About the Program
Building Bridges: KU Global Youth Academy is a unique opportunity for high school students from around the world to come to one location and experience university life for a short but impactful period of time. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others their age from around the world, learn about succeeding in a university environment, and have fun.
Created by a department with over 30 years of experience in bringing international program participants to KU, the Bridges program is a fun, productive way to spend a break from school!
Building Bridges is open to both international and US-based students. We recognize that travel arrangements will be different depending on where each participant is coming from. See Travel Arrangements for more information.
Program Objectives
- Introduce students to U.S. college life through immersive campus living and academic activities.
- Foster intercultural understanding and communication among youth from multiple countries.
- Develop leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through team-based learning.
- Provide U.S.-based students a "study abroad at home" experience.
Program Dates
Cost
A deposit of $250 is required and is included in the total program cost.
* Day rate and rates for a group of students coming with a chaperone are available, inquire for more information. Children of KU employees will also receive a 10% discount to the program cost, whether they choose the day rate or camp rate.
See the Program Payments page for more information on making the payments and the Information for School Officials, Counselors, and Teachers page for more information about bringing a group.
The total program cost is $2,400 USD*, which covers:
- Housing for the entire program
- Three meals a day, every day of the program
- All program events & activities
- Transportation for program events (including an airport pick up and drop off)
The total program cost per student is $2,600 USD*, which covers:
- Housing for the entire program
- Three meals a day, every day of the program
- All program events & activities
- Transportation for program events (including an airport pick up and drop off)
- Chaperone costs
The total program cost per student is $1,600 USD*, which covers:
- Lunch every day of the program
- All program events & activities including transportation to and from those activities
If a participant is the child of at least one KU employee, a 10% discount will be applied to the chosen rate (All-Inclusive or Day Rate)
Program Activities
Each day of the program is packed with things to do, including (but not limited to) personal development workshops, fun activities, a cultural showcase, field trips, and at the end, small group presentations!
See a sample calendar here.
Why Choose Us?
The International Short Programs team at the University of Kansas has been designing and facilitating short, internationally-focused programs for over 30 years, and hosting youth programs since 2012. We have over 2,000 alumni from all over the world, and we are dedicated to providing meaningful, safe, and enduring experiences for all participants.
Learn more about ISP