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Study Abroad

Returnee resources

I studied abroad, now what?

Returning from studying abroad can be both exciting and challenging, and you may need help  to readjust to your home country and academic environment. UW Study Abroad has compiled resources and tips for you, as you return from studying abroad.  Remember that the resources you need may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the duration and location of your study abroad experience.

  • Meet with UW academic advisors to plan your remaining coursework and discuss any changes to your academic plan.
  • Make connections through the UW Career & Internship center. They connect students with mentors or advisors who can provide one-on-one guidance and support tailored to students’ specific needs.

  • Make an appointment with a Career Coach at the UW Career & Internship Center to get help updating your resume and exploring job opportunities.
  • Connect with the UW Alumni Association< to meet professionals who have experience in your field of interest.
  • Incorporate your study abroad experience into your resume and job interviews to showcase your adaptability and cross-cultural skills.

  • Take some time to consider your Health & Well-being as you return from abroad.
  • Ensure you maintain appropriate health insurance coverage and understand how it works in your home country.
  • Schedule a comprehensive medical check-up with Husky Health Center to address any health concerns that may have arisen during your time abroad.
  • <Consider seeking counseling or therapy if you experience difficulties navigating your transition back to the U.S. or other emotional challenges upon returning. The UW Counseling Center has a wide variety of Mental Health Resources and Tools to assist.
  • Join support groups or online communities of students who have studied abroad to share experiences and advice.
  • Join an RSO to get reacquainted to campus life.

  • Use what you’ve learned abroad to set new personal and professional goals.
  • Take time to reflect on your experiences and personal growth while studying abroad. Journaling is a great way to do this and Inside Study Abroad has created a study abroad journal to help you get started. 
  • Check out the UW Language Departments to continue practicing the language you learned while abroad to maintain or improve your language skills.

  • Study Abroad as a Graduate Student
  • Teaching Abroad
    • CIEE Teach Abroad Programs – CIEE offers opportunities to teach English around the world.
    • Dave’s ESL Cafe – Resource for ELS teachers and learners.
    • JET Program in Japan – Promotes grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other nations. The JET Program has gained high acclaim both domestically and internationally for its role in advancing mutual understanding and for being one of the world’s largest exchange programs.
    • Spanish Language Assistant Program – The Spanish Ministry of Education offers this program devoted to providing US and Canadian students and graduates – majoring in any subject – who are native speakers of English or French with the opportunity to assist foreign language teachers in a variety of schools in Spain and to learn about Spanish culture and society and also about its education system.
    • TAPIF: Teaching Assistant Program in France – The French Ministry of Education and the Cultural Services Department of the French Embassy offer TA positions for American citizens to teach English at various primary and secondary schools throughout France.
    • Teach Away – Teach Away is a worldwide leader in international teacher recruitment. Search for teaching abroad placements in over 40 countries, teach overseas in your subject area at public and private schools, or teach English abroad in universities/colleges and ESL schools.
  • Graduate School Abroad – There are many opportunities to pursue graduate school abroad or attend a U.S.-based program with an international focus.
  • Other Opportunities Abroad
    • BUNAC Work Abroad Program – BUNAC helps young people work and volunteer abroad.
    • Go Abroad – Go Abroad has resources for various activities you can pursue abroad.
    • Fulbright Program – The Fulbright Program provides grants for graduates to pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. In addition to the information on the Fulbright website, UW students can also contact the Office of Merit Scholarships for more information.
    • Omprakash – Omprakash creates transformative educational experiences by connecting grassroots social impact organizations around the world with an audience of volunteers, donors, and classrooms that can learn from and support their work.
    • Peace Corps – The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.
    • Princeton in Asia – PiA offers fellowships for recent graduates across the Asian continent.
    • Transitions Abroad – Transitions Abroad is a long-running travel resource for work, living and study abroad.

Know of an opportunity we missed? Please let us know at studyabroad@uw.edu so we can share!