University of Wyoming Education Abroad provides many students with their first-ever
international experience. In many cases, our students who go abroad are the first
members of their families to leave the US or to have a passport- what an exciting
prospect! Whether you have never left your hometown or have traveled abroad before
but never long term, on a program, or without your family – we are here to guide you.
In many ways, your college years are the best time for you to go abroad.
If you feel uncomfortable or intimidated at the idea of traveling abroad because it is so new to you, or if you are concerned that you “won’t know what to do” on study abroad, here are some things to remember.
There are a number of parallels between leaving high school for college and going on study abroad. In both situations, there is an adjustment period that can be challenging. If you are reading this as a UW student, then you have successfully made (or are making) that transition. Also, just as getting used to college life turns out to be enormously rewarding, so does getting used to living abroad. After getting through the period of adjustment in both situations, most people say that they are very happy to have gone to college and/or to have lived abroad, and that their lives are much better for having achieved these things.
Worried about not having much (or any) travel experience? Not having traveled does not necessarily mean that you will have greater difficulty studying abroad than more experienced participants. A first-time traveler who is organized, open-minded, and flexible often has a better time and learns more than an unprepared or irresponsible or inflexible person, regardless of their prior experiences.
Some students tell us that their families think that study abroad is unjustifiably expensive, that it is a vacation that will delay graduation, that it will make their sons or daughters forget their roots, or that it is too dangerous. We would like your family to know that we understand these concerns and encourage them to consider the following:
An official identity document issued by the government of your home country. Having a passport, or being in the application process for one, is a condition for final acceptance to UW Education Abroad programs. Visit our Passports & Visa pages for more information.
Visas are official documents issued by governments granting permission for visitors to enter a country. You may receive visa application information from your education abroad advisor, partner program manager or host institution; however, it is always your responsibility to acquire the visa and to be aware of policies and deadlines that may affect the visa process. If you do not know or are unsure if you need a visa, contact your Education Abroad Advisor. Visit our Passports & Visa Page for more information.
Staff in the Education Abroad Office would be happy to talk to you about this. Many UW students use on-line sources or STA Travel.
Most people use ATMs to get local currency while abroad. Go to the ATM and enter the amount of local currency (Euros, British pounds, Yen, etc.) that you want. Your bank at home converts that amount into US dollars and withdraws the converted amount (in dollars) from your account.
UW students going abroad are covered by a required and affordable health insurance policy. For more information see our UW International Insurance page.
This is very rare; in fact, most students say they wish their programs were longer. Our support continues while students are abroad and we are happy to connect students with resources on the ground in their host countries whatever the situation may be. It is always possible to leave a program early (though there are financial and academic complications).
The better prepared you are for a new experience, the more you can enjoy it and learn from it. We suggest reviewing our Prepare to Go and Get Started pages for resources and tools to help you prepare.
If you are curious about studying abroad or have concerns about never having traveled abroad before, come and talk to us in Education Abroad. You can schedule an appointment.