Study Abroad

Study Abroad Opportunities for Visual Art Students

The Department of Visual Art recognizes the importance of cultural exchange as a means to broaden creative horizons throughout the lifetime of the practicing artist. With this in mind, visual art students have opportunities to study abroad in Korea, Japan, Spain, and Morocco while continuing to receive visual art instruction and university credit.

Learn more about Summer 2026 Visual Art in Japan

Come learn about Studying Abroad next Summer with our faculty-led Visual Art in Japan trip! | May 19 - June 16 (tentative) | ART 395/595 Study Abroad: Papermaking & Woodblock Printing in Japan
3 or 6 Credit Hours with Professor Shawn Bitters
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This is an amazing 4-week educational opportunity. We will attend two artist residency programs where you will learn Japanese Papermaking (Washi) and Japanese Woodblock Printing (Mokuhanga) from Japanese master artists. Locations include: Tokyo, Kyoto, Tokushima (Shikoku Island), Echizen (traditional crafts village), and "The Art Island" Naoshima (in the Seto Inland Sea). Email Shawn Bitters (bitters@ku.edu) or Renée Frias (rfrias@ku.edu) with any questions.
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INFORMATION MEETINGS:
Chalmers Hall, Room 212 and on Zoom
OCT 9, 11:30a - 12:20p
OCT 21, 2:30p - 3:20p
NOV 5, 10:30a - 11:20a

Email bitters@ku.edu for Zoom meeting link.

More Info via Study Abroad

Students watch a papermaking demonstration while in Japan.

"My favorite part of this program were the artist residencies I was able to participate in, such as Awagami Paper Factory and the Mokuhanga Printmaking Artist Residency as well as the special cultural experiences such as the Kabuki Theatre performance, wonderful food, and the temples!"

Der Lee

Summer in Japan Participant

Visual Art Study Abroad Scholarship Competition 2025

Deadline: FRIDAY, FEB 21st at 5PM (CST)
Email visualartadmin@ku.edu with questions or to submit additional materials. Do not forget to fill out the Online Application Form.

Online Application Form Online Application Form

Study Abroad Scholarship Guidelines 2025 Study Abroad Scholarship Guidelines 2025

Study Abroad Scholarship Flyer 2025 Study Abroad Scholarship Flyer 2025

Study Abroad Opportunites

Seoul, South Korea, Kookmin University

Kookmin University is a private university and was established in 1946. It has a student population of 23,000 students and is the 5th largest university in Seoul. Kookmin University's campus is located in northern Seoul. The campus is within a five minute walk from an array of restaurants, shops, and even the Bukhansan National Park.

Kookmin University

Seoul, South Korea, Hongik University

Hongik University is a private university in central Seoul with a student population of 16,000 undergraduate students. The campus is located in the famous Hong Dae area of Seoul and is near a variety of shops, boutiques, museums and restaurants. Hongik University’s renowned fine arts program is ranked number one in Korea. Visual Art courses offered in Korean are printmaking, oriental painting, painting and sculpture.

Hongik University

Visual Art in Japan

With focus on the art of printmaking and papermaking traditions in Japan, this study abroad program will offer students the opportunity to experience firsthand the traditional and contemporary Japanese art and culture. Students will immerse themselves in the art and craft of papermaking and printmaking through museum and gallery visits, guest lectures, demonstrations, and experiential learning through hands-on papermaking and printmaking workshops in Tokyo and Kyoto regions.

Summer 2024 in Japan

Visual Art in Spain & Morocco

This study abroad program offers students the opportunity to explore the vibrant culture of Al-Andalus in Spain and northern Morocco while visiting historic sites, world-class museums, and cultural centers in both countries. Participants will also engage in specialized workshops with master artisans, studio visits with contemporary artists, and social gatherings with fellow Fine Arts students.

Summer 2025 in Spain & Morocco