Study Abroad 101
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is Study Abroad?
Gain major, minor, essential studies or elective credits while living and learning outside the United States for anywhere between one week to an academic year.
What are the Benefits of Study Abroad?
Studying abroad helps individuals develop cross-cultural skills; provides alumni with an advantage in the job market upon graduation; and, cultivates life-long learning.
Through WMU study abroad, you will develop:
- Knowledge: demonstrating an understanding of a host culture’s values through a global lens.
- Proficiencies: increasing global cognitive, professional and/or language skills.
- Perspective: gaining heightened awareness of your own individual origins, practices and habits, and empathizing with other cultures.
- Connections: understanding that humans are interdependent and should work toward a just and a sustainable future.
Studies by the University of Florida, Singapore Management University, and the European Institute for Business Administration have shown that students who study abroad are more flexible and creative and are able to think at a more complex level. Surveys conducted by the University of California Merced, International Education of Students, and Inside Higher Education show that study-abroad alumni achieve higher GPAs, graduate at higher rates, receive more job offers, and make higher starting salaries compared to students who do not study abroad.