So you’ve decided to take the plunge and study abroad! Congrats! Or maybe you’ve thought about studying abroad for a while, and don’t exactly know where to start, or which program is the right one for you. I get it. There are a lot of factors that go into studying abroad, and with the myriad of wonderful options that UW Study Abroad offers, it can be overwhelming to know which program is right for you, and the whole process can be a little daunting. But I’m here to tell you that it really is not!
After having spent some time navigating the UW Study Abroad application process, and partaking in a study abroad myself, here are some quick tips on getting started with your application process, and hopefully it will help you prepare for an amazing international experience!
1. Important Dates!
First, log on to http://www.washington.edu/studyabroad/ if you haven’t already!
I used to spend a lot of time going to study abroad fairs, and going to the study abroad office (which are both amazing resources), but almost everything that you need in order to apply to a study abroad program is right there on the easy-to-navigate website!
With the study abroad application season, it’s good to keep in mind when key deadlines are so that you don’t miss them! Some deadlines may have passed for some programs, but it is not too late. These are also good references if you plan to study abroad a year or so later in your college career. Deadlines are also listed under the “apply now!” page of the study abroad site:
http://www.washington.edu/studyabroad/now-accepting-applications-for/
Winter UW programs are usually due in May, but check back on the site when they start accepting applications for their winter programs! The site has links to other programs, but if you plan too much ahead, those programs may not be open to accept applications yet. So just keep checking the site for future deadlines, because I, Alyssa Tran, will not let you, _______ be embarrassed by forgetting a deadline.
TA/Professor Recommendations!*** For the earlier deadlines coming up (January 31st/February 1st), now would be the perfect time to start thinking about TA (teacher assistant) and Professor recommendations that you need for most applications! Try to ask for recommendations at least 2 weeks before your application is due so that they have enough time to write about how awesome you are!
2. So Many Choices! Which Program(s) Should I Apply For?
Maybe you already know what program you really want to apply for. Or maybe you’re looking at the list of places like I did and said to yourself, “SO. MANY. PLACESSS.”
I feel you.
Before even entering University, I always had a dream of doing a study abroad program in Rome, Italy. Maybe it’s because I watched The Lizzie Mcguire Movie one or two many times growing up (I mean, what 7 year old doesn’t daydream about riding a Vespa through Roman streets after watching Hilary Duff live her best life?), and/or because I made a good international friend who lives in Rome.
However, even though I got into the Rome program that I wanted, I ended up picking another program in Nantes, France due to different factors. And I wouldn’t have traded my experience for the world!
Try to apply to more than one program (maybe 1-3 programs) if you find multiple programs that interest you! The UW offers so many great study abroad programs out there, and you are bound to find more than one program that interests you, no matter what your area of study is. You can even apply to a program outside of your area of study! The opportunities are BOUNDdless. Yeah, I just wrote that. #godawgs
Here is an overview of the different programs UW offers to help narrow down your choices:
University Exchanges – For the independent student that wants more autonomy on what classes to take, and/or if you really want to fully immerse yourself in the local student life at the University.
UW Programs – For the student that wants to cater to their study abroad curriculum to a specific field s of interest! You will usually go with a larger group of UW students, and the programs are organized by UW faculty.
Exploration Seminars – For students that would prefer a shorter study abroad that takes place at the end of the UW summer quarter and the beginning of the autumn quarter. Great for those with specific interests, or want to explore something new without interfering with their regular school year schedule!
UW Partner Programs – UW has an array of other approved programs offered by other universities and other program providers! These include language programs, and other study abroad programs that vary in length. Students still get UW credit towards their degree, but they will usually be general requirement credits. Those who may want their school credits to transfer towards their major may need to speak to their academic advisor regarding transferable credits.
Internships – Pretty self-explanatory, but through a variety of different organizations, students can get academic credit while gaining work experience abroad. Pretty cool!
Independent Learning – For the qualified graduate and advanced undergraduate who either want to do research, participate in a fellowship program, be a TA on a study abroad program, and more!
For more information about the different types of programs, click on the link below:
http://www.washington.edu/studyabroad/students/getting-started/programs-at-a-glance/
If any of you are curious, I participated in a UW program through the French department that took place in Nantes, France! Even though it was a UW faculty-led program, it somewhat felt like an exchange, for it was semester-long and the classes were taught by French teachers from the University of Nantes. I was joined by other UW students as well and this allowed me to build relationships with UW students that I would not have met otherwise. However, everyone is different, so pick a program that you believe will be right for YOU.
3. I’m a Broke College Student. How Can I Afford Studying Abroad?
I hear this a lot. But great news! Studying abroad is much affordable than students think it is. With the right amount of planning, studying abroad can definitely be affordable.
For most study abroad programs, including UW programs and exchanges, the cost of tuition remains the same. So if you get financial aid, or are paying out of pocket, the tuition itself won’t cost you any more than studying in-state. Are you an international or out-of-state student? Studying abroad should actually be less expensive!!! Because you’ll be abroad, your extra out-of-state/international fees will no longer apply, and you’ll be paying the same as an in-state student! You’ll be surprised by the number of international and out-of-state students that don’t take advantage of this opportunity. DO NOT BE ONE OF THEM!!
There are also plenty of scholarships, both merit and need-based that you can apply for. When you submit your study abroad application, you are automatically considered for UW need-based scholarships (a new thing that they started not too long ago that makes things so much easier for you!). Many departments also have scholarships for their students studying abroad that you can apply for.
I recommend making an appointment with the awesome financial advisor, Kiana Parker who is in charge of the UW Study Abroad Global Opportunities. For those who are pell-grant eligible, there is a great scholarship called the Gilman that she is very knowledgeable about (but contact her fast! Deadlines are less frequent for that scholarship, and usually take place pretty early before a program starts). The UW Study Abroad also offers funding-oriented sessions to help students with everything financial!
For advising appointments and more information on financial planning click on the link below:
http://www.washington.edu/studyabroad/students/resources/finances/
Outside of scholarships and financial aid, you can also find ways to maybe work and save a little for additional expenses. So go ahead and make a GoFundMe account, host a garage sale…think outside the box!! I personally worked over the summer to try to save for my flights and travel tickets.
4. The Actual Application – Do I have to Write a Lot of Essays?
Not really! Most of the study abroad programs have the same essay prompts besides the partner programs, in which you apply directly on their site. Check your program application to make sure, but almost all of them will ask:
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Why Is This Program a Good Fit? (500-750 words)
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Adaptability – they will ask you about a time when you had to adapt to a new environment with new people, and how this has prepared you for studying abroad (maximum 250 words)
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Group Dynamics – they want to know that you can navigate a group setting. Describe a prior experience with a group situation and how you navigated the social dynamics (maximum 250 words)
Application Essay Tip: For similar programs, I would cater an application essay to fit the other one without having to write a whole other essay. With some changes here and there, voila! You have already finished two applications.
Also, be honest in your applications! Studying abroad is an amazing experience, but take the time to think about why you really want to partake in a specific program. Is it the culture in that city that has always fascinated you? The language? Some reasons may come more easily to some than others. It could be that you have never left the country and want to gain a new perspective on the world!
No matter what you do, DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO CLICK THE SUBMIT BUTTON. DON’T DO IT!!! JUST DON’T. The site tends to crash if you wait until the last couple hours to submit your application. I speak from experience (it was terrible OMG), and even though it all worked out fine in the end, I would not recommend it. Don’t let all of your efforts go to waste! Give yourself plenty of time to submit that application.
5. Yayy! I Got Accepted! Now What?
Whoo whoooo!!! Congratulations! Or if you did not, there are always other times to apply if you are not a graduating senior. Regardless, give yourself applause if you already made it thus far in the process :)
You should hear back pretty quickly via email and on your UW study abroad account, but you only have a certain window of time to accept. The following steps will all be sent to you, so make sure you check your email and your study abroad account! If you plan to apply to several programs like I did and have trouble picking between which program to accept, I would recommend speaking to the program directors regarding all of the details. You are committing your time to study abroad after all!
In summary, the application season can be a load, but it should also be very exciting. You’re applying to study abroad to go immerse yourself in a new culture while continuing your studies, and that is something that can’t be taught in a classroom.
Applying to study abroad has been one of the greatest decisions that I have made in my college career. In the end, it will be very, very, very, worth it, I promise!