements.

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

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

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

• Students in the past have tried to manage their time so that most work was completed during the week, and they were able to focus on travel during the weekends. 

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

• According to the Florence study away alumni, there were some differences between the European and American ways of approaching academics. They also said their studio course in Florence was difficult in a good way; they were challenged by their professors and put a lot of time and effort into their studio course. 

Q. Are sewing materials provided to me in Florence? Do I have to pack these things?

• If you don’t pack your drawing materials or sewing tools, you will 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. Students will also take field trips to buy the fabric for their projects wholesale.

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

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

Q: If I study away the semester before Florence, how will I take the Florence Orientation Course?

• We allow you to complete the course online.

Q. Can I intern or work in Hong Kong? 

• You will be on a student visa sponsored by Hong Kong Polytechnic University. You will NOT be able to legally work or intern in Hong Kong under this type of visa. 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 beyond which week you travel to L.A.

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

• A group flight is not offered for the L.A. Summer program. Students fly independently to L.A. but can organize with other students to coordinate flights or arrival times. This allows for flexibility for students who are remaining in L.A. after the study tour to complete internships or travel.

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?

• Many students remain in L.A. to complete summer internships. The L.A. Study Tour is early in the summer, allowing time for internships afterward. 

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

• You can email Sue Yoder at syoder19@kent.edu to say which week you prefer to travel to L.A. in order to accommodate your internship start date.

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

• Please connect with Hillary Stone at hstone1@kent.edu for more information regarding internships and the specific steps you will 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?

• There are events happening in the summer. You could go to see a castle, participate in a boat tour, and much more. 

Q. If I am participating in the internship 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)?

• You are able to extend your stay at Regent’s University. If extending, you will likely 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 are not required to have a visa for the summer. If you are completing an internship, you will be required to have a visa. Please contact Sara Morato at smoratoq@kent.edu for more information.

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

• Study away alumni have told us they were busy in NYC, and it could be challenging! However, they also said that because they were doing things they wanted to do, they were able to balance things well. Their advice is to have good time management habits in place before you go! 

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?

• Students stay in Paris for the majority of their time due to the busy schedule of the program and the rich number of opportunities to explore within the city. Paris American Academy organizes day trips and students are able to travel in the region independently. Students may also extend their trip to travel before or after the program. 

Q. Are the apartments co-ed?

• With the consent of all roommates, Paris American Academy is able to offer co-ed apartments. If you have a roommate preference, we can send this information to Paris American Academy, and they will try to accommodate your request.

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 an expensive city to live in?

• Food is relatively inexpensive in South Korea. Clothing is comparably priced to clothing in the US. You will also likely need to carry cash rather than your card for most expenses, as your US bank card may not work at all restaurants and retailers in South Korea. Several major banks in South Korea have global ATMs that you should be able to withdraw money from.