After acceptance to study abroad as an Illinois student to the Kent State Geneva program, you will need to submit a host provider application as well. This includes 3 very important separate application steps below:
Apply online as a Kent State Guest Student:
Ensure you apply as a "DOMESTIC STUDENT GUEST" -NOT as a "Transfer" student or any other type. Select "KENT" as the "Campus" option.
Once you have submitted this Guest Student Application, you must email Education Abroad (edabroad@kent.edu) to confirm this step is completed. (provide your full name and home university name in your email)
Apply for the Geneva program through the Kent State online application system. Click the "Apply Now" button and log in with your KSU FlashLine credentials (these will be given to you after you complete the Guest Application and email Education Abroad).
Simultaneously as you complete the above items, you must apply as a "Non-Degree Student" with Webster University
After submitting your Webster Non-Degree Application and receiving your Webster log-in credentials, you must apply for the Geneva program through the Webster online application system
NOTE: All application parts and additional material submissions must be completed by the deadlines!!
Fall Semesters: April 1
Spring Semesters: Sept. 15
Summer: March 15
The Illinois study abroad office will send a copy of your transcripts and the letter of recommendation we have on file for you to Kent State on your behalf, so you do not need to do that part of their application.
At some point you will need our office to sign a study abroad advisor form. Just bring that into ISB 112 and the coordinator for the program (Andy) will take care of it for you.
$1,000 Flight Scholarship available for each accepted student. These items are not billed to students' accounts, but are independently arranged. Flight is arranged by travel agency in conjunction with the student. Student is responsible for all change/cancellation fees.
Spring 2021: Jan. 11 - May 7
Summer 2021: tba
Fall Semester 2021: tba
Spring 2021 Deadlines
Illinois Application Deadline: September 15, 2020
Pre-Departure Orientation: tba
Confirmation of Participation Deadline: October 9, 2020
Host Institution Application Deadline: tba
LAS 291 - 292 Launch Event: tba
Deadline to Complete My Study Abroad Items: November 1, 2020
Summer 2021 Deadlines
Illinois Application Deadline: February 15, 2021
Pre-Departure Orientation: tba
Confirmation of Participation Deadline: March 8, 2021
Host Institution Application Deadline: tba
LAS 291 - 292 Launch Event: tba
Deadline to Complete My Study Abroad Items: May 1, 2021
Fall & AY 2021 Deadlines
Illinois Application Deadline: February 15, 2021
Pre-Departure Orientation: tba
Confirmation of Participation Deadline: March 8, 2021
Host Institution Application Deadline: May 1, 2021
LAS 291 - 292 Launch Event: tba
Deadline to Complete My Study Abroad Items: May 1, 2021
Program Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Arrival & Departure Airport: You will most likely arrive at the Genève Aéroport (GVA).
Always check with your program provider for required arrival times before making any flight arrangements!
Time Change: Geneva is 7 hours ahead of Illinois time.
Common Transportation: trams, buses, trains
Orientations
All program participants will be provided with a comprehensive Pre-Departure Orientation (non-KSU students will be emailed the presentation). In addition, participants will receive a thorough on-site orientation upon arrival in Geneva.
Arrivals
Arrival information, including where to go for your airport pick-up on the scheduled days, and about the orientation schedule will come from Kent State. Therefore, do not book your airline tickets until first verifying the expected arrival and departure dates with them.
As a participant in the KSU Geneva program, you will stay in the Les Berges du Rhône housing facility, located in the center of Geneva on the banks of the Rhone River. The Les Berges du Rhone residence facility houses 118 students in double or single rooms -subject to availability.
Les Berges is well serviced by public transportation and is only 25 minutes from campus by tram and train.
You will receive more information about registering for housing from Kent State/Webster throughout the application+registration process.
Kent State lists all important information about courses and internships on their program web page. Be sure to become familiar with it.
Transcripts will be sent to Illinois automatically after the end of the program. However, the time for receipt and processing can take a few months. Be patient, and you can track to see when your transcript is received by the Office of the Registrar by when the digital copy is uploaded into your My Study Abroad documents.
In addition to the group excursion provided during the orientation week, Geneva is strategically located in the heart of Europe and serves as an excellent starting point to travel to other European destinations. Academic coursework typically occurs Monday through Thursday, which makes it possible for you to travel independently on the weekends.
On Academics
Class are Monday through Thursday with no more than two classes per day, totaling about 4‐5 hours of classes per day.
I had class Tuesday and Thursday 11‐4
Two classes twice a week. Two terms. Four classes total over the course of the semester
General
A credit card and debit card which do not have international fees. I used the Bank of America travel rewards credit card which was extremely useful
Be prepared to cook a lot of your own meals (Switzerland is very expensive, so eating out is costly).
The gym and library were helpful.
Class recommendations (Which course(s) that you completed abroad did you find most interesting/meaningful?)
Entrepreneurship and small businesses
Intro to psychology
International Affairs ‐ focus on the Middle East
Prior to departure, contact the U.S. based staff and designated incoming student advisors through email or phone.
When in country, contact the local staff for resources on-site first.
Kristina Spangler
Email: kspangl6@kent.edu
Phone: (330) 672-7980
Andy Hinnant, Education Abroad Coordinator, Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange: ahinnant@illinois.edu
Andrew Collum or Rachael Green, International Safety and Security: safetyabroad@illinois.edu
24/7 Emergency Contact Line (UIUC PD): 217-333-1216