F.A.Q.S.
If you have any questions about our study away programs, you’re likely to find the information you’re looking for here. We’ve answered common questions to help you plan your experience.
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Steps to Study Away/Abroad with The School of Fashion
INFORMATION ABOUT THE STEPS TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOOL OF FASHION STUDY AWAY APPLICATION
Important- check your emails every day!
General Information: Attend Study Away Day!!!
This year Study Away Day is September 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Murphy Auditorium on the KSU Museum 2nd floor.
Attendance can be in-person or online. We will live stream the event and email the link that day to your @kent.edu email address.
Students will be responsible for sharing the link with parents, advocates, significant others.
Students are responsible for all paperwork, due dates and emails regarding the Study away process.
The week after Study Away Day, videos and pdfs of the presentations will be sent out via email.
A minimum 2.500 overall GPA is required for eligibility / it is advised to have a 3.0 GPA or better for London and Hong Kong
All 20000-level FDM classes need to be completed before you leave for your destination.
Consult your academic plan to ensure it corresponds with your academic goals and graduation plan.
All students should apply for the School of Fashion scholarships from Dec-Jan on scholarshipuniverse.com
To find out more about study abroad financial aid you may schedule an appointment /globaleducation/education-abroad/contact-education-abroad
We have 7 programs you may apply for: NYC, Florence, Paris, London, Hong Kong, South Korea, & the LA Study Tour
Florence, NYC, Paris:
These are considered 鶹Ƶ campuses and follow the 鶹Ƶ calendars.
Expenses such as tuition are billed to your student Bursar account just like at the Kent campus. However, there are also expenses out-of-pocket costs-including but not limited to -The School of Fashion deposit, housing, airfare, food, personal expenses, etc.
You may utilize financial aid and scholarships towards these programs for the items which are billable to your student bursar account.
There will be a School of Fashion Deposit of $500.00 to pay out of pocket with these locations. The balance of the Program fee will be charged to your bursar student account.
Please make sure to review study away costs to ensure you understand all the charges and fees.
You may make an appointment with finaideducatinabroad@kent.edu to review your personal costs or go to our website to view study away/abroad costs /fashion/study-abroad-program-costs .
South Korea and Hong Kong:
For these programs you pay the KSU tuition rate. The rest of the costs are associated with the host institution.
Hong Kong exchange program (Spring semester only)
To be competitive, at least a 3.0 overall GPA is recommended.
Selective admission - only 5 students (max) are selected each spring semester.
It is strongly recommended for junior level students only.
Any participating senior-level fashion merchandising student or any fashion design student will have a delayed graduation.
You must write an essay in addition to your application.
Students must apply through Scholarship Universe for the Margaret Clark Morgan Scholarship which opens in December and closes in January.
South Korea program (Summer semester only)
One-month academic program – students will enroll in six credit hours (2 classes)
Opportunity to apply to participate in the Global Village – a 3-week non-paid English teaching internship
London (Summer semester only)
London College of Fashion
Central Saint Martins
Regents UniversityFor these programs you pay the host institution tuition, room and board, and any other fees associated with the study abroad experience
To be competitive, at least a 3.0 overall GPA is recommended.
For Central Saint Martin’s program, Fashion Design majors must have a letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the KSU School of Fashion.
For the 12-week internship program at Regents University you need to be committed to finish all paperwork regarding the Visa process.
LA Study Tour
Open to fashion students (freshman-senior). However, priority will be given to junior or senior-level students.
Complete the Pre-Approval Application: Sept. 15, 2024 - Dec. 15, 2024 CLOSES at 11:59 p.m.
Any student planning to participate in any of the study away experiences offered through the School of Fashion at 鶹Ƶ needs to complete a School of Fashion pre-approval application.
This application should be completed one academic year in advance before you plan to study away.
This upcoming cycle is for Summer 25, Fall 25, Spring 26.
Please discuss your study away preferences and options with your academic advisor, family, friends or the Study Away Coordinator to make the right decisions based on your academic progress and eligibility.
Review your Pre-Approval Application Status: January
You will receive an email regarding your Pre-Approval Application Status.
Students will receive either an approval to complete the next step in the process for their preferred study away program(s) or denial to move forward based on their GPA and course progress.
Submit your Commitment Contract: DUE by Jan 15, 2025-First come first serve for all programs
Students approved to move forward need to submit their Commitment Contract for each study away program for which they have been approved to participate.
A link to the Commitment Contract will be provided in the APPROVAL email only.
By submitting a Commitment Contract, you reserve your seat in the study away program.
Submitting a Commitment Contract does not guarantee your spot in the program until you pay the School of Fashion deposit (this is for Paris, Florence, NYC and LA only).
Many program locations have limited capacity, which limits the number of students able to participate each semester.
Commitment Contracts are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, it is important to submit your Commitment Contract as soon as possible.
Any students planning a semester in Florence or Paris will be signed up for a 1 credit hour orientation course which will take place the semester before you plan to study abroad. (You will be signed up by our advising team after your deposit is paid and verified).
Students planning to participate in the South Korea, London, or Hong Kong programs are not required to submit a Fashion school deposit. Please see the next step.
Next Steps
We work in partnership with The Office of Global Education on all study abroad Programs. You must pay an OGE (Office of Global Education) application fee and submit all paperwork required for your study abroad program. This will be detailed in emails after you submit your commitment contracts.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR INFORMATION REGARDING STUDY AWAY DEADLINES AND REQUIREMENTS!
The Office of Global Education helps us complete the steps necessary to fulfill all the requirements to study abroad.
Students approved to apply for the South Korea, London, and Hong Kong programs need to submit their official Program Application to their desired program by February 1.
A link to the Program Application will be provided in the same email as your Pre-Approval Application Status.
Students are responsible for submitting their OGE application to their desired choice and checking emails daily for communication about due dates.
NYC and LA are exclusive to The School of Fashion.
Our NYC team will help walk you through the process and details for this program.
Professor Sue Yoder will help you walk through the process for our LA study tour.
Paying your School of Fashion Deposit: February 1 – March 1 – July 1
For Paris, Florence, NYC, and LA Study Tour -the applicable School of Fashion deposit fee to secure your spot in the program. This is an out-of-pocket cost.
Payment information and instructions will be provided in an email after Commitment Contracts are received (Florence, NYC, Paris Summer and LA Study Tour)
Hong Kong, London and South Korea do not have School of Fashion deposits the next steps for these programs will come from an email by The Office of Global Education.
Deposits amounts-$500.00 except LA-$100.00
➢ Summer 2025 Program Fee Payment Deadline February 1, 2025
➢ Fall 2025 Program Fee Payment Deadline March 1, 2025
➢ Spring 2026 Program Fee Payment Deadline JULY 1, 2025
Important Dates to Remember:
The Study Away Pre-Approval Application is available Sep. 15 - Dec. 15, 2024.
Commitment Contracts: Eligible students will receive access to the online Commitment Contract in early January. Submit your contract by January 15, 2024 @ 11:59 p.m. for all programs. Students are accepted on a first come, first served basis. We reserve the right to limit capacities.
You may make an appointment with finaideducatinabroad@kent.edu to review your personal costs or go to our website to view study away/abroad costs /fashion/study-abroad-program-costs .
Deadlines for the Study Away programs are not flexible – please make sure to read all emails carefully to understand deadlines and due dates!
All students are responsible for following up to make sure they have met all the required deadlines.
Late preapproval applications received prior to FINAL program deadlines will be accepted on a case-by-case basis and dependent on the capacity of the program the student is applying to attend.
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General
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 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 Commons 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
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Financial Aid
Q. How does the financial aid application process and applying for scholarships abroad work?
- Financial aid counselors can help you plan for study away. If you have any questions or want to discuss your individual account, please contact one of our Education Abroad Counselors at finaideducationabroad@kent.edu to discuss your options. 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 finaideducationabroad@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 finaideducationabroad@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 acceptance 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.
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Florence FAQ
Q. How do I get a Visa?
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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?
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No, they are identical and offer the same experience.
Q. How does the summer program compare to the full semester program?
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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?
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You can complete the course online.
Q. Will it be difficult for me to balance work and free time in Florence?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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Hong Kong FAQ
Q. Can I intern or work in Hong Kong?
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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.
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L.A. Study Tour FAQ
Q. Is there a difference between the two groups?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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London FAQ
Q. Are there study tours in the summer?
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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?
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Yes, Regent’s University can extend your stay on campus for the internship.
Q. Do I need a visa if I only go for the summer?
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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.
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New York City FAQ
Q. Will it be difficult for me to balance an internship and school?
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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?
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Senior course courses are only offered in the fall semester.
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Paris FAQ
Q. How do I get assigned to work with a designer for fashion week?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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South Korea FAQ
Q. What activities can I take part in outside of class?
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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?
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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?
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Food is relatively inexpensive in South Korea and clothing is a similar price to the U.S.
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.
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