The Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) is a consortium of 22 colleges and universities yet welcomes students from any academic institution to participate in our study abroad programs. Consortium members include Ball State University, Bellarmine University, Berea College, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Bryan College (affiliate member), Campbellsville University, Carson-Newman College (affiliate member), Centre College,  Eastern Kentucky University, Georgetown College, Kentucky State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, Pikeville College, St. Catharine College (affiliate member), Transylvania University, Union College, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University.

Since 1975, KIIS has provided international educational experiences in Europe, Asia, Africa, Canada, and Latin America for nearly 9000 participants. KIIS currently offers 24 summer and 5 semester study-abroad programs in Argentina, Austria-Bregenz, Berlin, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Greece, Istanbul, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Munich, Paris, Prague, Quebec, Salzburg, Slavic Europe, Spain, and Tanzania. KIIS also coordinates professional development programs for health care workers, law enforcement, seminarians, social workers, and teachers.

KIIS is recognized as a leader in international education and is one of the most cost-effective study abroad organizations in the United States. We strive to provide the widest range of students and faculty from across the academic spectrum with a life-changing international experience. KIIS has four primary objectives:

 to establish high-quality, low-cost, academically sound study abroad programs for students
 to provide faculty from member institutions a means for professional growth
 to create language and culture programs for professionals and develop links with their counterparts in foreign countries
 to promote the study of foreign languages.

KIIS also seeks to develop new opportunities for international experiences which meet the needs of students, faculty, academic institutions, and community organizations, always taking into consideration the changing times and shifting demands of a global society.