KU Study Abroad Sees Record Participation Post-Pandemic

KU students explore study abroad options at the Fall Study Abroad Fair Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in the Kansas Union. The Study Abroad Office hosts the fair each year to provide students with information and resources for international opportunities. Emma Hale // KUJH

The University of Kansas Study Abroad and Global Engagement (SAGE) office hosted its annual Fall Fair, giving students the chance to explore more than 165 programs in over 70 countries.

This past summer, nearly 800 Jayhawks traveled abroad, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted international programs in 2020.

Victoria Garcia Unzueta, outreach coordinator for SAGE, said the increase is the result of both intentional outreach and a renewed eagerness among students.

“We do class presentations to 100- and 300- level courses, really being intentional with meeting with those first and second year students, getting them ahead of time, and letting them know about their options,” Garcia Unzueta said.

“I think that with a combination of students’ general eagerness to go abroad after being stuck at home for so long, just really helped us boost our numbers.”

She added that while European destinations continue to be the most popular, there has been a noticeable growth in interest for programs in Asia, particularly in Korea and Japan. Short-term options such as winter, summer and spring break programs have also gained popularity.

For KU students like Brynn Bertie, studying abroad has been more than just an opportunity, it has been a life changing experience. Bertie studied in Denmark and Sweden between her sophomore and junior year. This past summer, she completed an internship in Estonia.

“It allowed me to become independent and genuinely thrive in a new community,” Bertie said. “It’s an experience that you will truly remember for the rest of your life.”

Bertie now works as a peer advisor in the SAGE office, helping other Jayhawks begin their own international journeys.

“I just had such a great experience abroad that I wanted to be able to contribute and show other Jayhawks how much of an impactful experience it can be for you,” Bertie said.
SAGE also emphasizes accessibility, offering more than $200,000 in scholarships each year, alongside funding from KU departments and outside organizations. For more information, visit the Study Abroad and Global Engagement website.