University Catalog

Education Abroad

(307) 766-3677
Email: uwyoabd@uwyo.edu
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/uwyoabroad

The Education Abroad Office connects students from all majors and programs with international study, exchange, service and internship opportunities on six of the seven continents at hundreds of locations around the globe. Students earn UW credit towards major, minor or general education requirements on academic year, semester, summer and faculty-led short-term programs. The Education Abroad Office is located on the first floor of the Cheney International Center.

UW students with a minimum 2.750 GPA are eligible to apply to participate on a wide variety of credit-bearing programs outside of the U.S. The Education Abroad Office staff advises students individually to tailor the program to students’ specific needs. Considerations are made for cost, financial aid opportunities, transfer of credit, health and safety, degree completion, country or region desired, and foreign language requirements.

In addition to learning about other cultures in depth and perfecting foreign language skills, studying abroad can be a life changing experience. Students return home with altered perspectives by developing flexibility and critical thinking skills. Students gain a greater sense of what it is to be an American, what it is to be a citizen of the world, and who they are individually. Studying abroad can help students clarify life and professional goals which leads to the development of greater direction, focus, and motivation for the remaining years of their university life and beyond.

Commonly Held Misconceptions about Study Abroad

Myth 1: I can't afford to study abroad.

Fact: There are many programs available with costs comparable to studying at UW.  Careful financial planning is always important.

Myth 2: I can't use my financial aid to study abroad.

Fact: Financial aid and most scholarships can be used for study abroad and exchange programs. UW also has the largest study abroad scholarship endowment of any public university in the U.S.  This means that scholarships are available to many qualified students.

Myth 3: I can't study abroad for less than a semester.

Fact: There are many study abroad classes led by UW faculty for a shorter period of time during the winter or summer breaks.  These classes are anywhere from two weeks to two months in length.

Myth 4: Because I speak English only, I am limited to English-speaking countries for study abroad.

Fact: There are a great many programs abroad for English speakers in non-English speaking countries. In order to attract U.S. students, many foreign universities offer courses in English.

Myth 5: I can't graduate on time if I study abroad.

Fact:  It is important that you work closely with your academic adviser to select a location of study that offers the courses you require to complete your degree on time.

Myth 6: There is nowhere abroad I can complete courses in my major.

Fact: UW offers hundreds of study abroad sites overseas, while some majors have stricter curriculum and certification requirements than others, there are opportunities available for nearly everyone to study abroad.

Myth 7: It is dangerous to live abroad.

Fact: Studying overseas is no more or less dangerous than it is in the U.S. UW carefully selects and monitors the security situations in our students' study locations. By exercising precaution and making wise decisions, students can help ensure their own safety abroad.

For further information visit the study abroad website at www.uwyo.edu/studyabroad.