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Home > Information for Prospective Students

Header Bullet   Information for Prospective Students

We are glad that you are interested to learn about studying abroad. Studying abroad can be a life changing experience whether you spend a few weeks or a full year studying in another country. WVU Office of International Programs (OIP) hopes that you take advantage of this opportunity to grow and learn. We would love to help you in whatever way possible, so please contact us with any questions or concerns.

You can learn more about studying abroad by exploring our web site and visiting us in the Study Abroad Resource Room, located in G-13 White Hall. If you decide studying abroad is right for you, then the next step is to sign up for a Study Abroad 101 Seminar. During this informational seminar, you will learn more about study abroad programs, application procedures, and scholarship opportunities.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

Students from the United States have traveled abroad to study with university-led programs for almost one hundred years. Programs have differed in length, means of transportation, destination, subjects of study, participants, and goals. Even as one begins the process of thinking about study abroad there are already unconscious motives about WHY studying abroad is something one should do.

Studying in another country and culture is the best way to gain knowledge of that place. Nothing besides the experience itself will teach the nuances of cultural norms, expectations, and perspectives. Many students find that they cannot specifically articulate why they want to study abroad except to say that they want to "travel, see how others live, and compare the new experiences with those at home."

Many students find more practical reasons for studying abroad, such as learning a new language or perfecting language skills already obtained. Study abroad can enrich an academic background by giving you the opportunity to take courses not available at home or by learning through another country’s approach to education. Not all places in the world view education, learning, and knowledge the way we do in the United States.

Some young people perceive an international experience as a way to gain a competitive edge in the employment marketplace. Study abroad can enhance your coping skills, flexibility, and ability to deal with stress and ambiguity. In addition to the specific knowledge you gain about another country and culture, having an international study experience says that you are able to go beyond your own personal comfort zone and that you are not afraid to be challenged.

Finally, regardless of the reason you choose to study abroad, one result that seems to happen to everyone is that you learn more about yourself than you ever imagined. Regardless of why you think you want to study abroad, the results are always profound and varied and usually undetectable for a while.

Support Services

The studyabroad.com Handbook, written by Bill Hoffa, a leading expert in the field, can be viewed and printed from <http://www.studyabroad.com>. This handbook covers cultural differences, health and nutrition, safety and security, legalities and coping with emergencies, credit, costs, careers, and documents. Bill Hoffa also publishes a book entitled Study Abroad: A Parent's Guide, which is a good resource for parents and families of students studying abroad. While a comprehensive and useful tool, this handbook acts as a general guide. The OIP has expanded upon several areas mentioned only briefly within The studyabroad.com Handbook. This expansion is not intended as a replacement for the information provided in The studyabroad.com Handbook, but as an ADDITION. Please read ALL information carefully.


o WVU Student Support Services

o Study Abroad Handbook - A publication brought to you by Studyabroad.com, prepared by leading education abroad professionals.

o The University of Pittsburgh has developed a handbook as a resource for African American students interested in study abroad: World in Your Hands.

o Mobility International USA empowers people with disabilities around the world through international exchange and international development to achieve their human rights.

o The Rainbow Special Interest Group is comprised of diverse members work to counsel international students and study abroad students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. Is it safe?
A. Given recent global political dynamics, the issue of safety—at home or abroad—has emerged as a common concern. To ensure the safest experience possible, our office provides every student a pre-departure orientation that includes information on safety, cultural differences, legal concerns, travel and health, issues and other relevant topics. In addition, we require every student to provide us his/her contact information overseas so if any changes occur that may affect students overseas, we are able to provide the information instantly. The Office of International Programs also receives daily travel updates, advisories and/or warnings from the U. S. State Department about any issues that may affect students who are abroad.
 
Q. How much will it cost?
A. Cost is determined by a variety of factors, but if you participate on a WVU exchange program, you will only have to pay your regular tuition and fees and a small OIP processing fee in order to study abroad, making the costs very similar to what you would regularly pay while attending WVU here in Morgantown.
 
Q. Will my financial aid apply?
A. In most cases, yes, your financial aid will apply. It is generally the rare case where your scholarship, loans, grants or other financial awards won’t apply.
 
Q. Will my credits transfer?
A.

We require all students to complete a transient form before departing on any study abroad program. By having your classes approved by the appropriate parties before you leave, you are guaranteed to receive the appropriate credit for your experience.

WVU Study Abroad Program Approval Process

1. Obtain a copy of the WVU Transient Form from the Office of International Programs website.

2. Complete all information on the top part of the form. Meet and discuss with your academic advisor the course(s) you want to take and enter the Approved Organization, Association or Institution Name, Course Subject, Course Description and Credit Hours. Then enter the WVU Equivalent Course Subject, Number and Credit Hours on the form in the appropriate place.

3. Get all the necessary signatures on the form (including your own). Leave the form with the Office of International Programs who will work with the Office of Admissions and Records to get you registered.

4. Upon completion of your course, request an official transcript be sent to the Office of International Programs, PO Box 6214, Morgantown, WV 26506
 
Q. Will studying abroad delay my graduation?
A. Working with your advisor before you leave to coordinate your schedule and take the classes you need while you’re abroad, your time in school does not have to be extended to participate in studying abroad. However, participating in study abroad during your first couple years allows you to be more flexible with the classes you can take while you are abroad.
 
Q. Where can I go?
A. Theoretically, all of planet Earth is available to you. But, depending on your needs, your interests and your financial resources, different programs may offer you a better opportunity than others. To help you with your decision, sign up for a Study Abroad Seminar at the Office of International Programs and learn more about what possibilities offer the best fit for you.
 
Q. For how long can I go?
A. Study abroad programs come in all shapes and sizes. At WVU, we offer programs during spring break (about 10 days), summer (anywhere from two to six weeks), for one semester and even for the entire year.
 
Q. Must I speak a foreign language?
A. Although many programs offer the opportunity to learn a foreign language as part of their curriculum, doing so is not required. Many programs even have courses available in English in non-English speaking countries!
 
Q. Where will I live?
A. Every program is different so, depending on the program, you might reside in a dormitory, flat, apartment or even live with a host family. We will go over the details and provide you all the information you need about the housing arrangements as you decide which program you would like to participate.
 
Q. What do I need to go?
A. We will provide you all the information as your departure date nears. Generally speaking, in order to successfully study abroad, there are three key ingredients: a valid passport, an approved transient form to ensure you will receive credit, and the will to embark on a new adventure.
 
Q. Will I need a visa?
A. Most countries require a student visa to participate in a semester-long study abroad program. However, depending on the location and the length of time abroad, the regulations will vary, but we will provide you all the information you need regarding visas.
 
Q. Can I work while I am abroad?
A. In many cases, as a student you will be entitled to work up to 20 hours a week. However, keep in mind that every country has its own set of rules. The Office of International Programs also can connect you to international internship, work abroad and other international opportunities beyond just studying abroad.
 
Q. How do I know if study abroad is for me?
A. Ultimately, there is no way to really know until you do it. However, for a general overview of what you can expect to get out of the study abroad experience, come to a Study Abroad seminar at the Office of International Programs and learn more.
 
Q. How can I find out more information?
A. By visiting this website, you are already on the right track. But, to learn more, sign up for a Study Abroad 10 Seminar at the Office of International Programs where we will meet with you and discuss in more detail your options, what programs might be best for you and answer your questions about studying abroad. To sign-up for a Seminar, click the date and time of your choice on our homepage and fill in the registration form.


Address for: Office of International Program; 336 Stansbury Hall; P.O. Box 6214; Morgantown, WV 26506. Phone: 304-203-6955. Fax: 304-293-6957

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