• Getting Started
• Getting Advice
• Who You Should Talk To
• Meet with an Overseas Programs Coordinator
• How to Apply
• Preparing to Go Abroad
• While You're Abroad
• When You Return
• Money Matters

Getting Advice

You have access to various sources of information and advice to help you decide whether, when, and where to study abroad. These include:

• This website and its links to other websites
• Program advisors/coordinators in Overseas Programs
• Your WU four year advisor
• Arts and Sciences departmental Study Abroad Advisors
• Arts and Sciences faculty liaisons for WU programs abroad
• Your relevant WU major/minor advisor (once declared)
• Program representatives and site directors
• Your parents
• Study Abroad Ambassadors and other past participants

Below is a summary of when and with whom you should consult in planning, preparing for, and participating in study abroad.

Freshman Year

Ideally, you should begin gathering information and advice during your first semester at WU by informing your four-year advisor that you are considering including study abroad in your degree plan if possible. Also, you should become familiar with this website and make an appointment with a study abroad advisor in Overseas Programs to clarify the policies, procedures, opportunities, and requirements for study abroad.

By the second semester of your freshman year you should have clarified your intention to study abroad and have begun to fulfill the requirements for the program(s) of interest. Even though you may not have declared a relevant major yet, you can consult with the relevant departmental Study Abroad Advisor(s). Similarly, you can consult with the Overseas Programs coordinator and faculty liaison for the program(s) of interest.

Sophomore Year

By first semester of your sophomore year you should have decided whether, when, and where you would like to study abroad in your junior year. Again, you can consult with your four year advisor and the appropriate Overseas Programs coordinator and relevant departmental Study Abroad Advisor.

Junior Year

This year, you may spend one or two semesters studying abroad, having submitted a successful application during your sophomore year in consultation with your academic advisors, Overseas Programs, and parents. While you are abroad, you should maintain contact with your departmental Study Abroad Advisor and Overseas Programs coordinator. You should keep your four-year advisor and major advisor(s) in the loop too, especially as you prepare to register for WU courses for your return to WU. Discussions with your academic advisors should focus on ensuring that the courses you complete while abroad will fit well with your WU degree plan and that you have a clear understanding of what you must accomplish upon return to WU in order to graduate with your class.