How to Apply

WU Approved Programs

The application process is a 2 step process. Overseas Programs does the first review of your application materials and the program does the 2nd review and makes the final decision. You will hear a decision according to the time frame of the program to which you apply. We will not accept applications to more than one program per term, so please make your decision before filling out an application.

  1. Complete the WU Semester/Academic Year Application or the WU Summer Application
    • Application Materials:
      • Data Sheet
      • Short Essay Questions
        • 2 pages total
      • Study Plan
        • This needs to be signed by the Study Abroad Advisor(s) in the Arts & Sciences department(s) (must be a declared major or minor) in which you wish to receive credit for your coursework abroad.
      • 2 Academic References
        • Please give them at least 2 weeks notice for fall, academic year and summer programs and at least 3 weeks for spring programs
      • Academic Record
        • This form allows Overseas Programs to order your official transcript to send to your program
      • Statement of Risk (Summer Only)
      • Parental Agreement (Summer Only)
        • Please have a parent or legal guardian sign this form even if you are over 18
  2. Obtain a program application from the Overseas Programs Office in McMillan Hall Room 138
  3. Submit all materials to Overseas Programs (McMillan 138) by the appropriate deadline
    • WU forms
    • Program forms and supplemental materials
    • Copy of online forms

Avoid Duplication of Efforts

  • References do not need to write separate letters for WU and your program. Use the WU form as a cover sheet for the program form if applicable
  • If the program application asks for a transcript, you do not
    • need to supply one. The Academic Record form gives us access to your transcript and we will order an official copy for you

Petition for an Alternative Program: Major/Minor Credit

Students must have compelling academic reasons and strong endorsement of the appropriate academic department in order to successfully petition for an alternative program.

  1. Mandatory: Set up an appointment to meet with Jennifer White Reding by calling 935-5958 or coming to Walk-in Hours
  2. Once you have decided on a program that meets your academic needs, complete the WU Petition to Study Abroad
  3. Application Materials:
    • Program Information Form
        • Make sure that the Study Abroad Advisor(s) in the Arts & Sciences department(s) in which you wish to receive credit from coursework abroad (must be a declared major or minor) signs this form
    • Data Sheet
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Study Plan
      • This needs to be signed by the Study Abroad Advisor(s) in the Arts & Sciences department(s) in which you wish to receive credit from coursework abroad (must be a declared major or minor)
    • Letter of Endorsement
      • This must be completed by the Study Abroad Advisor(s) in the Arts & Sciences department(s) in which you wish to receive credit from coursework abroad (must be a declared major or minor)
      • You may request a supplemental letter from another faculty member if desired
      • Please give them at least 2 weeks notices (3 for spring programs)
    • Academic Record
      • This form allows Overseas Programs to order your official transcript to send to your program
    • Program-Specific Forms and Supplemental Material
      • Please print out any information about your program and the courses you plan to take that will help the Study Abroad Advisory Board evaluate your program
      • For spring petitions, please turn in your completed application to the program
    • Statement of Risk (Summer Only)
    • Parental Agreement (Summer Only)
      • Please have a parent or legal guardian sign this form even if you are over 18
  4. Submit all materials to Overseas Programs (McMillan 138) by the appropriate deadline
  5. If your petition is approved, submit the program application to Overseas Programs as soon as possible

Petition for an Alternative Summer Program: General Elective Credit Only

This option is only available for summer study abroad. Semester petitions must be for major/minor credit. Students must have compelling academic reasons in order to successfully petition for an alternative program.

  1. Mandatory: Set up an appointment to meet with Jennifer White Reding by calling 935-5958 or coming to Walk-in Hours
  2. Once you have decided on a program that meets your academic needs, complete the WU Summer Petition for General Elective Credit.
  3. Application Materials:
    • Program Information Form
    • Data Sheet
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Study Plan
    • 2 Letters of Reference
      • Please give them at least 2 weeks notices
    • Academic Record
      • This form allows Overseas Programs to order your official transcript to send to your program
    • Program-Specific Forms and Supplemental Material
      • Please print out any information about your program and the courses you plan to take that will help the Study Abroad Advisory Board evaluate your program
    • Statement of Risk
    • Parental Agreement
      • Please have a parent or legal guardian sign this form even if you are over 18
  4. Submit all materials to Overseas Programs (McMillan 138) by the appropriate deadline
  5. If your petition is approved, submit the program application to Overseas Programs as soon as possible

Leave of Absence

  1. Complete the Data Sheet for ArtSci Participant in Non-WU Program
  2. Complete the College of Arts & Sciences LOA form
  3. Submit both forms by the appropriate deadline
  4. For up to 3 general elective credits for your time abroad, upon return you must:
    • Submit to Overseas Programs an unopened transcript from your program

Requests for credit are reviewed by the Study Abroad Advisory Board and require the Board's approval.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the application process.