Study Abroad

Study abroad is an experience through which students gain major, minor, essential studies and/or elective academic credits while living and learning outside the United States. By studying abroad, you will be equipped with global knowledge, cross-cultural skills, and a broadened perspective—giving you a competitive edge in the job market and fostering lifelong learning and global connections. Programs vary in length, location and academic focus. Whether you're exploring sustainable development in Costa Rica, studying business in Japan, or immersing yourself in art and culture in Italy, you'll return with a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the world around you.

Study Abroad
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-5890

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A WMU Study Abroad Student

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Every journey starts with a single step! To begin your study abroad journey, please:  
study abroad info session

Attend a Study Abroad Information Session

We consider attending an Information Session to be one of the first steps in the study abroad process! Info sessions are 30-minute virtual sessions (via Teams) that discuss frequently asked questions and guide students on how to find study abroad programs that meet their needs.

Sign Up Here

Types of Study Abroad Programs 

Study abroad programs vary in length, location, cost, number of travelers, academic focus and more. The following are general categories of study abroad programs: 

faculty-led study abroad

Faculty-Led Programs

are hosted and accompanied by WMU faculty representing various disciplines. Programs are generally short-term, ranging one week to ten weeks in length. For a list of current faculty-led programs, please click here. Please note that faculty-led programs may be added or removed to this list on an ongoing basis.  
lataevaya severe study abroad

WMU Exchange Programs

are programs in which WMU students register in classes at one of WMU's exchange partner institutions, and students from the exchange partner come to study at WMU for one or two semesters. In exchange programs, WMU students pay WMU tuition. For a list of current exchange programs, please click here.  
gilman scholarship

Partner Study Abroad Programs

are programs in which WMU students are registered in courses at a partner institution. For a list of current partner programs, please click here.


 
japan study abroad

University-Approved Provider Programs

are programs offered by companies or organizations that organize study abroad opportunities for students. For a list of WMU-approved program providers, please click here.  
study abroad new zealand

International Internships

are opportunities offered by organizations in which students gain field expertise abroad. 
study abroad scotland

Independent Study Abroad Opportunities

Study Abroad staff members also assist students who choose to participate in other independent study abroad opportunities. Students must have these activities approved by WMU Study Abroad prior to departure and meet specific requirements to receive credit toward their degree program.  

WMU Study Abroad Application Deadlines 

Study Abroad application deadlines for most* programs are as follows:   

Fall/Academic Year: 

February 15

Spring: 

September 15 or October 15

Summer I: 

January 31

Summer II:

February 15

Financial Planning for Study Abroad 

When choosing a study abroad program, it is important to understand the financial costs associated with your study abroad, as well as your resources for funding (such as financial aid and scholarships).  

Examining costs is a process of comparing your lifestyle at WMU (including tuition/fees and living costs) to the cost of your study abroad program.  

Costs vary greatly between study abroad programs. Consider the following factors that may impact the cost of your study abroad program: 

  • Number of credits 

  • Type of program (ex. Faculty-led, exchange, or partner program)  

  • Program length and time  

  • Room and board  

  • Cost of living in the host country   

  • Program inclusions (excursions, local transportation, etc.)   

The budget for each study abroad program is located on the “Costs & Scholarships” tab of each program brochure accessible in the WMU Study Abroad Application Portal. All budgets are made up of two major categories: Billable Amounts and Non-Billable Amounts. 

  • Billable Amount (program Fee + tuition): This is the amount that will be charged to the student’s WMU Student Account for the WMU semester of study abroad enrollment. A description of what’s included in the Billable Amount is published on the “Costs & Scholarships” tab of each program brochure accessible in the WMU Study Abroad Application Portal 

  • Non-billable Amount (out-of-pocket expenses): This amount reflects estimates for other costs directly related to participating in the academic program abroad. Some of these costs may vary according to individual preferences and needs. These estimates do not include activities that are not part of the academic program, such as personal travel, entertainment, shopping, etc. Students should plan to bring additional funds for their own personal activities.  

In most cases, any financial aid, grants, or scholarships you are already receiving here at WMU can be applied to study abroad costs. Additionally, there may be study-abroad specific scholarship opportunities you may apply for to help offset the costs of study abroad.  

In most cases, financial aid and scholarships received to study on campus may be applied to WMU study abroad programs. The cost estimate published on the study abroad online program brochure serves as the official financial aid budget. Students should take the budget to Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and meet with an advisor to determine any possible aid package. Federal, state and private financial aid may be applied to study abroad, including the Michigan Educational Trust and the Kalamazoo Promise (equivalent to cost of credit hours at WMU). 

Students enrolled in courses offered by University-approved study abroad providers who are financial aid or scholarship recipients are also required to complete a budget sheet with their study abroad specialist prior to meeting with a financial aid advisor. Students are advised to bring cost estimates to the appointment with study abroad staff, including the program fee, anticipated round-trip airfare, costs for housing, meals, and local transportation, as well as any other program-related expenses. After meeting with a study abroad specialist, the student must make an appointment with financial aid to review the program budget and finalize any request for funding. 

Special note to seniors: Once degree requirements are completed, students are no longer eligible for aid, per WMU's Student Financial Aid and Scholarships policy. 

For more information on scholarships for study abroad and a list of scholarship resources, please click here. 

The WMU Study Abroad Office recommends that students conduct extensive scholarship research to identify awards that are applicable to their study abroad plans.  

In many cases, students receive scholarship awards from a variety of sources including the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, WMU academic colleges or departments, their study abroad program provider or host university abroad (if applicable), and other external funding sources.  

Guaranteed Scholarship for Pell Grant Recipients 

All students who receive the federal Pell Grant to attend WMU will automatically receive scholarship funding of at least $1,250 upon acceptance to a study abroad program administered by WMU Study Abroad; this includes faculty-led, faculty-directed, exchange, or study abroad partner programs.  

U.S. citizen undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Gilman Scholarship Program. 

Travel Documents 

A passport is a government-issued document that serves as proof of identity and citizenship and is required for international travel.  

Western Michigan University advises students considering study abroad to apply for a passport as soon as they begin a program search. Students who already have a passport need to check the expiration date to ensure it will be valid for a minimum of six months beyond intended stay in the country.  

For more information on applying for a U.S. passport, please see the U.S. Department of State "U.S. Passports" webpage.  

Please note that processing for a first-time passport or passport renewal can take multiple weeks or months. It is important to apply early to ensure your passport will be available on time for your travel abroad (and to complete any visa processes that may be required).  

For more information about current passport processing times, please see the U.S. Department of State "Get Your Processing Time" webpage.  

Students who already have a passport need to check that their passport meets any additional requirements set by their host country (and any additional countries where they may plan to travel during their program). For example, many countries require that your passport expiration date be at least 3-6 months after your intended date of departure. 

 

For more information on passport requirements for your host country, please see the U.S. Department of State "Learn about your Destination" webpage.  

 

Please note that WMU Study abroad is not responsible for obtaining student passports, nor is it responsible for passport complications, delays, or denials. However, our staff are here to help guide and provide resources as much as is possible.  

For more information and resources regarding visas, please click here.  

A student visa is a government-issued immigration document granted by a consulate general or embassy, which allows you to legally study in a specific country for a specific date range. Typically, a visa is an endorsed sticker or stamp placed on the inside pages of your passport. Your student visa is as important as your passport; without it you will not be able to study abroad, if required by your host country. 

Important Notes 

  • Every country has their own process, requirements, and fees for applying for a visa. Some countries may require you to travel to an in-person appointment at a consulate or embassy in select U.S. cities. 

  • Visa requirements and processes can change without notice. Therefore, it is important to consult official sources of information such as your host country consulate or other official visa application processing entity for any updated information.  

  • Your visa requirements may be impacted by a variety of factors, including (but not limited to) your nationality, citizenship status, country you are traveling to, duration of your program, and more. 

Please note that WMU Study abroad is not responsible for obtaining student visas, nor is it responsible for visa complications, delays, or denials. However, our staff are here to help guide and provide resources as much as is possible.  

Consider Your Goals and Plans for Studying Abroad 

When determining which study abroad program might be right for you, it is helpful to consider your goals for study abroad and any additional factors that may impact your study abroad plans.  

Some things to consider: 

  • Academic goals 

  • Personal and professional goals 

  • Duration and timing 

  • Cost and resources 

  • Other priorities 

The "Considering Your Study Abroad Priorities Guide" linked below lists guiding questions that may be helpful to consider as a part of planning your study abroad experience. Sharing these thoughts with your Study Abroad Specialist (during or prior to meeting with them) will help them to guide you to the study abroad program that best fits your needs. 

Considering Your Study Abroad Priorities Guide

Explore and Identify Program Options Within the WMU Study Abroad Application Portal 

After considering your goals and any factors that may affect your plans to study abroad, your next step is to explore program options through the WMU Study Abroad Application Portal. You should aim to identify 2-3 programs that most interest you.  

1.

Navigate to the WMU Study Abroad Application Portal "Program Discovery". 

2.

Use one of the following methods to search for programs: 

  • Filters: Click the "Filters" button at the top of the page and select criteria that match your interests (e.g., term, countries, program type). 

  • Keyword Search: Enter keywords in the "Search" field at the top of the page (e.g., "Italy", "faculty-led", "summer"). 

3.

If your search results include programs you'd like to learn more about, click on the program name to view its Program Brochure. 

4.

Within each Program Brochure, use the tabs at the top to navigate through different sections.  

Brochures contain a wide variety of information about the program, often including an overview of the program and information on the academic calendar, eligibility, location, academics abroad, cost, passports, visas, housing, services abroad, health and safety, dates and deadlines, the path to study abroad, and helpful contacts. 

Please note that information shared on the brochure will vary by program and program type.  

Meet with experts in WMU Study Abroad, Academic Advising, and Financial Aid 

As a part of exploring and identifying study abroad program options that may be a good fit, students are encouraged to meet with experts in the following areas: 

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WMU Study Abroad

Students should meet with their WMU Study Abroad Specialist to discuss their goals and plans for studying abroad. Specialists can help guide students to programs that may best fit their needs and can assist in answering questions about the study abroad process. 

  • Note: student's applying for a Partner or Exchange program are required to meet with their Study Abroad Specialist for one-on-one advising as a part of their application process. Students should contact their specialist as soon as possible to schedule this appointment.  

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WMU Academic Advising

Students should meet with their WMU Academic Advisor to discuss their plans for studying abroad and how it might fit best into their academic plans.  

  • Note: student's applying for a Partner or Exchange program will be required to work closely with their WMU Academic Advisor as a part of their application process. Students on these programs will need to obtain official approval from their advisor (via the "WMU Study Abroad Course Pre-Approval Form") confirming how the courses they will take abroad will be counted towards their academic requirements at WMU.  

A student holding a Western Michigan University flag.

WMU Financial Aid

Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor in the WMU Financial Aid Office/Bronco express to discuss how studying abroad may impact their financial aid package. 

After completing the steps outlined on this page and determining your top program of interest, your next step will be to start your program application within the WMU Study Abroad Application Portal. For more information on the study abroad application process, please click here.  

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Apply

france study abroad

Apply

Once you have explored study abroad opportunities and determined your top program of interest, your next step will be to start your program application within the WMU Study Abroad Application Portal. 

Start your Program Application 

Instructions for starting your program application via the WMU Study Abroad Application Portal

  1. Access to the WMU Study Abroad Application Portal "Program Discovery" and navigate to the Program Brochure for your program of choice.  

  1. Click the "Apply Now" button located on the brochure. 

    • For programs with an open application cycle, you will see an "Apply Now" button located on both the "Overview" and "Apply & Questions" tabs. 

    • If the "Apply Now" button is not visible, this means that the application is not yet open for that program. Please check back later and/or reach out to the Study Abroad Staff indicated on the "Apply and Questions" tab to express your interest.  

  2. Log in via the "User Login" screen that appears.  

    • WMU students should click "Log in with Campus ID", and log in using their Bronco NetID and Password.  

  3. Once logged in, select the term for which you are applying to study abroad. Then click "Continue" to keep working on your application.  

Note: student's applying for a Partner or Exchange program are required to meet with their Study Abroad Specialist for one-on-one advising as a part of their application process. Students should contact the WMU Study Abroad Office via email at study-abroad@wmich.edu as soon as possible to schedule this appointment.  

Study Abroad Policies & Procedures 

The WMU Study Abroad Office has several policies and procedures which cover program eligibility, academic requirements, program requirements, participation expectations, financial information and health & safety protocols.

WMU Study Abroad restricts students participating in study abroad if they have not completed two semesters of college or university (at WMU or elsewhere). There are two exceptions to this policy: 

  • If a study abroad program is open to Frosh  

  • A student requests an exemption 

Students can request an exemption to the policy restricting participation in study abroad during a students' first two years of college. To initiate the exemption to this policy, a student must do the following: 

  • Meet with a Study Abroad Specialist to discuss study abroad 

  • Submit a statement describing why they are prepared to be successful on a study abroad program during one of their first semesters in college 

  • Submit two Letters of Recommendation, from a teacher or professor that can speak to a students' ability to be academically and/or personally successful on a study abroad program 

  • Submit transcripts confirming GPA; HS transcripts and college transcripts can be submitted 

Once a student has submitted these items to their Study Abroad Specialist by the agreed upon deadline, then the Study Abroad Office evaluates these materials and makes the exception decision 

The general minimum grade point average required for students to participate in a study abroad program is cumulative 2.5. A student’s GPA must be cumulative 2.5 during the semester in which they are applying for the study abroad program 

Faculty Led and Faculty Directed programs: 

A faculty leader or director may propose to use a different minimum GPA than 2.5 (higher or lower) within the program proposal or development process. Final decision on the minimum GPA to be utilized is made by the WMU Study Abroad Director. 

  • Note: The WMU Faculty Leader/Director’s request to use a different GPA is likely to be supported, provided they have a rationale supporting their proposed GPA. 

  • Exchange, Study Abroad Partner, Approved 3rd Party Providers and Unaffiliated study abroad programs: 

  • These study abroad programs may have a minimum GPA higher or lower than the WMU Study Abroad Office minimum GPA (2.5). The higher minimum GPA of these study abroad programs will not have an impact on whether the students meets the minimum GPA requirement of WMU Study Abroad Office, but may result in the student not being accepted by the host program 

  • Exceptions to the WMU Study Abroad Office minimum GPA requirement 

If a student has a GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 they can request an exception to be made in their case. The student submits the following items to their Study Abroad Specialist: 

  • WMU transcript and transcripts from other universities or colleges, if applicable 

  • A letter, no longer than 1 page, describing their academic performance at WMU and why this has led to their GPA being below 2.5 The student should also describe the steps they have taken to improve their academic performance. 

  • 1 letter of recommendation (recommendation submitted in the Study Abroad Application Portal as part of their study abroad application can be utilized). 

  • The student should submit the above items to their Study Abroad Specialist and then meet with their Study Abroad Specialist to discuss their academic preparedness for the study abroad program they are applying to.

Current WMU students under the age of 18 are only allowed to participate on a WMU Study Abroad program at the discretion of the Study Abroad Director and each program's Faculty Leader or Director (if applicable). Current WMU students applying to study abroad but have not yet turned 18 years old are required to have a parent or guardian sign the relevant application requirements within the WMU Study Abroad application. 

Dismissal from a study abroad program 

Withdrawing from a program (Post-Commitment) 

Travel to Countries or Locations with Elevated Travel Advisory 

The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control assign a 1 - 4 Travel Advisory Level to all countries. Level 1 is the safest advisory and Level 4 is the most unsafe advisory level. WMU Study Abroad will not authorize students to travel to countries at Level 4 from either the Department of State or CDC. Individual students who wish to travel to countries at Level 3 (or to countries at Level 2 with Level 3 or 4 locations and areas within) must submit to the Director of Study Abroad a summary of their study abroad program and itinerary. The summary must make specific references to the details mentioned in the Department of State or CDC, Travel Advisory for the country, and confirm that their study abroad program is not impacted by the details in the Travel Advisory. The summary is then reviewed by the Director of Study Abroad and other relevant staff in the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and a decision is made. WMU Study Abroad is not supportive of developing new study abroad programs in countries with a Level 3 Travel Advisory. If you wish to request an exemption to this policy, the faculty leader must submit to the Director of Study Abroad a summary of their program itinerary, and must make specific references to the details mentioned in the State Department Travel Advisory, and confirm that their study abroad program is not impacted by the details in the Travel Advisory. The summary is then reviewed by the Director of Study Abroad and other relevant staff in the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and a decision is made.  

Participating in study abroad not administered by WMU 

Request permission; must provide 

  • Proof that the program is officially accredited and that an official transcript will be sent to WMU Study Abroad 

  • Contact information for Program representatives 

  • Program details - location, dates, etc. 

Study Abroad Academic Policies and Procedures (links to "Campus Partners/Study Abroad Course Policies & Procedures" 

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Prepare to Travel

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Prepare to Travel

Now that you have committed to your study abroad program and are preparing to travel, the following information with help you prepare for your program.

Pre-Departure Orientation

All students participating in a study abroad program are required to participate in pre-departure orientation. The type of orientation varies, based on study abroad program details, but all students are required to complete a study abroad pre-departure course in WMU E-Learning. Then, an in person meeting or event will be scheduled to cover information in more detail. 

Identity Abroad 

WMU Study Abroad is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students while promoting study abroad opportunities for a diverse student body. Studying abroad may often place students in unfamiliar and sometimes challenging situations, with varying attitudes and perceptions of diversity issues across different countries. Researching the host culture is essential to understand common perceptions, social and historical viewpoints, and available support systems. Below are some resources to assist you in planning and preparing for your study abroad experience. 

Any student with a documented disability (e.g., physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the WMU Disability Services for Students (DSS) Office ahead of their term abroad. 

A disability determination must be made by the DSS Office before any accommodations are provided by the study abroad course's instructor.

Health & Safety

All Western Michigan University students enrolled in a study abroad program are covered by WMU's Study Abroad Insurance Program. Cost of the insurance program is built into WMU Study Abroad Program fees, or billed to students WMU student accounts. 

All WMU students have access to medical and security assistance through WMU's membership with International SOS, a leading international medical and security assistance company.  WMU's membership includes the following: 

  • 24/7 dedicated phone number for emergency and non-emergency service: +1 215 942-8226 

  • Provides an streamlined communication service for student abroad who need emergency assistance.

  • Instructions for using Alert Traveler are embedded in the WMU Study Abroad application.

Mental Health Support; 24/7 tele-consultations available.

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Return

study abroad return

Return

After you return home from your study abroad program there are several things to consider in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

 

Prepare for Reverse Culture Shock 

 

Attend WMU Study Abroad Re-entry Events 

 

Credit Transfer Information 

  • Be sure you have requested your study abroad transcript is sent to WMU 

 

Study Abroad Again 

 

Other International Opportunities 

  • Fulbright 

  • Teach English as a Second Language 

  • Peace Corps 

 

Get Involved in Global Education at WMU 

  • International RSO 

  • CELCIS Conversation Circles 

  • Connect with International Students 

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