International Exchange Programs

KCAI offers students the opportunity to study internationally for a semester at one of our participating exchange partners. The exchange semester is normally during the junior year. Applications are available through the Academic Resource Center.

Pictured: Fiber department major Nathan Bunch takes time off during his study abroad program in Florence to tour a cathedral in Lucca, Italy.

International Exchange Program requirements

Kansas City Art Institute maintains partnerships with schools in various countries around the world where our students may apply to spend one semester, or in some cases an entire academic year. When you participate in the International Exchange Program you continue to be considered a full-time KCAI student. Because of the agreements we have with these partner schools you will pay your tuition to KCAI per usual, so you will still receive your financial aid and scholarships. You will pay no tuition to the host school and will only be responsible for your transportation to and from your host country, your cost of living, books/supplies, an International Student Identity Card (ISIC - $22 card which provides travel and medical insurance, as well as discounts, while you are abroad), and any miscellaneous fees – such as an Orientation fee or studio fees. Because we are partners with these schools, the credit you earn while studying there counts as KCAI credit (not transfer credit); credits from these partner schools qualify as KCAI credit, and so would count towards fulfilling the requirement that your last 30 credit hours be earned at KCAI.

In order to participate in the International Exchange Program you must:

• Be a full-time KCAI student the semester prior to and the semester of your mobility
• Have at least junior studio status the semester of the proposed mobility
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Be a student in good academic and financial standing
• Be proficient in the native language of the host school

International exchange partners

Pictured: Julian Chams, a painting major, explores the Seven Sisters White Cliffs in Sussex, England while on the exchange program at the University of Brighton.

KCAI currently has exchange agreements with the following institutions:

Australia
University of Tasmania, Hobart (English speaking)
Read more about studying abroad in the country of Australia.

Ecuador
Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Spanish speaking)

England
University of Brighton (English speaking)

France
École Parsons á Paris (English speaking)

Hungary
University of West Hungary, International Ceramics Studio (Magyar speaking)

Ireland
The National College of Art and Design,Dublin (English speaking)
Read more about studying abroad in the country of Ireland.

Israel
Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem (English and Hebrew speaking – Hebrew proficiency not required)

Japan
Osaka University of the Arts (Japanese speaking)

New Zealand
Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin (English speaking)

Spain
Universidad de Castilla – La Mancha (Spanish speaking)

Turkey
Bilkent University, Faculty of Art Design and Architecture (English speaking) 

Application information

Applications to participate in the International Exchange Program are due no later than March 1 for fall semester exchange and Oct. 1 for spring semester exchange.

Download an information packet.
Download an application.

For more information, contact Emily Brattin, international studies coordinator in the Academic Resource Center.