Studying Abroad Pamphlet
Who's eligible for consideration?
- All UW-Whitewater students enrolled in a 1st undergraduate degree program are eligible.
- All UW-Whitewater students enrolled in a graduate program are eligible.
- Students should have been enrolled full-time at UW-Whitewater at least one semester preceding the semester they plan to travel.
- Enrollment exceptions exist for graduate students (especially teachers who may only be enrolled half-time during the summer).
- All federal and state aid administered by the Financial Aid Office is awarded based on need.
- Students should apply for private funds directly. Scholarships are available that are directly connected to the country of travel.
- Students enrolled in travel study classes which include the experience as part of the course requirement/syllabus are automatically eligible.
- Students should contact the Center for Global Education or the Financial Aid Office for grant applications approximately six months prior to your intended travel.
Planning Ahead
Students who are planning to travel abroad as a part of their approved academic program may be eligible to receive additional grants and/or loans to cover the related expenses. To determine if students are eligible they must first apply for financial aid by submitting the current and/or next year's Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students who have never applied for financial aid are encouraged to apply. The Financial Aid Office cannot award any federal or state funds unless the student has completed the application process. Students should submit an application A.S.A.P., regardless of whether or not they have chosen a program, have been officially admitted to another institution, accepted into a class, and/or approved for a student teaching experience.
- Students should schedule an appointment to meet with a financial aid administrator regarding study abroad after they have received their Student Aid Report (SAR), which is confirmation that their financial aid application has been processed. And they have met with the International Education Office.
- Students should prepare ahead for the appointment by determining (as much as possible) what the reasonable cost will be for their planned experience. Use the following as a possible checklist:
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- Program tuition, (domestic and/or foreign)
- Fees (above and beyond tuition, labs, theatre tickets)
- Overseas room (for all days and weeks, arrival to departure)
- Overseas meals (all, not just some, arrival to departure)
- Passport, visa and other costs of required documents and pictures
- Immunizations and prescriptions
- Airfare, transportation to and from home/airport
- International and in-country domestic transportation, to and from your program site, and any commuting costs to get to/from campus
- Program-related excursions and other cultural enrichment activities
When costs are determined by the Center for Global Education, the Financial Aid Office will increase the student's budget for the semester/year by the additional amount needed for the experience. All of the above items will be considered. Allowances cannot be given for clothing and souvenirs, however, every student's budget includes an allowance for personal expenses.
The amount of financial aid available to assist students for study abroad is somewhat limited to their eligibility, based on need and/or class level. UW-Whitewater is committed to fostering study abroad opportunities for all students, therefore, attempts to meet their need.
The type of program the student participates in determines how and when they will receive the funds to cover the added costs. Students who plan to depart early for programs that begin in July, August, or September, should plan to pay for transportation, airfare and some living expenses in advance.
Students planning to study abroad should visit the Center for Global Education for assistance with their plans. It is also recommended that students read the UW-Whitewater Study Abroad Handbook and review "Costs," a handout by Bill Hoffa.