• Getting Started
• "Is Study Abroad Right for Me?"
• Deciding When to Go
• Diversity
• 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
• Site Map

Taking a Leave of Absence for Study Abroad

An experience abroad during one's college years can be very educational even if it does not involve course work suitable for fulfilling WU degree requirements. Some students are more interested in the experience of living and traveling abroad than engaging in an academically rigorous program. If this describes you, you should consider taking a Leave of Absence for one or two semesters to go abroad independently or as a participant in a program that is not a WU program (without WU credit). Summer study abroad for which you do not need WU credit does not require a LOA.

Filing for Leave of Absence

You must notify International and Area Studies of your decision to take a Leave of Absence by filling out a A&S LOA Request and a LOA Data Sheet. The LOA allows you to retain your WU email address and to be routinely reinstated for registration for your return to WU. We will also provide essential assistance to you as you prepare and while you are abroad.

Options

You may enroll at a foreign university or with another US institution offering study abroad opportunities. Carefully research program options to find a program that is of high academic quality and that meets your intellectual needs. Some listings of programs are at:

• www.iiepassport.org
• www.studyabroad.com
• www.sit.edu
• www.ciee.org
• www.ots.duke.edu

You may also want to consider other international opportunities.

Money Matters

You will pay the program sponsor yourself. No fee will be charged for the limited support provided by WU.

Financial Assistance

You cannot use WU financial assistance to participate in a LOA for Study Abroad program. You may still be able to use your federal aid and other non-WU scholarships, grants, and loans, but your program sponsor or host institution must process the aid for you. Some programs offer need-based financial assistance to their participants, so you should inquire about this possibility.

Credits

Transcripts for programs taken while on leave of absence will not be processed by A&S for transfer credit towards satisfying WU degree requirements. The credit will be recorded on the program transcript only. Exception: The Director of Overseas Programs has the authority, in consultation with WU faculty, to approve the award of up to 3 units of general elective credit per semester or 2 units of general elective credit per summer for appropriate coursework that is successfully completed abroad without prior approval as a participant in an alternative program. In order to request this credit, our office will need an unopened transcript from your program abroad and you will need to complete the Post-LOA Credit Request Form.