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Study Abroad Policies

The following policies govern student participation and state policies concerning WSU’s study abroad programs:

Application Process 

  • Complete WSU General Application (pdf)
  • Pay $50 application fee
  • Official copies of transcripts from every postsecondary school attended
  • Two reference forms
    • One from a faculty member who will review the student’s language capabilities if the program requires language skills OR one from a faculty member who will review the student’s general academic qualifications.
    • One from a faculty member who can review the student’s general academic qualifications OR from a person particularly acquainted with the student’s personal attributes, interests and activities, and who is not another student or family member.
  • For non-WSU applicants, send copies of all paperwork from other program to WSU Study Abroad office

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. The final application deadlines are mid-March for summer and fall sessions, and mid-October for the spring session. See the Study Abroad application for exact dates.

Eligibility Requirements 

Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the programs: 
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 2.50 (on a 4.00 point scale) at the time of application.
  • Be in sophomore, junior, or senior standing (PSEO students are not eligible).
  • Demonstrate an ability to adjust to new cultural and living conditions. 

Student Participation Requirements 

  • Following formal acceptance into the program, the student must: 
  • Certify that they have health insurance to cover themselves during participation in the program.
  • Submit medical information certifying student’s good mental and physical health.
  • Provide a copy of his or her passport.
  • Complete the release of liability form required of all participants 

Identify why you want to study abroad

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

Determine how long do you want to study abroad

  • A summer? 
  • A semester? 
  • An academic year?

Gather program materials

You can do this by going to the International Programs Office in Maxwell 105 and speaking with any of the staff members.  Or email your questions to studyabroad@winona.edu.  They will give you information and answer any questions about programs offered by WSU, such as study abroad in Spain, Japan, and Australia. If WSU does not offer the program you’re 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.

Search engines such as www.petersons.com or www.studyabroad.com are quite helpful to get a broad overview of possibilities. If you know the country where you want to study Google searches are also quite helpful. Just type in study abroad and the country name, and many options will appear. Remember you can go on any study abroad program so long as it's through another accredited U.S. College or University.

Review all the facts and figures

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

Review your choices of programs with campus representatives

  • Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss how you will integrate your study abroad courses and experience into your overall WSU academic program. 
  • 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. 
  • WSU cannot guarantee your acceptance to or participation in any non-WSU program.

Complete your Application

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

Complete pre-departure requirements

  • Print and complete WSU Pre-Departure Packet
  • Make an appointment to meet with Holly Shi, hshi@winona.edu Interim Dean WSU International Programs 
  • Bring all remaining program materials to this meeting
  • Attend pre-departure informational meeting
NOTE: WSU cannot guarantee the transfer of study abroad credit if you do not complete the WSU Pre-Departure Packet before you participate in a study abroad program
Contact Us

International Programs Office

Winona State University
Maxwell 105
PO Box 5838
Winona, Minnesota 55987 
Phone: 507.457.5081
Fax: 507.457.5883