Greetings from UW Study Abroad!
Studying abroad has the potential to be the most transforming and inspiring college experiences that your student will undertake. It is my tremendous privilege to lead a staff dedicated to broadening perspectives by inviting your student to engage in the diversity of the world.
Global engagement pushes boundaries and challenges world views. There are of course, many aspects of international education to consider, and UW Study Abroad uses every available resource to inform, guide and support students. Their safety and well-being are our top priority.
We also understand that the decision to study abroad is often one involving the entire family. Below are some additional resources that you may find useful in considering this incredible opportunity. We encourage you to communicate with your student traveler about their ideas, goals and expectations long before they set out on the journey. Your support and enthusiasm mean so much — at every step of their education.
Sincerely,
Wolf Latsch
Director, UW Study Abroad
Resources and issues to consider
For an in-depth resource on providing support to your child as they navigate the study abroad process, download the Institute for International Education’s Parent Guide to Study Abroad.
COVID-19 Information
Review UW Study Abroad and UW Global Travel Security COVID-19 updates
Safety
Student safety abroad is of utmost concern and we work to ensure that we are assessing the risks posed to our students in each and every program. The UW Global Travel Security Management Team oversees the moderation of that risk and determines when we need to be involved in incidents that occur abroad. Additionally, each student is required to enroll in the UW Student Abroad Insurance Plan. This plan is a comprehensive, international medical and emergency evacuation insurance designed to meet the specific needs of study abroad students. Find more information about student safety abroad.
Finances
Financing a study abroad program can occasionally be daunting, but sometimes surprising. Except in the case of exchange, students pay a program fee in lieu of their tuition when they study abroad. Regardless, costs for study abroad are largely driven by the cost of living in the part of the world where the program is located. Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships as well as financial aid revision. Whatever the situation, it will likely require careful financial planning. With careful planning and a reasonable amount of flexibility, financial resources should not be a deterrent to study abroad. Find more information about financing study abroad.
Academics
Each and every credit that a student earns while abroad will apply to their UW transcript. The process for how that credit may apply will depend on the type of program the student participates in. Each program brochure has an “academics” section that helps to illuminate the kind of credit available and the process for acquiring it. You can find additional information about earning credit abroad on our website.
Privacy considerations
UW Study Abroad must abide by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This can mean that we cannot divulge student academic, financial or enrollment information to parents. Find out more information about student educational privacy rights. Whenever possible, we encourage you to shift responsibility for all aspects of study abroad participation to your child.