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| Overseas Programs and Partnerships |
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I only speak English, can I still study abroad? Can I improve my modern language skills overseas? What is the difference between study abroad and exchange programs? When is the application deadline? How should I select a program? How do I receive credit for studying abroad? Will I remain enrolled at UWM while I am abroad? What if I am not accepted to a program? Will I have health insurance while I am overseas? What are the next steps I should take?
Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Winterim, or Summer programs are available. Semester or Academic Year programs enhance the benefits of studying abroad, but short-term programs are also beneficial. You must at least complete one semester in order to study abroad. However, we recommend that students are prepared academically and personally for overseas academic experiences. Students should have a conference with their academic advisor to make sure they are at an appropriate point in their studies to study abroad prior to submitting an application.
I ONLY SPEAK ENGLISH, CAN I STILL STUDY ABROAD? Programs with courses taught in English are available in many non-English-speaking host countries such as France, Germany, Korea, Sweden and others. These programs, although taught in English, may require at least a year of previous study of the foreign language. In addition, UWM has several study abroad programs in English speaking countries such as Ireland and Great Britain.
CAN I IMPROVE MY MODERN LANGUAGE SKILLS OVERSEAS? For study in a foreign language, programs generally require a minimum of 4 to 5 semesters of college level language study or the equivalent. Studying in a country where you would be immersed in the language is the best way for you to maximize and improve your language skills and competency. UWM offers various programs in which students have the opportunity to continue learning and improving in many modern languages.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STUDY ABROAD AND EXCHANGE PROGRAMS?
All regularly enrolled UWM students in good academic and disciplinary standing are eligible to study abroad. Acceptance criteria and deadlines vary from program to program. Usually exchanges require a 3.0 GPA and study abroad programs require a 2.5 GPA. See applicable requirements for each study abroad and exchange program.
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE? For Academic Year, Fall and Summer programs, you can apply before and up until the March 15th deadline. For Spring and Winterim programs, apply by the October 14th deadline. Some exchanges require a host institution application and it may be due before the above mentioned deadlines. After you have researched and identified a program of interest to you generally it is advisable to make an appointment with a Study Abroad advisor 6 months before the above deadlines for Semester or Academic Year programs. Many scholarship applications are due one year in advance so research far in advance is suggested.
In addition there are numerous of Academic Year, semester, and short-term study abroad programs in almost every academic discipline or geographical area of the world. The Overseas Programs library, Peer and study abroad Advisors can help you to determine what best suits your needs and interests, verify program accreditation, and help you select the academic program that is best for you. UWM has long-term programs to the following locations: Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Italy, Thailand, Turkey, Ireland, Chile, Japan, Korea, England, Mexico, Poland, France, Germany, Senegal, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. You can link to all UWM program listings by clicking here. Students should also be aware of US State Department issued travel warnings and Center for Disease Control (CDC) notifications. Students wishing to study in countries where a travel warning has been issued will need to speak with the Program Director for admittance. Permission will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
HOW SHOULD I SELECT A PROGRAM? You should consider the following when deciding which program is best for you. Type of Program - Study abroad involves more than just sending a student to another country. When choosing a program you need to decide if you would like to participate in an exchange program or take part in a study abroad program that is sponsored by UWM or another university. Location - In what kind of culture and environment do you wish to live? Europe? Latin America? Asia? Large city? Small town? English-speaking? Non-English speaking? Courses - Do you want to satisfy major requirements while abroad? General electives? Concentrate on improving your language skills and learning the culture? Enroll in a general liberal arts program? Is the program sponsored by UWM or will you receive transfer credits? Is there a limit for your major on how many transfer credits you can earn? Degree of Immersion - Do you prefer to take classes with host-country students and is your language proficiency sufficient to do so? Would you like to mix your course load and have some courses in English and some in a host country language? If you choose direct enrollment as a means to study abroad, you must realize that you will be in classes with native speakers. You should have the language proficiency to comprehend, write, speak and read in the language of the country (usually requires a minimum of four to five college semesters of a language). Length of Stay - Do you have any obligations that limit the length of time that you stay abroad? Work? Family? Short-term (under 6 weeks), Semester or Academic Year programs? Many different length programs are available according to your needs. Program emphasis - What is your academic area of interest? Do you want an internship? Housing - Do you want to live with a family? Would you rather live in an apartment or in a dormitory? Cost - What is included in the cost of the program and what will be extra (e.g. transportation, room and board, insurance)? Will financial aid apply? What is the cost of living in your desired location? It is important to set a realistic budget and find an appropriate program to fit that budget. OPP’s library and web site list scholarship opportunities for students studying abroad. Program- Related travel and excursions? Does it offer any extra-curricular activities such as field trips? Are those additional trips included in the price of the program? Cancellation policies - What are the organization's cancellation policies?
HOW DO I RECEIVE CREDIT FOR STUDYING ABROAD? On UWM study abroad programs, you will be registered as a UWM student and earn 3 to 15 UWM credits depending on the length of the program. If you select a non-UWM program and want to ensure the transfer of credit, you should fill out a Course Approval Form. This form will allow you to have courses approved by relevant faculty before you leave. Credit will transfer provided:
WILL I REMAIN ENROLLED AT UWM WHILE I AM ABROAD? If you choose a UWM program, you will be registered as a UWM student and financial aid is applicable. If you choose a non-UWM program, there is a separate application and program fee if necessary to maintain enrollment, transfer credits, advising, and orientations. You will be registered for zero credits, but 12 financial aid credits therefore making you eligible for financial aid. Upon your return and submission of an official university transcript to OPP, the transfer credit and courses will be placed on your UWM record.
WHAT IF I AM NOT ACCEPTED TO A PROGRAM? Any applications for UWM-sponsored programs require a deposit along with the application. If are not accepted to the program for any reason, the deposit is fully refundable. If you are accepted and make the confirmation payment and sign the participant confirmation document, the deposit and a portion of the confirmation may not be fully refundable. Students applying for any non-UWM sponsored program are also required to make a deposit along with the application. If you are not accepted to your program by the sponsoring institution, a portion of the deposit is also non-refundable.
WILL I HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE WHILE I AM OVERSEAS? The UW Board of Regents requires that all students studying abroad be covered by CISI, a comprehensive insurance plan. This plan costs $31 per month and is included in all UWM-sponsored programs. All non-UWM program participants will need to purchase this insurance separately for the duration of their stay. Information about CISI insurance can be obtained through the Overseas Programs and Partnerships office in the Center for International Education.
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TEL: 414-229-3757
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