Where to Start

We're excited to see you're considering studying abroad! While it can seem overwhelming - we are here to help. You may be wondering, where do I even begin?! That is perfectly normal! We've created the following steps to help you get started:

• Consider Some Goals
• Research Your Options
• Talk with your Academic Advisor
• Consider how You'll Fund your Experience
• Application Tips

Goals for your Experience:

Maybe you have no idea what your goals are - just that you know you want to study abroad?! That's a great place to start and here are some things to consider and ponder. 

• Academic Goals
  • Which term to you want to go abroad? (fall, winterim, spring, summer, full year)
  • Do you want to study in English? Another language? Both? 
  • What major/minor requirements do you want to complete?
  • What LE requirements do you want to complete?
• Personal Goals
  • Where do you want to study?
  • Do you have heritage/family connections to a location?
  • How long do you want to be abroad? (a few weeks, one month, semester, year)
  • What kind of housing would you prefer (host family, residence hall, apartment, etc.)
  • Do you want to study with other U.S. students? Local students? Both?
  • What is your budget?
• Professional Goals
  • Do your career goals relate to what you want to accomplish when studying abroad?
  • Do you want to intern or volunteer when abroad?
  • What career skills can you gain when abroad? 

Research Your Options

Have you taken a look at our program options? We know - there are a lot! We can help you narrow those down! 

• Meet with a Study Abroad General Advisor! Click here to see their advising hours!
• We have many virtual events and info sessions throughout the school year - click here - to see those. 

Talk with Your Academic Advisor

This is our BIGGEST piece of advice! We recommend you reach out to your academic advisor as soon as you begin thinking of studying abroad. They can help you:

• Navigate your academic plan and when might be the best time to go abroad
• Decide which courses you should take while abroad vs. which courses you should take while at UWEC

Consider How You'll Fund Your Experience

Did you know financial aid travels with you on a UWEC program?! Students often say that finances are what holds them back from studying abroad. With early preparation, you can start to build in financial strategies that can help make study abroad a reality for you. Fund Your Experience has info on program costs, financial aid, grants, policies, etc. 

Applying to Study Abroad

Have you done your research and are ready to start an application?! Great - we are thrilled! Each brochure page has information on how to apply. Keep in mind our deadlines and plan in advance!