FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs: Choosing a Program
I am thinking about studying abroad. Now what?
Where can I study abroad?
I am a freshman. Is it too soon to study abroad?
How do I apply for a study abroad program?
When are the deadlines for applying? When will I hear if I was accepted?
I am a non-UWGB student or community member. Can I still apply to a study abroad program?
What do I do if I want to study abroad through another university?
FAQs: Academics
When is the deadline for the commitment forms I receive upon acceptance to a program?
What happens if I need to withdraw from a program?
What semester do winter interim courses count in?
How will I get credit for my courses?
FAQs: Finances
Are there any scholarships I can apply for?
Can I work while I'm abroad?
How much will it cost?
If I apply for a program, but am not accepted, will I get my money back?
What are my financial aid options? Will my financial aid apply to my study abroad?
What deposits do I need to pay?
FAQs: Miscellaneous
Do I have to know (or speak) a foreign language?
How do I get my study abroad/international student graduation sash?
I have traveled abroad before. Do I still need to attend the study abroad orientation?
When should I apply for a passport?
When should I begin looking for a plane ticket?
Will I need a visa to study or teach abroad?
Choosing a Program
I am thinking about studying abroad. Now what?
Ask yourself these questions to help narrow your search:
- Which aspects of study abroad are most important to me? (Language immersion, program duration, housing, specific location, etc.)
- What subject areas do I want to study?
- Do I need to fulfill any academic requirements abroad?
- Do I want to take classes in English or the language of the host country?
- Do I have specific General Education requirements to complete?
- What country or region of the world is most interesting to me?
- How long would my ideal program be? A semester? Year? Over an academic break?
- What year do I want to study abroad? (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior)
- How will I pay for my study abroad experience? Do I need financial aid?
- Meet with your academic advisor - Your major advisor(s) can help you figure out how to fit study abroad into your academic plans and what types of classes to take while abroad.
- What topics are important to you in considering a program? (i.e. finances, health or dietary concerns, identity, etc.)
- What are some of your individual learning goals for while you are abroad?
- Attend events such as the Study Abroad Fair or information sessions to learn more about your options
- Visit the OIE and make an appointment with one of our advisors
The Office of International Education has a list of all our destinations right on our website. Here you can conveniently filter out specific locations, terms, areas of study, etc. We have programs all over the world and locations vary year by year.
I am a freshman. Is it too soon to study abroad?
No! While semester programs require at least sophomore standing, we have several faculty-led travel courses or interim programs that are open to freshmen. Please see specific program web pages for eligibility details.
How do I apply for a study abroad program?
You can begin an electronic application right on our website! Simply go to our Program List, select the program you want to apply for, and click "Apply" in the top-right corner.
When are the deadlines for applying? When will I hear if I was accepted?
- Mid- September: International Student Teaching/Osaka Japan/London Internship (spring semester)
- Early October: Winter interim Germany IWU & faculty- led travel courses, spring break travel courses, & spring semester programs
- Early March: most summer interim faculty-led travel courses, summer interim (not Germany), fall semester & academic year
***Deadlines subject to change (please see the individual program website for specific deadlines).
We aim to evaluate all applications within 2 weeks of the program application deadline. Faculty-led travel courses have priority with evaluation.
Remember applications are not considered complete until we receive your application fee (which can be paid at the OIE through cash, check, or card) and your application is submitted.
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I am a non-UWGB student or community member. Can I still apply to a study abroad program?
Definitely! There are a couple extra things you will need to do:
- Apply as a special student to UWGB (even if you don’t plan on using the credits, we need you registered with our university so we can charge the program fee to a UWGB account).
- If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, there is an extra $100 fee or non-resident tuition (whatever applies to your program), otherwise charges are the same at UWGB students unless otherwise stated.
- You can request an official transcript from UWGB after grades for your study abroad program are posted
- For some programs applications are limited to UWGB students only or preference for acceptance may be given to a UWGB student over a non-UWGB participant
- Details on this information are included in the online application and on the program website.
What do I do if I want to study abroad through another university?
While we would love for you to study on one of UWGB’s programs, we know there are a lot of other options out there. If you plan on studying abroad through another university or program you're welcome to meet with our Study Abroad Manager who can explain the steps you need to take on campus with the Registrar, Financial Aid, Housing, Student Billing, and your academic advisors. However, the university through which you will be studying abroad (or the study abroad provider) will then be your main source of contact.
Academics
When is the deadline for the commitment forms I receive upon acceptance to a program?
Generally within a week, but the specific date will be sent to you after acceptance.
What happens if I need to withdraw from a program?
If you decide to withdraw before the application deadline, you can do so right on your electronic application. If it is after you have been accepted to the program, please contact Maggie Miller in the OIE. Please note that you may be responsible for up to 100% of your program costs (depending on the situation) and that your application fee is non-refundable.
What semester do winter interim courses count in?
All winter travel courses count as January interim credits.
How will I get credit for my courses?
You will automatically be enrolled for either your faculty-led travel course or placeholder credits by the OIE. If you need to complete an Advising Agreement you will be notified by the Office of International Education. This form can be found on your study abroad application or on the OIE website under Forms.
Finances
Are there any scholarships I can apply for?
Yes! We have a list of scholarships and grants that are listed right on our website. We encourage you to fill them out and return them to the OIE before their deadlines.
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Can I work while I'm abroad?
Generally no - if you are staying a short enough amount of time that you do not need a visa you are considered a tourist, and if you do obtain a student visa it means you are there strictly to study. There may be some exceptions, talk to your study abroad advisor or look on your host country's consulate page.
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How much will it cost?
Program costs can be found on the Cost tab on each program website (select term if a semester program). Note that costs are estimated and programs generally do not include personal expenses and some meals, please refer to the notes in the budget for specific details.
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If I apply for a program, but am not accepted, will I get my money back?
Generally refunds (or partial refunds) of application fees are only given if a program is canceled or if a student is put on the waitlist. If this situation applies to you a refund will be issued within about 2 months. Students are also given the choice to move to another open program.
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What are my financial aid options? Will my financial aid apply to my study abroad?
All programs are eligible for financial aid. For specific information on your financial aid options, please reach out to the Office of Financial Aid.
In addition to this, the OIE offers several scholarships and grants.
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What deposits do I need to pay?
The program application fee will need to be paid directly to the OIE by cash or check by the application deadline. There are no other deposits for study abroad programs paid to UWGB, just a final payment.
- For faculty-led travel courses: program costs are all posted on SIS of accepted students and are due before the deadline (which will be determined after the application deadline).
- For all other programs: accepted students will be informed of deposits due to host universities and any UWGB charges will be due at the start of their term abroad (UWGB dates).
Miscellaneous
Do I have to know (or speak) a foreign language?
Not at all! 80% of our programs do not have a foreign language requirement, but if you would like to use your study abroad experience as a way to improve your foreign language skills there are certainly opportunities for that as well.
How do I get my study abroad/international student graduation sash?
Students who participated in an official UWGB study abroad program and/or who are UWGB degree-seeking international students are eligible to receive a free sash from the Office of International Education (OIE) when they graduate. Sashes will be automatically ordered for UWGB students the semester you register to graduate, but the OIE will email those on the list as a double check for accuracy around mid-semester.
If you are a non-UWGB student who participated in a UWGB program you will need to contact the OIE early the semester you graduate in order to receive a sash (at no cost).
If you are a UWGB student who participated in a non-UWGB program, you are responsible for the costs. You will need to contact the OIE early the semester you graduate to order a sash.
I have traveled abroad before. Do I still need to attend the study abroad orientation?
Yes! Faculty-led travel courses have 2-3 mandatory orientations, while all other programs have one mandatory orientation. Details will be given to you after acceptance.
When should I apply for a passport?
As soon as you can! Passports can take up to 14 weeks, depending on the season. Learn more on our Passport Next Step Guide.
When should I begin looking for a plane ticket?
Airfare is included in faculty-led travel courses. We recommend looking for tickets after you have been accepted to any other program and wait until you have confirmed program and arrival dates. Remember to look at a large variety of websites; you may be able to find some deals!
Will I need a visa to study or teach abroad?
It depends on the country as well as the length of the time you will be staying there. The Office of International Education will provide specific details after your acceptance.