Selecting a study abroad program

Berea College is unique in that:

Semester? Summer? Winter Break?
Eligible students may choose to spend a semester abroad through one of our six direct exchange partners or through any number of provider programs, or even by directly enrolling in a foreign university (this last option is not recommended for first-time travelers or those who shy away from paperwork).

Or, eligible students may select a summer program anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks in length.

Each year, Berea offers its own programs called BISTs (Berea International Summer Term programs). These programs are generally between two to four weeks' long and always occur during May term. Students must apply to a BIST during the preceding fall in order to join the cohort. During the BIST, students are enrolled in a 1 credit Berea course credit, taught by Berea faculty, and they travel as a cohort to their overseas destination.

In addition to BISTs, students may go abroad through programs offered by providesr, such as KIIS, ISA, API, and many, many more. Students who are unable to do a semester or summer program might want to consider a winter break program - only KIIS programs will be approved for winter! Note that funding a winter break program can be especially tricky.

There are a lot of options out there!

That's why Berea College has partnered with Via, a software system that enables students to explore, filter, and favorite programs. When you're ready, you will apply for Berea's approval right in Via too. You'll start by taking the program match quiz in Via (log in with your Berea email and password) and then you can filter your results in many different ways.

Some questions to consider:

If you are not sure about your answers to these questions, or if you want to speak with someone who has been through the process already, walk in to meet with a peer advisor. No appointment is necessary!

Peer Advising Hours --- Fall 2024 Semester - Woods-Penn 207

MONDAY 5 to 9 pm

TUESDAY 7 to 9 pm

WEDNESDAY 6 to 9 pm

THURSDAY 5 to 7 pm

You can also email abroad@berea.edu or stop by the CIE in Woods-Penn 205.