Kentucky Institute for International Studies

What Kentucky Institute for International Studies does

Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) is a non-profit faculty-led study abroad consortium founded in 1975 and administered through Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The organization coordinates study abroad programs for students from 20+ member colleges and universities in Kentucky and surrounding states, awarding all course credit through Western Kentucky University to ensure academic transferability. KIIS offers 20+ programs across summer (4-5 weeks), winter (10-14 days), and semester terms, spanning 18+ countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East. Each program is led by faculty recruited from member institutions and includes academic coursework, cultural excursions, accommodations, meals, airport transfers, and medical insurance.

KIIS generates revenue through two primary streams: per-student program fees (ranging from $2,995 for short winter programs to $12,750 for semester programs, excluding airfare) and recurring consortium membership contributions from participating institutions. Marketing and recruitment are conducted digitally through kiis.org, social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, TikTok), and via campus representatives at member institutions. The organization operates with 11-50 employees from its WKU headquarters and has celebrated 50+ years of continuous operation.

The business model is structured around consortium-based distribution: KIIS leverages its institutional partnerships to access a pipeline of students and faculty, while offering affordable, academically rigorous programs differentiated by 50+ years of experience, comprehensive service bundling, and credit portability through WKU. There is no external investment, no public funding rounds, and no proprietary technology platform beyond a basic web-based application portal hosted on WKU infrastructure.

Name

Kentucky Institute for International Studies

Legal name

Kentucky Institute for International Studies

Website

https://kiis.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) is a non-profit faculty-led study abroad consortium founded in 1975, administering 20+ credit-bearing programs in 18+ countries for students from 20+ member colleges and universities across Kentucky and surrounding states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Study Abroad Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faculty-Led & Custom Group Study Abroad Programs (EDAIAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Short-Term Exchange & Visiting Student Programs (EDAIABAG), University-Led Summer/Winter Schools (Credit/Non-Credit) (EDAIAIAA), Study Abroad Program Management & Administration (for Institutions) (EDAIAAAJ)

Keywords

• Study abroad programs
• Faculty-led international education
• College consortium programs
• Academic credit programs
• International experiential learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Bowling Green

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Fees: KIIS charges program fees for each study abroad program, which cover accommodations, some meals, excursions, airport transfers, and medical insurance. Fees vary by program, ranging from approximately $2,995 to $6,695 for summer/winter programs, with semester programs at $11,500-$12,750. Airfare is typically additional.
2. Consortium Membership: KIIS operates as a consortium of colleges and universities in Kentucky and surrounding states. Member institutions pay membership fees or contribute resources to participate in the program, enabling their students and faculty to access study abroad programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

KIIS delivers faculty-led study abroad programs for college credit through a consortium of 20+ colleges and universities. Programs run across summer, winter, and semester terms in 18+ countries, bundling academic courses, accommodations, meals, excursions, airport transfers, medical insurance, and 24/7 on-site program directors. All course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University, ensuring academic rigor and transferability to students' home institutions.

Product overview

KIIS (Kentucky Institute for International Studies) is a faculty-led study abroad consortium founded in 1975, offering 20+ study abroad programs across summer, winter, and semester terms. The organization provides personalized, academically enriching international education programs for college credit. The portfolio includes diverse program types: Summer Programs (Argentina, Austria, Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Japan-Korea Pop, Netherlands, Paris I, Paris II, Prague, Salzburg, Slavic Europe: Poland, Spain I, Spain II, Taiwan, Tanzania, Türkiye), Winter Programs (Greece Winter, Italy Winter, Maya Mexico Winter, Paris-Munich Winter, Zanzibar Winter), and a Semester Program (Spain Spring Semester). Each program includes academic courses, cultural excursions, accommodations, and group travel support. All course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Supporting services include student support (scholarships, financial aid, health resources), faculty programs, and alumni services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Greece Summer Program A 5-week summer program in Greece (May 12 – June 15, 2026) offering courses in Psychology, Classics, English, and Political Science, with travel to Athens, Olympia, Mykonos, Naxos, Milos, Delphi, and Nafplion. Priced at $6,695 plus airfare; for college students seeking academic credit.
• Italy Summer Program A 4-week summer program in Italy (May 18 – June 15, 2026) with courses in Cuisine & Culture, Art, Drawing, English, Italian Culture, and Honors, traveling through Florence, Siena, and Rome. Priced at $5,995 plus airfare.
• Japan Summer Program A month-long summer program in Japan (May 17 – June 16, 2026) offering courses in Japanese Language & Culture, Architecture, Design, Drawing, and Asian Studies, visiting Tokyo, Gifu, Kyoto, Nara, and Nagoya. Priced at $5,275 plus airfare.
• Austria Summer Program A month-long summer program in Bregenz and Vienna, Austria (May 27 – June 27, 2026) with courses in Business, Management, Psychology, Communication, History, and Holocaust Studies, including a Youth Eurail Pass for European travel. Priced at $5,195 plus airfare.
• Salzburg Summer Music Program A month-long summer music program in Salzburg, Austria (May 27 – June 26, 2026) offering courses in Music History, Music Literature, Music Entrepreneurism, Conducting, and Form and Analysis, with excursions to Vienna and Munich. Priced at $5,595 plus airfare.
• Spain I Summer Program A month-long summer program in Spain (May 30 – June 30, 2026) offering Spanish language and culture courses at the intermediate level. Priced at $4,950 plus airfare.
• Paris I Summer Program An 18-day summer program in Paris, France (May 29 – June 15, 2026) offering courses in Arts Management, Sociology, Consumerism, and French Culture. Priced at $3,795 plus airfare.
• Paris II Summer Program A 5-week summer program in Paris, France (June 26 – July 27, 2026) for intermediate to advanced French language students, with courses taught entirely in French. Priced at $5,575 plus airfare.
• Argentina Summer Program A 30-day summer program in Buenos Aires, Argentina (May 20 – June 18, 2026) offering courses in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Political Science, and Psychology. Priced at $4,295 plus airfare.
• Costa Rica Summer Program An 18-day summer program in Costa Rica (June 3 – June 20, 2026) focusing on Conservation, Animal Studies, Latin American Studies, Public Health, and Psychology. Priced at $3,395 plus airfare.
• Egypt Summer Program A 15-day summer program in Egypt (May 11 – May 25, 2026) offering interdisciplinary courses in History, Anthropology, and Middle Eastern Studies, with visits to Cairo, Alexandria, and Wadi Natrun. Priced at $3,275 plus airfare.
• Netherlands Summer Program A 4-week summer program in the Netherlands (May 20 – June 17, 2026) focused on Fashion Design & Merchandising, Graphic Design, and New Media, based in Rotterdam, The Hague, and Amsterdam. Priced at $5,575 plus airfare.
• Prague Summer Program A 3-week summer program in Prague, Czech Republic (July 3 – July 24, 2026) offering courses in Photography & Videography, International Affairs, Political Science, Art History, and Honors. Priced at $3,750 plus airfare.
• Slavic Europe: Poland Summer Program A 16-day program in Poland (May 23 – June 7, 2026) offering courses in Criminology/Criminal Justice, Leadership Studies, International Affairs, Security Studies, and History, based in Warsaw and Krakow. Priced at $2,995 plus airfare.
• Spain II Summer Program A month-long summer program in Spain (June 30 – July 31, 2026) offering advanced Spanish language, literature, and culture courses. Priced at $4,975 plus airfare.
• Taiwan Summer Program A 4-week summer program in Taiwan (June 3 – July 1, 2026) offering courses in Business, Chinese Language & Culture, Film Studies, Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport, and Sports Management. Priced at $5,275 plus airfare.
• Tanzania Summer Program A month-long summer program in Tanzania (June 4 – July 4, 2026) designed for graduate and nursing students, offering courses in Public Health, Service-Learning Practicum, Social Work, and Nursing. Priced at $5,595 plus airfare.
• Türkiye Summer Program A 16-day summer program in Türkiye (May 11 – May 26, 2026) offering courses in Business, Honors, International Affairs, Marketing, Photography & New Media, and Political Science. Priced at $3,395 plus airfare.
• Japan-Korea Pop Summer Program A 16-day summer program (June 6 – June 21, 2026) exploring Japan and Korea with courses in Asian Studies, Cuisine & Culture, Hospitality Management, and Pop Culture. Priced at $3,950 plus airfare.
• Greece Winter Program A 12-day winter study abroad program in Greece (December 26, 2026 – January 6, 2027) offering courses in Classics, English, History, Business Law, Psychology, and Archaeology, based in Athens and Crete. Priced at $3,495 plus airfare.
• Italy Winter Program A 12-day winter program in Italy (December 27, 2026 – January 7, 2027) focused on Italian Culture, Digital Media, Photography & Videography, Art History, and Visual Culture & Media, traveling from Florence to Rome. Priced at $3,650 plus airfare.
• Maya Mexico Winter Program A 12-day winter program in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula (December 26, 2026 – January 6, 2027) offering Honors and Spanish courses, based in Valladolid, Mérida, and Playa del Carmen. Priced at $2,995 plus airfare.
• Paris-Munich Winter Program An 11-day winter program (December 27, 2026 – January 7, 2027) traveling from Munich, Germany to Paris, France, with courses in Cuisine & Culture, Film Studies, and Honors. Priced at $3,475 plus airfare.
• Zanzibar Winter Program A 14-day winter program (December 27, 2026 – January 10, 2027) in Zanzibar, Tanzania focusing on Public Health and Environmental Health, designed for graduate and undergraduate students in health-related fields. Priced at $3,550 plus required airfare.
• Spain Spring Semester Program A semester-long program in Spain (January 4 – May 29, 2027) offering courses in Art, Business, Communication, Economics, Hospitality Management, New Media, Psychology, and Spanish, with dormitory or homestay accommodation options. Priced at $11,500 (dorm, without meals) or $12,750 (homestay, with 3 meals/day) plus airfare.
• KIIS Student Services Comprehensive support services for KIIS students, including academic advising, scholarship and financial aid administration, flight arrangements, visa assistance, health and wellness resources, medical insurance, emergency contacts, and alumni support with transcript management.
• KIIS Faculty Programs Opportunities for college and university faculty to teach abroad as program directors with benefits including competitive compensation, professional development, course proposal support, orientation, flight information, and recruitment reimbursement. Faculty apply through the KIIS application system.
• KIIS Scholarships Need-based and merit-based scholarships available to KIIS study abroad participants to help offset program costs, administered through the KIIS financial aid process.

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Western Kentucky UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWKU is the founding institution and administrative home of KIIS. All course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University, and the KIIS office is located at WKU in Bowling Green, KY.
• Consortium Member InstitutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKIIS operates as a consortium of colleges and universities in Kentucky and surrounding states. Member institutions contribute faculty, recruit students, and participate in governance of the study abroad programs.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium): USAC is a non-profit study abroad consortium based at the University of Nevada, Reno, offering faculty-led and direct-enrollment programs across dozens of countries. It is the most structurally comparable competitor to KIIS given its consortium model and similar institutional affiliation.
• ISA (International Studies Abroad): ISA provides study abroad programs including faculty-led, semester, and short-term options across many of the same destinations as KIIS (Spain, Italy, France, Latin America). It targets a similar student demographic through university partnerships.
• CEA Study Abroad: CEA Study Abroad offers faculty-led, semester, and short-term programs across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, with a similar academic credit model to KIIS. It competes directly for university partnerships and student enrollment.
• API (Academic Programs International): API is a study abroad provider offering faculty-led, direct-enrollment, and internship programs across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. It directly competes with KIIS for students from consortium partner institutions and offers comparable price positioning.

Broad incumbents

• WorldStrides: WorldStrides is a large educational travel provider offering study abroad, cultural exchange, and student travel programs at scale. While it focuses more on K-12 and high school travel, it competes for institutional study abroad budgets and student mindshare.
• IES Abroad: IES Abroad is a well-established, non-profit study abroad provider with semester and summer programs across 20+ cities. It targets a similar college student demographic and offers comparable academic credit structures, but at higher price points and broader international reach.
• CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): CIEE is one of the largest and most established non-profit study abroad organizations in the U.S., offering a wide portfolio of programs across many destinations. It competes with KIIS for faculty-led and semester programs but operates at significantly greater scale and geographic reach.
• AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study): AIFS is a long-established study abroad and cultural exchange provider offering faculty-led, semester, and customized programs worldwide. It is a broader incumbent with stronger brand recognition and larger program scale than KIIS.

Emerging players

• Semester at Sea: Semester at Sea offers a multi-country, ship-based study abroad program that competes for credit-bearing experiential learning students — a partial overlap with KIIS's semester-style offerings, though the delivery model differs.
• SIT Study Abroad: SIT offers semester and summer programs with a focus on field-based, experiential learning across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Its thematic, location-intensive programs overlap with KIIS's destination choices (Egypt, Tanzania, Türkiye) but at a higher price point.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kiisabroad
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@kiisabroad
• Facebookfacebook.com/kiisabroad
• Instagraminstagram.com/kiisabroad
• TikToktiktok.com/@kiisabroad

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kentucky Institute for International Studies