Programs and Exchanges

Studying abroad is one of the most challenging and exciting experiences that every Western Washington University student can benefit from. Students are able to acquire skills and knowledge that can impact lifelong career prospects as well as develop a better understanding of the world and ones own culture. WWU values diversity and encourages students to understand and participate in different cultures and diverse societies.

Western ABROAD Information Session PowerPoint - view this presentation to learn more about the world of learning opportunities through WWU!

 

• Click to show the 5 Easy Steps to Study Abroad

  • Explore your options through the this website and the WWU IPE Miller Hall 208 resource library.
    
    
  • Narrow your options by defining your goals for studying abroad and identifying programs of interest to you.  Do you want to learn another language?  Do you currently speak another language?  Do you want to live in a home stay, or independently?  Do you want to be immersed in a culture and/or a language?  Consider the climate and other specifics of your host destination.
    
    
  • Find out about costs.  Programs and exchanges vary in price.  If you have financial aid, your grants, scholarships and loans may be applied to approved study abroad programs through IPE.  However, financial aid in the form of work study and Western grants do not apply.  Scholarships are available through WWU & IPE, affiliate programs and various other organizations.  Scholarship information is available on our scholarships page.
    
    
  • Inform yourself by learning about the country or region where you wish to study.  Look through our resources and returning student evaluations for more information, talk to other students who have gone on study abroad/exchange and check out the web for more information. 
    
    
  • Once you have decided on a program, obtain an application and apply.  It is best to start the application process EARLY!  Deadlines vary depending on the program, start planning a year in advance in order to explore all of your options and to meet the deadlines.  Two applications are required; the Study Abroad, Exchange, International Internship Application Packet and one for the program you select. 

Below is some information about the different types of options WWU students have for studying abroad:

 

Study Abroad Opportunities

 

Faculty Led Programs

Western Washington University Faculty Led Programs are sponsored by a WWU department and generally consist of a faculty member taking a group of students to study discipline-based courses abroad.  Programs vary each year, view the list of current Faculty Led Programs.

 

Exchanges

Exchanges require a high degree of independence and advanced ability in the language of the host country, as you will be regularly enrolled as a student in a university or other institute of higher education in that country. However there are some exchanges where courses are taught in English.  Direct Exchange and the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) are more affordable, competitive and require advanced planning. 

 

More information:

• Direct Exchanges
• International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)

 

Study Abroad Programs

There are a variety of programs which provide educational experiences for students with no foreign language skills to live and study in another country. Often these programs focus on the cultural study of that particular country and provide opportunities to learn the language. Some programs offer intensive language studies and may require previous language study. Housing arrangements range from home stays to living in apartments or dormitories with other international or host country students. To search for programs by country or language visit our Study Abroad Programs by Country. To search for programs by major or area of study visit our Programs By Major. To see a list of approved programs see our Study Abroad Program Links.
To search for other programs and international opportunities which may or may not be approved by WWU, check out GoAbroad, Go Overseas and StudyAbroad.com.