University Catalog

Study Abroad/Exchange

Knight Hall 248, (307) 766-6681
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/studyabroad/
Email: studyabd@uwyo.edu

Study abroad and student international exchange opportunities are available through the International Programs Office, located on the first floor of the Cheney International Center. UW students with a minimum 2.75 GPA are eligible to apply to participate in a wide variety of for-credit programs of study outside the U.S. Some work and internship options may be available. The exchange/study abroad staff works with students individually to tailor the program of study to their specific needs. Considerations are made for cost, financial aid opportunities, transfer of credit, safety and health, time-to-graduation, country or region desired, and optional foreign language requirements.

In addition to perfecting foreign language skills (in non-English-speaking countries) and learning about another culture in depth, international education makes for a life-changing experience. It alters perspectives by developing flexibility and critical thinking. International education also engenders a sense of what it is to be an American, what it is to be a citizen of the world, and who we are individually. Study abroad and exchange can help clarify life and professional goals, and often develops greater direction, focus, and motivation for the remaining years of university life, and beyond.

Through a combination of faculty-led international classes, foreign partner universities, study abroad consortia, and cooperating U.S. universities, UW provides study abroad opportunities at hundreds of locations across the globe. Exchange opportunities also exist - they represent programs where students at partner institutions pay their home university tuition and fees, then simply exchange places. As another path to an international experience, self-designed programs of study with non-partner entities can be arranged as well.

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.