Study Abroad

Thinking about studying abroad through Willamette? START HERE:

1^st… Think about why you want to study abroad. Are you after the ultimate liberal arts experience, intercultural understanding, language acquisition and/or something else?

2^nd… Explore this website. Research the selection criteria, how to apply, deadlines, the available programs, and the required IDS 102X Maximizing the Study Abroad Experience (.25) course. If interested in a WU Sponsored Program through ISEP read the What is ISEP? page.

3^rd… Visit the Upcoming Events page to find the "when" and "where" of Information Sessions. These sessions will give you practical and necessary information about the Willamette study abroad process- from application to return from a program.

4^th… Understand how Willamette credit is awarded for courses completed abroad and the costs associated with studying abroad.

5^th...After attending an Information Session and thoroughly exploring the website, visit the Office of International Education (located on the ground level of Matthews) and make an Advising appointment. Advising gives you more information about the programs, help you identify programs that work be for you, and answer application questions you have. Our advisors, Stacy West and Nicole Melius, are looking forward to meeting with you!

6^th.... Consider taking IDS 203 (W) Intercultural Study within Cultural Immersion (1.0) course during your semester abroad.

7^th... Meet with your academic advisor about your study abroad plans and program choices. You will need his/her endorsement on the Advisor Meeting Form for your application. Make arrangements for a Faculty Recommendation, Personal Recommendation, and Language Assessment as well. Inform your family and other loved-ones you are considering studying abroad and share all information with them.

Why study abroad?

Although the number of students from the U.S. studying abroad grows each year, still about only 1% of college students spend a semester or year studying in another country. At Willamette, studying abroad is more common than the national trend, for the last five years around 50% of each graduating class has earned credit abroad. Still, it is important to note that studying abroad is an earned privilege, and only qualified students are selected for programs. Read the selection criteria and find out how to apply

There are multiple reasons why so many Willamette students study abroad; a few are outlined below.

The Ultimate Liberal Arts Experience

Many say the purpose of a liberal arts education is to teach students how to think and how to learn. Studying abroad takes you to the next level of critical thinking as you are taken outside of your comfort zone and pushed to expand beyond what you know.

In your classrooms abroad you will most likely encounter new or different styles of teaching and learning than you are accustomed. In adapting to these new styles you will not only learn the content of the course, but new ways of grasping knowledge and understanding.

In living abroad you will on a daily basis find yourself in situations that challenge the way you act and ideas and understandings that challenge the way you think. These challenges will help you grow as a student, person and citizen of the world.

Language Acquisition

To immerse yourself in a language is one of the best and quickest way to learn. Whether you go abroad to start learning a language or to master one, speaking, writing, and reading the language daily is guaranteed to improve your skills. Learn more about language acquisition while abroad.

Résumé Building

Many companies now rank international experience as something they look for in a great employee. There are many desirable qualities that studying abroad can help foster such as problem solving skills, critical thinking, adaptability, intercultural communication skills, perseverance, foreign language fluency and many more.

More opinions and information on why to study abroad can be found at Study Abroad… Now More Than Ever, an online journal.