Get Started

There are so many options to study abroad through UW! Let us help walk you through our programs, planning, applying, and more! 

If you are just getting started on planning your study abroad journey, check out the application timeline below. It will guide you through a series of steps and topics to consider when selecting a program.  

Explore Programs

Shrine Island, Hiroshima, Japan

APplication Timeline

This is a general timeline for semester, academic year, winter and summer (non faculty-directed program applicants). If you are past these monthly milestones, do not worry - contact us and we can talk about the options available to you. 

For all programs, it is best to complete the UW application process well before the published deadline!

*Program specific deadlines vary, many programs have earlier deadlines! Please ask us about specific exchange program/partner provider deadlines to ensure you can choose from all possible program options for studying, interning, volunteering or researching abroad.  

  • Fall or Academic Year Programs: Apply on or before MARCH 15
  • J-term Programs: Apply on or before OCTOBER 1
  • Spring Programs: Apply on or before OCTOBER 15
  • Summer Programs: Apply on or before FEBRUARY 15

Timeline for Students in Faculty-Directed Programs >

Nighttime in Marina Bay, Sinagpore

Get Inspired 

We have Education Abroad Events throughout the year and provide updates on Instagram and Facebook to keep you in the loop. Be sure to attend our study abroad fair in the fall or spring! 

Explore Programs 

Start exploring program options! Use our program discovery page to search all programs by location, term, keyword, etc. If you have more questions about the programs make an appointment with one of our advisors. 

Meet with Program Assistants or UWYO Abroad Ambassadors 

You can meet with our Program Assistants or UWYO Abroad Ambassadors, students who have been abroad that work with our office, to learn about the basic steps to studying abroad. Speak with them to learn about program types, scholarships, and academic planning. 

Speak with your Academic Advisor about your interest in studying abroad 

We recommend that you meet with your academic advisor to discuss your study abroad plans and how courses completed abroad will fit into your UW degree program. 

Create a Profile 

Create a profile in the Cowboys Abroad Portal, our study abroad application system. Once your profile is created, you may return to the system at any time to start/continue an application. 

Make sure to bookmark the Cowboys Abroad Portal so you can easily log back into your profile! If you already have a profile, log in to make sure the information is updated and accurate. 

Identify Your Goals 

The best action begins with reflection. Why do you want to study abroad? 

Attend Info Sessions or Drop-in Advising Hours 

Not sure where to start? Come talk with an advisor or peers who have studied abroad during Drop-In Advising hours.

Narrow Down your Choices 

At this time, you should begin narrowing down your choices. Select 1-2 programs now to ensure you complete the requirements on time, and make an appointment to discuss your ideas! 

 

Apply/Renew Passport 

Regardless of your program, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended return date. Visit our Passports & Visa page for more information. 

Make an Appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor 

Make an appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor to learn about the application process, eligibility requirements, as well as academic and financial planning. 

 

Start an Application 

Once you have met with an Education Abroad advisor, you will decide on a program that best fits your goals and your academic needs. Once you have informed your advisor of your decision, they will assign you to that program’s application in the Cowboys Abroad Portal. The application will consist of a short essay on your study abroad goals, two questionnaires, a scanned copy of your passport, a scan of your official transcript, and a recommendation from your academic advisor. 

 

Attend Program Specific Information Sessions 

Program Specific Information Sessions are a great way to learn more about the program you apply for, hear from past students, and speak to advisors. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming info sessions. 

Figure out Finances 

  • UWYO Abroad Budget Calculator: estimate the total cost of your program including program fees, cost of living, insurance, airfare, passport applications, visa costs, etc. 

  • Money Matters: learn more about program costs and billing, financial aid and scholarships and managing expenses. 
     

Apply for Scholarships 

Many scholarships have very early deadlines, especially for summer study abroad. Apply early, even if you haven’t finalized your program selection.  

Available Scholarship Information 

Submit Your Application 

Finalize and submit your UW study abroad application. Note: Some components of the application, such as meeting with an Education Abroad Advisor, require advance planning. Review specifics on the Apply page. 

  • Money Matters: Learn more about program costs and billing, financial aid and scholarships and managing expenses. 

For Students in Faculty-Directed Programs 

Faculty-Directed Programs are our most popular option! Faculty-Directed programs are courses created and taught primarily by UW faculty, and will be in class with other UW students. Offered primarily during the summer and winter sessions, each faculty-directed program focuses on a certain academic discipline with students earning direct UW course credit, and incorporates excursions and field trips to give students the opportunity to explore and learn about their host country. University, major and elective credit may be earned through participation in a faculty-directed program. If you are interested in applying for faculty-directed programs, follow the steps below. If you have any questions, please contact uwyoabd@uwyo.edu 

  1. Explore program options by searching for “faculty-directed” in our program search engine.

  2. If you have any questions about course specifics, contact the faculty leader. Contact Education Abroad or come to our Walk-In Advising sessions for all other questions.

  3. Create and complete the UW faculty-directed program application by clicking the “Apply Now” button.

  4. Once the application is complete, it will be reviewed by the education abroad advisor and/or faculty leader, after which you will be notified of a decision. Please note that the timeline of application review varies from program to program.

  5. Once the application is approved, you will be notified and asked to confirm your participation.

  6. Complete all pre-departure application items in the Education Abroad Portal application.
Explore Programs

The University of Wyoming Education Abroad offers a variety of education abroad programs for undergraduate students during the academic year and summer. View the four general programs available and check out our catalog search

Academic Planning

Academic planning can go a long way towards maximizing your study abroad experience. We are here to help you learn more about academic planning before you go and the credit transfer process. 

Money Matters

Education abroad is an investment in your future, but that does not mean it has to break the bank.  With careful planning, research and using the resources available, students can make their international experience as cost-effective as it is rewarding. 

Prepare to Go

Pre-departure preparation ensures that you have a successful, productive and safe experience abroad. Find resources to prepare you for your time abroad – everything from passports and visas to medication precautions and insurance.

Students riding camels in the Sahara Desert, Morocco
Apply

Are you ready to start completing your UW Study Abroad Application?

Application Details