WU Sponsored Study Abroad
Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026 or Year 25-26
Apply Here (opening
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Step 1: Watch FIRST STEP
FIRST STEP - a 12 minute VIMEO will get you started!
We require this session. This informational video explains how study abroad works at WU, how to navigate the program choices, how to find and use your resources, and outlines the application process.
Step 2: Complete the Advising Request Form
Request Study Abroad Advising Form
This form gives us information about what you are seeking in a study abroad program. We can reach out to you with resource information based on how you respond so you can check to see how your interests align with programs. It helps you identify people and resources available to support you during the application process. This form is not part of a study abroad application.
Step 3: Join Email Group and Explore Programs
Prepare while you wait for your advising meeting.
- In fall, join the Go Abroad 2025-2026 email group. This is used in fall semester for updates about upcoming events, important notices and tips for completing an on-time application!
- Explore information! Research how to apply, explore our programs, note deadlines and other information. Review the elements needed to complete your application here.
Step 4: Meet with Advisors - we have things to talk about!
OIE study abroad Advisor: In the fall semester, we will begin individual advising. This is an opportunity to ask questions you have, discuss program details, review eligibility and policies. Our goal is to assist you in program discernment and submitting a strong application. Not sure what question you have? That's okay, we have questions that can help guide you!
Academic Advisor: Meet with your academic advisor to discuss what kind of courses you may need or want to take abroad. Talk about how studying abroad will fit into your overall degree plan. We require this meeting. Foreign language program? Meet with the WU language department to discuss how the courses would come back to WU.
Step 5: Start an application
When the link becomes available, click on Apply Now! Choose a program to open an application. Sign in with your WU credentials. This step is how you get WU's approval to participate in study abroad with WU's sponsorship. Your application will be for a specific program but you will also list alternative programs in the application.
How many applications?
- Interested in 1 semester: You will have 1 application by the deadline.
- If you want summer and a semester, you will have 2 separate applications.
- 2 semesters? Consult with OIE for advice.
Step 6: Consider how you will pay for study abroad
Start planning now for how you will pay for study abroad! Review program information and the Cost Matrix for an estimate of potential costs.
Willamette financial aid: For all Willamette-sponsored programs, you are billed regular WU tuition and use your usual financial aid. How will your financial aid work or how can you add aid? Contact a WU financial aid advisor.
Study abroad scholarships: Research scholarships EARLY (even as you apply to study abroad!) to avoid missing deadlines.
- Some scholarship deadlines will come before you receive the official approval of your study abroad application. Don't wait!
- Check eligibility requirements of each scholarship. Contact the scholarship program to find out if you can apply before you have final approval from Willamette.
- Start as early as you can!
Step 7: Check your Passport
You DO NOT have to have a passport in order to apply for study abroad. You do need to complete the item in the application that asks you about passports.
Get a Passport or Renew your passport as soon as you can! Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the end date of your program. Do this NOW - even as you apply for study abroad. There are long wait times for passport processing. Your passport will be needed to enroll with the program host/provider, to obtain a visa prior to departure and for other processes.
You must hold a valid passport (good for 6 months after the end date of your program) not later than March 1 for summer/fall programs and September 1 for spring programs.
What Happens Next?
Ask OIE any questions on any aspect of your study abroad interest. The Committee needs an accurate assessment of your intentions. Consider credit needs, financial implications, program "fit", and anything that has changed since you submitted your application.
Decision Notification will be in mid/late February. All applicants are notified of decisions at the same time.
If you are approved/accepted by the Off-Campus Study Committee for WU sponsored study abroad:
- A program and term are assigned to you in the decision notification.
- You will Commit or Decline the offer. You will have about 10 days to do so. Be ready to move forward in the process if you want to commit.
- About four months before the program's start, you will complete a separate process to register for your assigned program.
Materials in the application describe withdraw and refund policies which you agree to as you apply.
Questions?
Check the OIE website, view First Step, use your OIE advising session. Still have questions? oieadvising@willamette.edu. Our office remains open year round, including throughout the summer.