Family Guide to Study Abroad
Study abroad is a transformative experience which leads to personal growth. It allows for active engagement in the pursuit of knowledge and skills and offers options for advancing unique & diverse personal and career goals. While study abroad isn’t the only life-changing opportunity available at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, eighty-one percent of college-bound students indicate a strong desire to participate (studentPOLL, January 2008).
What types of programs does UW Oshkosh offer?
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh runs three types of programs which can last from two weeks to a full year abroad.
On faculty-led programs, a UW Oshkosh faculty member accompanies a group of UW Oshkosh students throughout their stay in the foreign country or on an entry tour at the beginning of the experience.
On traditional study abroad programs, UW Oshkosh students travel individually or in groups to study at one of UW Oshkosh’s partners abroad. Students are enrolled directly in the host institution and are typically part of the general student body. These programs offer a high level of immersion, a wide range of courses at the host institution, and use of the host institution's facilities.
On student exchange programs, students pay the tuition of their home university while studying abroad. Students are enrolled directly in the host university for a full immersion experience.
Which program is right for my student?
UW Oshkosh offers over fifty programs, making it possible to find a program with the right fit – with help! You and your student can choose the resource which works best for you.
The Office of International Education web site includes extensive information on each program and offers answers to Frequently Asked Questions through our Study Abroad Handbook and Orientation materials.
Our staff offers advising through regular exploratory meetings, where we encourage students to consider academic, personal and career goals when choosing a program.
Our staff is also available to answer questions and offer individual advising.
Will my student receive academic credit and graduate on time?
With proper planning, your student can choose a program which offers academic credit that will count toward graduation requirements – in which case there is no need to make up time spent abroad.
How much does study abroad cost? Can we use financial aid?
Costs depend on the type, length and destination of the program. Total costs for a semester (including program fees, airfare, health insurance, personal expenses) can run from approximately $8,000 - $12,000 and for a short-term program from $175 (seriously!) to $5,500. Many UW Oshkosh students cover study abroad costs with financial aid and student loans.
My student doesn’t speak a foreign language. Is it still possible to study abroad?
Absolutely! While studying a foreign language or taking classes in a foreign language are always possiblities, the majority of UW Oshkosh students who study abroad do so in English. Studying in English is even possible in countries where the native language is not English.
What about health & safety abroad?
UW Oshkosh offers programs to a broad range of locations. Health & safety information for each destination is included in orientation materials linked from each program's web page. Interested students and family members have access to this information before choosing a program location.
What do UW Oshkosh students say about abroad?
Studying abroad has been a defining experience in my life. I've always been interested in traveling, but being able to completely dive into a new - and sometimes frightening - experience has challenged and enlightened me more than I could have ever hoped. I feel that not only have I become more culturally competent, but I also have the tools to do anything and go anywhere in my life. I can't imagine my college experience without my experience in Japan.
Erin Rammer, USA Summer Camp (Japan), 2007
Contact
Room: Dempsey Hall Room 146
Phone: 1-920-424-0775
Fax: 1-920-424-0185
Email: oie@uwosh.edu
Web: http://www.uwosh.edu/oie/abroad/
This page was last updated on: December 2, 2009