Study Abroad Time Line
Getting Started Phase
- Review the Minimum Requirements. Academic history is reviewed for all students applying for Study Abroad. Students must remain in good standing from time of application through departure.
- At the time the application is submitted students must:
- be currently enrolled
- be in good academic standing
- have successfully completed a minimum of 12 hours at WU
- have an average letter grade of “C” (2.0 GPA) or higher (some programs have higher GPA and/or additional eligibility requirements)
- Students on academic probation may not participate.
- Students who did not achieve satisfactory academic progress in a previous study abroad program may not participate for a probationary period of one academic year.
- Students may not be eligible to apply for a scholarship to a program that departs after graduation.
- All non-faculty led programs must be credit bearing.
- Students must work with an accredited institution.
- Students may not travel to a country with a US State Department Warning.
- Students must abide by the Study Abroad Code of Conduct during their program.
- Contact the Study Abroad Office (SAO) to set up an Advising Session to discuss the options.
- Consider any health issues and determine if they would hamper your ability to study abroad.
- Talk over with family – good to have full support.
Getting Serious Phase:
- Search programs
- Check the host university’s study abroad requirements (may differ from WU’s).
- Carefully check course selections (schools usually have an online catalog).
- Talk to people who have been to the school/country you selected.
- Consider language – do you know the native language? Do you want to learn it?
- Start planning how you will finance this period. Talk it over with the Financial Aid Office EARLY in the process.
- Apply for passport NOW if you don’t have one. (Must have passport before applying for visa.)
Academic Planning Phase: Study Abroad Credit Transfer Form
- Meet with your Academic Advisor to approve your overall plan. Take a copy of your Study Abroad Credit Transfer Form & Host University Course Descriptions so that you can discuss how the courses you will take abroad fit in with your degree program.
- Review the requirements that will be met while you are abroad as well as the credits that will remain when you return.
- Obtain tentative approval for WU course equivalents in each academic department. The Department Chair of each department will approve the course that corresponds to their academic department.
- Return approved Study Abroad Credit Transfer Form to the SAO by the appropriate date.
Washburn Transformational Experience Phase: Optional Co-Curricular Program (WILL run concurrently with Academic Phase, Pre-Departure and Post Program Phase.)
Students participating in an approved study abroad program may elect to complete the program as an International Education Washburn Transformational Experience (IE-WTE). Students will work closely with a Faculty Mentor to complete the Pre and Post program IE-WTE requirements.
By completing a study abroad program as an IE-WTE, students are eligible for the IE-WTE Scholarship. Awards vary depending on the cost and length of the program.
WU & Host University / Provider Application Phase: (MUST run concurrently with Academic Phase.)
- Complete the WU online Study Abroad Program Application
*If you have been accepted for Study Abroad through the Modern Languages Department you will complete a Program Application and a Modern Languages Scholarship Application
Priority Date: Feb 15
- Check application procedures & deadlines & put them on your calendar.
- Check visa requirements & time needed to process (must receive acceptance letter from host school before applying).
- If a transcript is required be sure there are no holds before you request that the transcript be sent. Holds can delay the application.
- Apply for housing using the host school’s / providers procedures (there may be deposits to pay by a certain deadline).
- Check to see which deposits are due and when. Different schools /providers have different deadlines and policies (some require that you pay a damage deposit that is later refundable if you leave your accommodations in good shape).
- There may be specific deadlines (more flexible than those published) for Affiliate School, however, it is your responsibility to meet all deadlines in a timely manner.
Financial Planning Phase: (SHOULD run concurrently with Academic and Application Phases.)
- The Financial Aid Office may help you find ways to finance your study abroad. Consult them early.
- Research outside scholarship options on the internet. If you receive federal financial aid "Pell Grant” you may qualify for a Gilman International Scholarship for up to $5,000
- Talk this over seriously with your family.
- Determine if your plan is affordable early in the process to avoid disappointment.
Visa Application Phase:
- Check visa requirements for the country where you will study. (In many countries visas are required if you are staying longer than 90 days.)
- Get your passport as soon as you know you really want to study abroad (it can take up to 2 months depending on the season).
- Send your visa application to the appropriate Embassy or Consulate with your acceptance letter and supporting documents in plenty of time to receive visa before you travel.
Pre-Departure Phase:
- Make final travel arrangements and buy airline ticket (if applicable).
- Purchase travel insurance (optional). International Student Identification Card, ISIC, can be obtained online.
- Attend the required Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation.
- During this process, there will be various meetings with the Study Abroad Coordinator, your Academic Advisor, WTE Mentor and/or Faculty leader depending on the type of program you participate in. Check your Washburn email frequently for instructions and updates.
Post Program Phase:
- Complete the Study Abroad Survey & Post Program Questionnaires.
- Complete the remaining IE-WTE requirements, if applicable
- Review the Study Abroad Returnee Involvement Opportunities
- Submit an entry for the Study Abroad Photo Essay Contest
- Become a Volunteer Peer Study Abroad Advisor Rev. 01/05/2025
- Submit an entry for the Study Abroad Photo Essay Contest