• Getting Started
• "Is Study Abroad Right for Me?"
• Deciding When to Go
• For Pre-Med Students and Science Majors
• For Transfer Students
• Alternative Programs
• Leave of Absence to Study Abroad
• Other International Opportunities
• Getting Advice
• How to Apply
• Preparing to Go Abroad
• While You're Abroad
• When You Return
• Money Matters

"Is Study Abroad Right for Me?"

An international learning experience can transform your outlook on the world and be life changing! Imagine doing Psychology research in Australia, living with a host family and increasing your Spanish fluency in Chile, or blending coursework and community service in Kenya. The goal of international study through the College of Arts & Sciences is to encourage our students to acquire the broad cultural knowledge, the languages and the practical skills to enable them to participate fully in a global society. Studying abroad for a summer, semester, or year will give you firsthand knowledge of another culture, as well as a greater sense of yourself and your own culture. Studying abroad in an intellectually demanding program will also stimulate you to think about your chosen course of study from a new perspective

Study abroad can transform your outlook on the world, but is not necessarily the best choice for everyone. Our study abroad programs are suitable for qualified students who are willing to invest much of their time while abroad focusing on academic work. These programs are intended for full time students who will be enrolled in classes that are largely appropriate for the award of upper division credit upon return to WU (with the exception of beginning/intermediate foreign language classes). You should carefully consider, with the help of your academic advisors, the academic fit of the program abroad with your major(s), minor(s), and distribution requirements at WU. You should also consider how study abroad fits with your career preparation plans, and your extra-curricular commitments and leadership opportunities on campus. This kind of serious planning will ensure that you will make the most of the wonderful opportunity to study abroad once you make the decision to go.

Our programs during the academic year are not suitable for students who are primarily seeking elective and/or distribution credit, and they are not appropriate for students who are seeking a less rigorous academic environment in which to enjoy living, traveling, and possibly working abroad. Many of our summer programs offer opportunities for study abroad beyond the major course of study.

On the other hand, living and traveling abroad can be a significant educational experience during one's college years even if it does not involve course work suitable for fulfilling WU degree requirements. If you prefer a more experiential approach to learning or a less academically serious program, you should consider taking a Leave of Absence for one or two semesters to go abroad independently or as a participant in a non-WU program (without WU credit). Alternatively, you should consider going abroad during a summer or semester break, again independently or as a participant in a non-WU program (without WU credit).

General Requirements to Study Abroad

The programs that are offered by the College of Arts and Sciences are open to all WU students. The general qualification requirements are appropriate academic purpose and preparation and a minimum B (3.0) average for all college level work. Some programs have a higher minimum grade point average, and some have specific prerequisites. For semester and yearlong programs, WU students are expected to have a declared major at time of application and to be in their junior year at the time of participation (exceptions for compelling reasons are considered on a case by case basis).