• Getting Started
• "Is Study Abroad Right for Me?"
• Deciding When to Go
• For Pre-Med Students and Science Majors
• For Transfer Students
• Alternative Programs
• Leave of Absence to Study Abroad
• Other International Opportunities
• Getting Advice
• How to Apply
• Preparing to Go Abroad
• While You're Abroad
• When You Return
• Money Matters

Alternative Programs Approved by Petition

Our list of over 100 WU programs will meet the needs of most A&S students wishing to study abroad. In some cases, students have compelling academic reasons for choosing an alternative program that is not on our list. To earn WU credit in these cases, they must petition the Study Abroad Advisory Board (SAAB) for approval. This applies to semester and summer programs.

Participation in an alternative program requires submission of a formal petition, stating a compelling academic reason that precludes participation a regularly offered program. The petition must be strongly endorsed by the appropriate academic department. Students interested in submitting a petition for an alternative program must meet with the Associate Director of Overseas Programs at least 2 weeks before the application deadline. SAAB approval is decided on a case-by-case basis. If the petition is not approved, the student has the right to appeal the petition in writing. He or she must address the reasons provided by the SAAB for not approving the petition. If the petition is not approved, the student may take a Leave of Absence to participate in a non-WU program (without WU credit and fees).

Examples:

• A political science and economics major wishes to study the European Union. He has taken a number of courses in both of his majors, on Europe, and has studied some French. He petitions for participation in the Educational Programmes Abroad program in Belgium and is approved.
• An International and Area Studies/East Asian Studies major has taken a number of courses on Buddhism and East Asian religions and wishes to study it further in the region. He will have one year of Japanese language. He petitions for an Antioch College Program on Buddhism and is approved.
• A political science major has always wanted to live in Spain and loves Spanish food and culture. She has not taken any Spanish language and has only taken one course in her major. She finds a program in Spain taught in English that allows plenty of time for recreational travel. Her petition is denied.

Academic Credit and Grades

Once your petition is approved, your program transcript will be reviewed upon return to WU for credit in the same way as WU programs. Similarly, the grades will not transfer.

Fees

Once your petition is approved, WU will assume the responsibility for paying the program sponsor, and your program price will be set in the same way as for WU programs. For a fall and/or spring program, the price will be based upon WU tuition. For a summer program, the prices are posted. The program price will be posted to your WU account, where financial aid and other credits can be applied. (Exception: Participants in an approved by petition summer program, who are not receiving WU financial aid, should pay all fees directly to the program sponsor rather than via WU).

Financial Assistance

Your financial assistance award will be adjusted to the educational costs of the program, including the WU program price and your essential travel and living expenses.