General Expectations

All study abroad participants are expected to:

  1. Routinely check their @wmich.edu email address and respond to correspondence from WMU Study Abroad staff promptly.
  2. Submit all documents requested by WMU Study Abroad prior to their specified due date. If required forms are not received by specified dates, students may be denied the ability to participate in a program without financial recourse.
  3. Complete all components of the Broncos Abroad application, including requirements made available after being accepted into the program, while abroad, and upon return. This includes recorded predeparture modules and their accompanying assessments prior to the specified due date.
  4. Attend any in-person orientations and pre-departure meetings as scheduled by the program director and/or the WMU Study Abroad Office. It is the participant’s responsibility to make arrangements to attend these meetings. Failure to participate in any required pre-departure and orientation meetings may result in dismissal from the program and forfeiture of all program fees.
  5. Be enrolled in a course associated with their study abroad program prior to its departure. Typically, WMU Study Abroad processes the enrollment. Students who are not enrolled in a course (due to a hold or otherwise) are not permitted to participate in a study abroad program.
  6. Maintain full-time student status (minimum 12-credit hours for undergraduates/6-credit hours for graduate students per semester) if on a semester or academic year study abroad program.
  7. Individually contact the consulate or consular services section of the embassy of their host country, complete all visa processes and requirements, and pay respective fees and costs. WMU Study Abroad is not responsible for obtaining student visas nor is it responsible for visa complications, delays, or denials. Applying for a visa can be an involved process that requires a student’s careful attention and time. Students usually required to and are strongly encourage to apply for a visa several months prior to their travel date. Some embassies and consulates require students to appear in-person to apply for their visa, to meet certain medical requirements, and to demonstrate proof of travel with a return ticket. Some countries will not issue visas to persons with a police record..