Study Abroad

Application Process for Faculty-Led Programs

Phase 1: Pre-Decision
Phase 2: Post-Decision
Phase 3: While Abroad
Phase 4: Returnee

Phase 1: Pre-Decision

All applications begin in the ‘Pending’ status. Once the Pre-Decision items have been completed, the application is reviewed by the program’s designated study abroad specialist. Some Faculty Directors require an interview as part of the pre-selection process.

It’s important for students to research scholarships and meet with Financial Aid early in the process to have a plan! Be sure to complete your application at this stage before the deadline.

Call Bronco Express and request a financial aid advising appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor in Faunce to talk about using your aid toward a study abroad program.

Phase 2: Post-decision

Accepted means that the student has been approved by Western Michigan University to study abroad. You are not officially a participant until you commit!

New Items Appeared in Your Application

You will see additional application materials within your application once your status reaches the post-decision phase. These can be completed after you commit to the program and in some cases, once notified by the faculty director.

Acceptance Email

Once accepted, an email will be sent to you by your Study Abroad Specialist. This email will include notification of acceptance, a link to the budget, a commitment deadline.

Before Committing

Review and understand the withdraw deadlines and penalties.

Meet with your academic advisor to ensure the program is a good fit academically.

Meet with your study abroad specialist and/or faculty director if you have any questions.

Meet with Financial Aid in Faunce to find out how much funding you have available in addition to personal funds and scholarships. Compare the funds you have available to the budget provided. Will you have enough?

Committed means that you are serious about participating and that you are financially able to participate in the program. It is also when the non-refundable commitment fee is billed.

A Note About Registration Holds

Students with holds on their WMU accounts cannot be registered for the program course and must resolve these holds as soon as possible. If the student does not resolve the hold, then they cannot participate in the program.

Once you are committed, you should do the following:

Attend pre-departure orientation. Meeting with your Faculty Director as required!

Make arrangements for any obligations in the US such as housing leases, pet care, and car storage etc…

Apply for your passport so you have plenty of time to apply for a visa if necessary.

When your status changes to Enrolled, it means you have been registered in place-holder courses at WMU which maintain your status as a student, enable you to access financial aid, be eligible for study abroad scholarships from WMU, and transfer your credits.

BEFORE BOOKING AIRFARE

*Wait until the faculty director notifies you that it is okay to book airfare, then do the following as applicable:

Apply for a visa to enter the country (if needed)

Book your airfare.

Six or more weeks before departure, meet with your doctor and/or travel nurse at Sindecuse to cover all health related matters such as vaccines, medication, as well as mental and physical health.

Make sure you have completed all post-decision application requirements in Broncos Abroad.

phase 3: While abroad

Once you know the address of where you will be living, you will need to submit it in your Broncos Abroad account. This is so we can locate you in the event of an emergency.

Share your adventures with us on social media by tagging us or becoming a social media volunteer while studying abroad!

#globallyengagedbroncos

phase 4: returnee

Share your story by filling out the Faculty-Led Survery, writing blogs, testimonials, presenting in classrooms, at tabling events or just tell people you know!