Getting Started
Why Study Abroad
Education abroad will help you succeed. You will:
- Develop new perspectives - You will experience different cultural perspectives in the classroom and through daily interactions with host families, local peers, and others in the community and in some cases make lifelong international connections. Students return with a more nuanced understanding of the world and even their own culture.
- Improve Foreign Language Skills - While you can study a number of foreign languages at UW-Whitewater, practicing your language skills in a real-world setting while studying abroad is a vital step towards true proficiency. A non-English-speaking country is the ultimate "language lab."
- Grow Personally, Professionally and Academically - Students who return from abroad consistently report that they developed a greater sense of independence, adaptability and confidence in their capabilities.
- Develop valuable professional skills - Studying abroad sets you apart from other students on resumes and grad school applications. Employers and professionals recognize you have enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, flexibility, and an ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and see things from multiple perspectives.
Myths About Studying Abroad
Reality: UW-Whitewater offers hundreds of education abroad programs that range in cost. Some programs have a cost of attendance very comparable to studying at UW-Whitewater. Further, studying abroad is an investment in your future.
Students can plan ahead by saving for their experience, applying for financial aid and scholarships, and considering program cost as a factor when selecting a program. The programs listed on this site have been approved by UW-Whitewater, which allows most financial aid to apply to study abroad.There are also a number of UW-Whitewater and outside scholarships available specifically for study abroad participants.
Reality: The majority of study abroad programs are designed for students of all language levels or are taught in English. To find programs taught in a specific language specify a "Language of Instruction" and/or a "Target Language" when searching for programs.
Reality: Many students study abroad and still graduate in four years. Students earn credits toward graduation requirements while abroad, and with proper approval, these credits can satisfy major, minor, or general education requirements.
Reality: It can be difficult to find time after graduation to study or travel in another country. College is a unique time in your life that allows you to spend up to a whole summer, semester, or year immersing yourself in a new culture.
Reality: Most students who meet the minimum qualifications and complete the application process are accepted to study abroad. UW-Whitewater is looking to increase the number of students studying abroad, and will work closely with students to find the program that best meets their needs and qualifications.
Diversity Abroad
National and cultural groups around the world differ in their views on issues of diversity, such as race and ethnicity, gender equality, religious freedom, and disability. Students who will belong to a minority or disadvantaged population in their study abroad destination may find that perceptions and reactions to their identity are different abroad than in the US. Learning as much as possible about your host country's views on issues of diversity makes for a safer and more enriching education abroad experience.
Race and Ethnicity
| All Abroad | http://allabroad.us/ |
| Diversity Abroad | http://www.diversityabroad.com/ |
| PLATO Project | http://www.globaled.us/plato/diversity.html |
Women
| Abroad | https://www.diversityabroad.com/articles/women-going-abroad |
| Her Own Way | http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/publications/her-own-way |
| U.S. Department of State | http://studentsabroad.state.gov/smarttravel/forwomentravelers.php |
LGBT
| Diversity Abroad | https://www.diversityabroad.com/articles/lgbtq-students-abroad |
| International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association | http://ilga.org/ |
| NAFSA: Association for International Educators | http://www.rainbowsig.org/ |
| U.S. Department of State | http://studentsabroad.state.gov/smarttravel/forlgbttravelers.php |
| U.S. passport information for transgender individuals | https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbti.html |
Religion
| Diversity Abroad | https://www.diversityabroad.com/articles/religious-diversity-abroad |
| U.S. Department of State | http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/ |
Disability
| Diversity Abroad | https://www.diversityabroad.com/articles/students-disabilities-abroad |
| Mobility International | http://www.miusa.org/ |
| U.S. Department of State | http://studentsabroad.state.gov/smarttravel/disabilities.php |
Is Studying Abroad Right For YOU?
1. Eligibility
UW-Whitewater students are eligible to participate in global experiences programs if they have at least a 2.5 GPA and are in good academic and disciplinary standing. Some programs may have eligibility requirements above and beyond these basic requirements (e.g. language or course prerequisites, class standing, major/college requirements, or higher GPA requirements). If you're not sure if you're eligible to study abroad, please contact the Office of Global Experiences to speak with an advisor.
Non-UW-Whitewater students may be eligible to participate in some UW-Whitewater education abroad programs - contact us for more details.
2. Attend a Global Pathways Advising Session in person or online
This session covers the basics: how to find a program that will complement your academic and professional goals, the application process, financial aid and scholarships available for study abroad. Sessions are scheduled regularly and last approximately 35 minutes. They are held at the Office of Global Experiences, in McCutchan 201 and online!
In- person options:
If you have questions about Global Pathways or need to schedule an individual session, call 262-472-5759.
We are also open Monday- Friday 9am-4pm & available for walk-ins.
Online options: Please email studyabroad@uww.edu or call 262-472-5759 to set up a virtual session.
3. Research Program Options
Determine your goals and priorities for education abroad. Then, browse our program search to find a program. There are many types of programs; make sure you understand how they differ.
To browse hard copy materials, visit the OGE Resource Room (McCutchan 204) where Peer Advisers (UW-Whitewater students who have recently studied abroad) can assist you with your questions and guide you through the available resources.
4. Seek Advice
Talk to Peer Advisers, Global Experiences Coordinators (study abroad advisers), and your academic adviser to determine how your preferred programs will meet your academic and personal goals.
Peer Advisers are available on a walk-in basis during most OGE opening hours, and can also be reached by phone or email (262-472-5759, studyabroad@uww.edu).
Please call or stop by the OGE to schedule an appointment with a Global Experiences Coordinator (262-472-5759, McCutchan 204).
5. Apply
Once you've chosen a study abroad program, you're ready to begin the application process.
Global Experiences Fair
The Global Experiences Fair is held once a semester at UW-Whitewater. It allows students to learn about the many international options available, including study abroad and exchange programs, faculty-led travel study programs, international student teaching programs, and international internship and service learning/volunteering placements.
In Person Fair
The Center for Global Experiences is hosting our Study Abroad Fair in the UC North Mall on Wednesday, September 20th, 10 am- 3 pm. Fair attendees can pick up informational materials on all programs and speak with program representatives, faculty directors, and past study abroad participants. For further information or individuals needing accommodations, please get in touch with the Center for Global Experiences (262-472-5759, studyabroad@uww.edu, McCutchan 204).
If you want hard copy flyers for your office/classroom to hand out to your students, please contact the Center for Global Experiences (262-472-5759, studyabroad@uww.edu, McCutchan 204).
Resources
The Office of Global Experiences Handbook contains important information for all students going abroad. Students should review it carefully prior to departure and refer back to it while they are abroad.
Course Equivalency Database
The Office of Global Experiences maintains a Course Equivalency Databaseof study abroad courses that have previously been evaluated for UW-Whitewater equivalency as a resource for students and faculty/staff.
Note:
The course equivalency database
- is not a 100% guarantee that these courses will be approved or evaluated the same way for future students (although it is likely)
- does not guarantee that a particular course will be offered during the term that you are studying abroad (some courses are only offered every other semester or may have been discontinued)
- does not replace the need to complete the study abroad course approval process (see below).
Course Approval Process
If you are participating studying abroad on a program that involves taking classes at a host university or study abroad center abroad, you are required to obtain approval for their proposed study abroad coursework by attending a Course Approval Workshop. Depending on your program type, you will do this by completing either a "Course Equivalency Form" (exchange programs) or a "Transfer Credit Agreement" (all other study abroad programs).
Except in the case of study abroad programs that only offer a single course option which all program participants take, students are strongly advised to seek approval for twice the number of credits that they actually plan to take abroad, in case of course cancellations, schedule conflicts, etc. The majority of study abroad coursework can been approved by the following individuals.
| College of Arts & Communication | Robert Mertens |
| College of Business & Economics | Kari Pahl |
| College of Education & Professional Studies | Steven Fischer |
| College of Letters & Sciences | Susan Johnson |
| World Languages | Pilar Melero |
| General Education | Susan Johnson |
Students must attend one of several Course Approval Workshops held each semester in order to get their courses approved by the above individuals.
Please note that, for certain education abroad programs or specialized course areas, students may instead be referred to individual department chairs or other designated faculty members for course approval, rather than to the above individuals.
Course Load
Students participating in semester or year-long study abroad programs must enroll in a full-time course load (at least 12 credits/semester) or risk losing full-time status for financial aid purposes, facing loan repayment, etc. The number of credits required on short-term programs (e.g. winterim or summer) will vary; the program information page will typically outline the number of courses or credits students are required to take.
Grade and Credit Conversion
Universities outside the U.S. may utilize different systems for academic credit and grading. When UW-Whitewater receives your host university transcript upon completion of your program, UW-Whitewater will convert the credits and grades you received at your host university to U.S. credits and letter grades before recording your study abroad coursework on your UW-Whitewater transcript.
Transcripts
Your study abroad coursework will be recorded on your UW-Whitewater transcript only after the Office of Global Experiences receives a transcript from your host institution. Please note that it may take up to 3 months after the completion of your study abroad program for your transcript to arrive to our office. Many, but not all, study abroad programs will arrange to send students' transcripts to their home university automatically. However, if your host university or study abroad provider needs to to complete a transcript request for or asks you to confirm where your transcript should be sent, please have it sent to the following address:
The Office of Global Experiences
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
800 W. Main St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
USA
Student athletes can, and do, study abroad!
Talk with your coach
- Give your coach plenty of notice that you are planning to study abroad
- Explain to your coach why studying abroad is a priority for your college education - coaches are likely to be supportive of your decision (you're a student athlete, after all!)
- Discuss ways to stay active while abroad
Program Ideas
Student athletes may want to choose a study abroad program that does not conflict with their sports season. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Short-term programs
- Faculty-led travel study programs
- Winterim and summer programs (select "winterim" and/or "summer" as search terms)
- Semester programs during your off-season (select "fall" or "spring" as a search term)
- Some study abroad programs have sports-related opportunities!
While You're Abroad
- Stay active
- Cross-train by renting a bike or running
- Join a gym
- Join a club or intramural team at the abroad university
- Find others in the same boat, it's always easier to stay active if you have someone to work out with
- Learn to play a new sport/game and make it cultural!
- Stay connected to your team
- Skype with your teammates
- Create a blog that your teammates can follow and stay updated with your adventures
- Enjoy being a spectator - become a fan of local sports teams!
Additional Resources
Students of all majors are encouraged to study abroad as part of their UW-Whitewater degree - get started by exploring program options here:
- Global Experiences in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies
- Global Experiences in Biology
- Global Experiences in Chemistry
- Global Experiences in Chinese
- Global Experiences in Computer Science
- Global Experiences in Economics
- Global Experiences in English
- Global Experiences in French
- Global Experiences in Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science
- Global Experiences in German
- Global Experiences in History
- Global Experiences in Integrated Science and Business
- Global Experiences in International Studies
- Global Experiences in Japanese Studies
- Global Experiences in Mathematics
- Global Experiences in Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Global Experiences in Physics
- Global Experiences in Political Science
- Global Experiences in Psychology
- Global Experiences in Public Policy and Administration
- Global Experiences in Social Work
- Global Experiences in Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology
- Global Experiences in Spanish
- Global Experiences in Women's and Gender Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process
Transcripts, Credits, and Grades
- Do my grades from my host university appear on my UW-Whitewater transcript?
- Can I take a course abroad on a pass/fail (Satisfactory/No Credit) basis?
- How and when do I get my study abroad courses to show up on my UW-Whitewater academic record?
Application Process
How do I send my UW-Whitewater transcript to my study abroad program or host university?
Students can request UW-Whitewater transcripts online from the UW-W Registrar's Office webpage here: http://www.uww.edu/registrar/transcripts. There is a small fee for ordering official transcripts. Transcripts can be mailed (either to you or directly to your program, and standard postage is included in the fee), or you can request to pick up your transcript at the Registrar's Office (Roseman Hall, Room 2032).
The Registrar's Office cannot email transcripts. If your program requires you to upload or email your transcript, you should request an official transcript (for pick-up, or have it mailed to yourself), and then scan it. Alternatively, if your program indicates that an unofficial transcript is acceptable, you can access your unofficial transcript in WINS and either print and scan it, or "print as PDF."
Transcripts, credits, and grades
Do my grades from my host university appear on my UW-Whitewater transcript?
Yes! When UW-Whitewater receives your host university transcript upon completion of your program, UW-Whitewater will convert the credits and grades you received at your host university to U.S. credits and letter grades (if your host university utilizes a different credit and grading system than those used in the U.S.), and those U.S. credits and letter grades will appear on your UW-Whitewater transcript.
Can I take a course abroad on a pass/fail (Satisfactory/No Credit) grade basis?
If you are taking a UW-Whitewater course abroad (e.g. a UW-Whitewater faculty-led travel study course), you can select S/NC as a grading option in WINS, as with other UW-Whitewater courses.
If you are taking courses at another institution (ie. on a study abroad/exchange program), UW-Whitewater will convert your study abroad grades to U.S.-style letter grades, and those U.S. grades will appear on your UW-W transcript. The only way to have a study abroad course come back to UW-W as S/NC is if your host university offers the option to take a class on a pass/fail basis (note that not all universities offer this option) and you follow your host university's procedures for signing up for that option.
If you are considering taking a course abroad on an S/NC basis, there are some UW-W policies regarding S/NC courses that it will be important for you to keep in mind - see http://www.uww.edu/registrar/policies/satisfactory-no-credit-grade-basis.
How and when do I get my study abroad courses to show up on my UW-Whitewater academic record?
Your study abroad coursework will be recorded on your UW-Whitewater transcript only after the Office of Global Experiences receives a transcript from your host institution. Please note that it may take up to 3 months after the completion of your study abroad program for your transcript to arrive to our office. Many, but not all, study abroad programs will arrange to send students' transcripts to their home university automatically. However, if your host university or study abroad provider needs you to complete a transcript request form or asks you to confirm where your transcript should be sent, please have it sent to the following address:
Office of Global Experiences
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
McCutchan Hall 217
800 West Main Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
USA
