I want to study abroad, but I don't know where to start.

1.  First thing you must do is identify why you want to study abroad.

1. Do you want to learn a second language?
2. Do you want to experience another culture? Do you want to focus on a specific area of study?
3. Do you want to experience the world and gain college credit for it?

2.  Second, how long do you want to study abroad?

1. A summer?
2. A semester?
3. An academic year?

3.  Now you want to gather material.  You can do this several ways.

1. You can do this by going to the Student Resource Center and filling out a study abroad interest form. After filling out the study abroad interest form you will receive some suggestions of programs. They will give you a list of programs and inform you about the programs offered by WSU, such as study abroad in Spain, Japan, and Australia.
2. If WSU does not offer the program your looking for you can search for other programs offered by other Universities. Most Universities have study abroad websites that list the programs that they offer.
3. Search engines such as www.petersons.com or gostudyabroad.com are quite helpful to get a broad overview of possibilities. If you know the country you want to go to Google searches are also quite helpful- just type in study abroad Chile- and many options will appear. Remember you can go on any study abroad program just so long as it's through another accredited U.S. College or University.

4.   Once you have obtained the information that you need, you need to review all the facts and figures.

1. Pay close attention to the curriculum the program offers-does it fit into your WSU program or major.
2. Ensure you pay close attention to costs of accommodation, tuition, application fees, cost of transfer of credit, and transportation to and from your program.
3. Pay close attention to Application Deadlines.
4. Make certain that the focus of the program you choose fits your needs and goals.

5.  Now you have narrowed down your choices of programs.

1. Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss how you will integrate your study abroad courses and experience into your overall WSU academic program.
2. Meet with Registrar for preliminary review of courses for transfer of credit. You should check with the sponsoring institution to verify what the selection process and criteria are.
3. WSU cannot guarantee your acceptance to or participation in any non-WSU program.

6.  Application is next.

1. Be sure to fill out all application materials. (Some programs require recommendation letters and/or essays and/or a non-refundable application fee).

7.  Congratulations you have been accepted.

1. You must now see CK Kwai, the WSU Study Abroad Director. His office is Kryszko 126.
2. Bring all of your material to this meeting.

8.  You now must fill out a Pre-Departure Packet.

1. You will receive this during your meeting or you can find it under the link “Non-WSU Programs.”
2. WSU cannot guarantee the transfer of study abroad credit if you do non complete the WSU Pre-Departure Packet of forms before you participate in a study abroad program.

WSU does not have a program to the country I want to study abroad in, what do I do?

If WSU cannot fulfill your study abroad needs you can apply to a program offered through another university. Your status as a WSU student does not change if you go through another university's study abroad program. You want to go through the steps mentioned above. However, pay close attention to your credit transferability with the Registrar's office.

I found a program offered through another university, will my credits transfer to WSU?

Yes, your credits will be accepted; however, after your preliminary review of courses for transfer of credit, the registrar will not apply how credits will transfer until you have been accepted into the program. You must pick up the requisite forms from the Study Abroad office.

Can my Financial Aid (Grants and Student Loans) be used for Study Abroad?

Yes, you can apply your aid to your study abroad program. Also, your need for financial aid is greater when you study abroad so you may qualify for more student aid.