Global Experiences: What You Must Do

1. General Requirements for Global Experiences
   You must have a 2.50 GPA, have been on campus at least one semester and have a clean disciplinary record.
2. Attend a Global Pathways Advising Session
   To learn the basics about Global Experiences you need to attend a Global Pathways Advising Session at the Center for Global Education located in Hyland Hall, Suite 1227. For current session times, please click here.
3. Meet With Your Academic Advisor
   The core of the education abroad experience is academic study. Therefore, students should meet with their Academic Advisor early on to discuss the timing of the global experience and the academic requirements that must be met while abroad.
4. Meet with a Global Experiences Advisor & Research Your Global Experience Options
   With advice from the coordinator, select a global program that best suits your academic, personal and financial needs.  You should plan on making your appointment at least 4-6 weeks prior to the application deadline .

PLEASE NOTE: Students may select a UW-Whitewater exchange program, a UW-System offering, direct enrollment, or a UW-W approved program provider.

1. Meet with Financial Aid
   To discuss funding options students should meet with a Financial Aid advisor once they have selected a  program. The Financial Aid Office, in cooperation with the CGE, will provide guidance in building a  program budget and awarding your financial aid package.
2. Apply for a U.S. Passport
   All programs require a passport. It currently takes 4-8 weeks to apply for a US passport. You may pick up a passport application from the Center for Global Education or go to www.travel.state.gov to download an application. If applying in Whitewater, you must call the local US Post Office to make a passport appointment to turn in your application.
3. Pre-Approve Your Courses
   If you are applying for a UW-W exchange slot you must complete a "Course Equivalency Form" with your Academic Advisor. If you are applying to other global  programs besides our exchange, then  you must complete a "Credit Transfer Agreement" with the Office of Admissions. One of the Global Experiences Coordinators will explain this process to you when you meet with one of them.
4. Applying to the Global Experiences Program
   You will always complete two applications. One for UWW and one for your program of choice. The application process can vary, but in general, you will apply at least one semester before you depart. Please note: The host site application requirements may differ from UW-Whitewater's application requirements.

VERY IMPORTANT: Our deadline to apply is normally March 15th for Summer of Fall study and October 15th for Spring or Winterim study. Once you have been accepted by the host site, take or send a copy of the Acceptance Letter to the Center for Global Education.

1. After You Are Accepted
   Check your planned course of study with your Academic Advisor and meet with your Global Experiences Coordinator  to discuss housing and living arrangements while abroad.
2. Apply for Your Visa
   A student visa is permission that allows a student to enter a foreign country in order to study. In most cases, a student will need to make a special application to the foreign country's imigration office well before study is slated to begin. This is your responsiblity to find out if a visa is needed and then to apply for it.
3. Make Your Travel Plans
   Be sure you know your exact program dates before you make your travel arrangements.
4. Make an Appointment with University Health & Counseling Services
   They offer free information about international health issues and low cost immunizations. You should plan to make your long travel consultation appointment at least 6-8 weeks before you plan on departing. They can be reached at (262) 472-1300.
5. Attend Pre-Departure Orientation
   UW-W students must attend a pre-departure orientation sponsored by the Center for Global Education. Failure to attend pre-departure orientation could result in study abroad ineligibility.