5 Things to Know about Study Abroad

Curious about study abroad? Unsure whether it will work with your schedule, budget, and Arts & Sciences major? Here are some things to consider:

1. YOU CAN STAY ON TRACK ACADEMICALLY. 

“Arts & Sciences offers more than 100 study abroad programs in 36 countries, from month-long courses to longer programs. A good portion of these are faculty-led, with participants receiving UW credit that can apply to their major or general education requirements. What better way to satisfy VLPA credits?  An academic advisor can help you make an informed decision.”  —  Cynthia Caci, Director of Advising, College of Arts & Sciences

2. WORRIED ABOUT THE COST? THERE'S HELP FOR THAT.

“UW Study Abroad offers tons of tools and resources to help you financially prepare for your trip. We also offer scholarships for students from all majors. Get started by coming to a financial planning workshop in-person or online. You can also chat with us on our website or meet with an adviser. Visit our website to learn more!”  —  Kiana Parker, Global Opportunities Adviser, UW Study Abroad

3. YOU'LL DEVELOP LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS.  

“I went on a creative writing program at the UW Rome Center. I wasn’t expecting to develop such a close relationship with not only my cohort of writers, but with my professors as well. We were truly a Roman family for those three months, and we still keep in touch today, a year on. My professors were also an enormous help in my endeavors after graduation.”  — Maya Paschal, BA, English, 2017

4. STUDY ABROAD WILL HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER.

“I got to have amazing hands-on experiences in India. Being there physically allowed me to engage in all of the emotions of the place. But not only that, it helped me develop cultural competence, which is really important for healthcare providers. Sure, you could read about cultural differences in healthcare, but it was amazing to see it in person.”  —  Kenia Diaz, senior, Biology and English

5. THE STUDY ABROAD OFFICE IS READY TO HELP.

“Cross the bridge over 15th Ave NE to the 4th floor of Schmitz Hall to start your quest for a great study abroad experience! You can drop in weekdays between 10 and 4 — no appointment needed. Our peer advisers have all studied abroad and are a great first resource for you. We can help you find the right program with the right credits in the right place, and also help with the financial piece. Cross the bridge. Start your quest.”  —  Wolf Latsch, Director, UW Study Abroad

AND MORE…

6. PLAN SOME ALONE TIME.

“I studied abroad in Ecuador during the summer after my freshman year. It was a truly life-changing experience! I would challenge students studying abroad to try to take at least one day on their trip to go off on an adventure by themselves. Spending time alone in a foreign country teaches you to be resourceful and is both frightening and exhilarating at the same time.”   — Alder Strange, senior, Biochemistry, Psychology, and Musical Theater

7. THE WORLD IS THE BEST CLASSROOM.

“I have studied abroad three times, in Rome, Edinburgh, and Tahiti. These experiences have each been so unique and gratifying. They taught me so much and had such an impact not only on my UW career but on my life. I know there are often financial concerns when considering studying abroad (I know I had them), but there are scholarships. And sometimes students feel too busy to study abroad, but there are short programs — all my programs were a month. Ultimately learning from classrooms in Seattle can’t compare to the experiential learning study abroad provides.”  — Grecia Leal Pardo, senior, Drama & Classics

8. YOU WILL DISCOVER NEW THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF. 

“Studying abroad is going to move you out of your comfort zone, but embrace it--it's an important part of the learning there. You're going into an unfamiliar place, without much of the network you have at home or school and you get to experience that and learn how it feels, while in a program that can support you during that time to be successful.”  — Bo Goodrich, senior, Economics major

9. YOU'LL CONNECT WITH YOUR PROFESSORS, TOO.

“I studied abroad in Amsterdam through a program in my major. If you have even a small interest in studying abroad, you should absolutely apply to a program! Not only will it help you to learn about other cultures and perspectives, it will get you out of your comfort zone, allow you to create once in a lifetime experiences, and start to develop strong relationships with the professors and the students in your program.”  — Jessica Niewohner, senior, Law, Societies & Justice