Frequently Asked Questions

Program Choices

• Where can I study?
• When can I study abroad?
• How long is a study abroad program?
• I only speak English.  Can I still study abroad?
• Where will I live if I study abroad?
• Will I have to delay graduation if I study abroad?
• Can I improve my language skills overseas?
• What is the difference between study abroad and exchange programs?
• Who can study abroad?
• Will I have health insurance while I am overseas?

Academics

• How will my grades earned abroad affect my GPA?
• How do I receive credit for studying abroad?
• Will I remain enrolled at UWM while I am abroad?
• Do I have to be a junior to study abroad?

Application

• How do I apply?
• When is the application deadline?
• What if I am not accepted to a program? Do I lose my deposit?
• When should I apply for a passport?
• Will I need a visa to study abroad?

Finances

• How much will it cost?
• Are their scholarships and grants for study abroad?
• Can I apply my financial aid and scholarships to study abroad?

Program Choices

Where can I study?

Anywhere! UWM offers numerous study abroad and exchange programs that explore Asia, Western Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Australia.

When can I study abroad?

Anytime.  Fall, spring, academic year, Winterim, summer, and spring break programs are available. Semester or academic year programs enhance the benefits of studying abroad, but short-term programs are also beneficial.  You must at least complete one semester of regular coursework at UWM in order to qualify to study abroad.

How long is a study abroad program?

It depends.  Short-term programs, usually led by UWM professor, typically last between three and six weeks and take place during the summer or in January.  Semester and academic year programs are also available.  Both long and short programs have their merits.  Short-term programs are often less expensive and more convenient than long-term programs.  Longer programs typically offer greater opportunity to learn about the host country and improve one’s foreign language skills.  The length of time you spend abroad will depend on your particular needs and goals, your financial resources, as well as the limits placed on you by your academic program at UWM.

I only speak English. Can I still study abroad?

Yes! Programs with courses taught in English are available in many non-English-speaking countries, such as France, Germany, Korea, Sweden, and others. These programs, although taught in English, may require at least a year of previous study of the foreign language.  In addition, UWM has several study abroad programs in English speaking countries, to include Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.

Where will I live if I study abroad?

Living arrangements vary by program. The most common types of accommodation arranged for study abroad students are: residence hall-type housing, homestays, or private apartments or rooms.  Residence hall housing abroad is usually quite different from here at UWM. Most students are housed in single rooms with shared bathroom, kitchen and "living room." These are often self-catering arrangements, in which students are responsible for buying and preparing their own meals. Homestays may be the best way to immerse yourself in the host country. The experience of living with a family can provide insights into the host culture in ways that other arrangements cannot. However, homestays may be more restrictive in that you will be expected to conform to the rules and norms of the family, which will certainly be different from your own family. Private rooms or apartments generally offer the most freedom, but they are generally the most expensive and difficult housing arrangements to make. Students must make all arrangements themselves for leases, payment of rent, utilities, etc., and must often pay a sizeable deposit before being allowed to move in.  For short-term programs, lodging is typically provided in hotels and youth hostels.

Will I have to delay graduation if I study abroad?

Not necessarily. With careful planning, you can remain on track to graduate in four years and still study abroad for up to a year. We advise students to start planning early and to work closely with their college and academic advisers to design the best course of study and to ensure that they remain on track toward graduation. Some students find that it is best for them to remain at UWM for an extra semester or year after studying abroad because of the new focus they gained as a result of their time overseas.

Can I improve my language skills overseas?

Absolutely! Studying in a country where you would be immersed in the language is the best way for you to maximize and improve your language skills and competency.  UWM offers various programs in which students have the opportunity to continue learning and improving in many modern languages.  Programs offering instruction in another language generally require a minimum of 4 to 5 semesters of college level language study or the equivalent.

What is the difference between study abroad and exchange programs?

“Study abroad” is a generic term for academic programs overseas.  At UWM we distinguish between “exchange” and “study abroad” programs.  Exchange programs involve the exchange of students between UWM and a partner university abroad--you go to an institution overseas for a semester or year, and a student from abroad comes to UWM for a semester or a year. Each student pays normal tuition at their home campus, then room and board at the host campus.  Only fully-matriculated UWM students may participate in UWM exchange programs.  Non-exchange, “study abroad” programs do not involve international students coming to UWM.  Instead, students on these programs simply go abroad and pay the cost of that program to either UWM or the program sponsor. Non-exchange programs typically cost more than exchange programs.

Who can study abroad?

All regularly enrolled UWM students in good academic and disciplinary standing are eligible to study abroad. Acceptance criteria and deadlines vary from program to program. Exchange programs usually require a 3.0 GPA and study abroad programs a 2.5 GPA. When planning to study abroad make sure to investigate the applicable requirements for any program of interest.

Will I have health insurance while I am overseas?

The UW Board of Regents requires that all students studying abroad be covered by CISI, a comprehensive insurance plan.  This plan costs $37 per month and is included in all UWM-sponsored programs.  All non-UWM program participants will need to purchase this insurance separately for the duration of their stay.  Information about CISI insurance can be obtained through the CIE study abroad office.

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Academics

How will my grades earned abroad affect my GPA?

Grades are counted the same. All the grades that a UWM student receives while abroad on a UWM program will appear on his/her transcript and be calculated into their grade point average.

How do I receive credit for studying abroad?

On UWM study abroad programs you will be registered as a UWM student and earn 3 to 15 UWM credits depending on the length of the program. If you select a non-UWM program and want to ensure the transfer of credit, you must complete a Course Equivalency Approval Form. This form will allow you to have courses approved by relevant faculty before you leave. Credit will transfer provided:

1. your program is sponsored by an accredited institution;
2. you earn a passing grade in courses taken abroad;
3. your grades are verified by an official transcript from the host university;
4. the work done overseas does not duplicate previous work; and 
5. you obtained UWM departmental approval for all completed coursework.

Will I remain enrolled at UWM while I am abroad?

If you choose a UWM program, you will be registered as a UWM student and can use financial aid. If you choose a non-UWM program, there is a separate application and program fee that is necessary to maintain enrollment, transfer credits, advising, and orientation. You will be registered for zero credits, but 12 financial aid credits therefore making you eligible for financial aid. Upon your return and submission of an official university transcript to the CIE study abroad office, the transfer credit and courses will be placed on your UWM record.

Do I have to be a junior to study abroad?

No. Students may study abroad any time after completing one year at UWM, although some programs require junior standing to participate. Transfer students may study abroad at any time after their first semester at UWM.

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Application

How do I apply?

Application instructions vary slightly by program type.  For the most accurate information on applying for a program, visit our application webpage.

When is the application deadline?

For academic year, fall and summer programs, the application deadline is March 15th. For spring and Winterim programs, the applications deadline is October 15th. Some exchanges require a host institution application which may be due before UWM’s deadline.  Scholarship applications may not correspond with program application deadlines, so be sure to research them carefully.

What if I am not accepted to a program? Do I lose my deposit?

Deposits are due at the time of application for all UWM education abroad programs.  If, for any reason, you are not accepted to the program you have applied for, your original deposit is fully refundable.  If you are accepted to a program and then sign the confirmation paperwork, your deposit and a portion of the program fee charged to your student account may not be fully refundable.  Students applying for any non-UWM sponsored program are also required to make a deposit at the time of application.  If you are not accepted to your program by the sponsoring institution, a portion of the deposit is also non-refundable.  UWM deposit refunds usually take 2-4 weeks to process.

When should I apply for a passport?

A passport is required for all programs abroad. You are strongly recommended to apply for your passport as soon as possible. The process of obtaining a passport takes approximately 4-8 weeks, and you will need your passport to apply for a visa (if needed for your program). Please refer to U.S. Department of State website (www.travel.state.gov) for a passport application, instructions, and additional information.

Will I need a visa to study abroad?

In most cases, yes.  There are many types of visas and the visa rules and regulations are constantly changing.  It’s important, therefore, to plan ahead to ensure that you have the visa you need to cover your stay outside the United States.

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Finanaces

How much will it cost?

Costs vary depending on program type and length.  Students on exchange programs pay for UWM tuition, room and board while abroad, international airfare, and any incidental expenses.  Each short-term study abroad program participant, on the other hand, pays an equal share of the total cost of the program. 

Are there scholarships and grants for study abroad?

Yes, there are several local, state, and national scholarship and grant opportunities available for students.  Application deadlines for these monies vary, so be sure to pay close attention to when to apply.

Can I apply my financial aid and scholarships to study abroad?

Yes, most federal, state, and campus-based aid can be applied to the costs of studying on any UWM or UWM-partner study abroad program, much the same as if you were still on campus. Financial aid is available to help UWM students who need assistance meeting the expenses of study abroad programs. Students must meet financial aid office guidelines and deadlines.  Aid for summer study abroad programs is often limited.