Study Abroad

Applications for Spring semester and J-term programs are due by October 1st.
Applications for Summer, Fall, and Academic year are due by March 1st.
Check the respective web site for your program in case there is a different due date.

Some programs fill quick and acceptance is on a first come first serve basis. So, the sooner you apply the better your chances.

Once we have received your complete application packet, it will be reviewed and you will be sent written notification of acceptance.

Do I have to know (or speak) a foreign language?

NO! We offer many study abroad programs taught in English. If you are interested in learning a language; many of the language programs offer introductory coursework.

What is the deadline for the forms I receive upon acceptance?

Three (3) WEEKS from the day you receive your acceptance packet. It is important that all forms are returned to us within the three week time limit as we must complete the process of your application to the university abroad.

What deposits do I need to pay?

When applying to your program, your application will not be processed until we receive the $50 deposit in addition to the required application materials. Make checks payable to UWL (include your UWL student ID or social security number on the check) and submit to OIE.

Upon acceptance to the program you are required to pay a $250 deposit to OIE within three weeks. Both of these deposits will be deducted from your bill.

Finally, in order for us to register you in the program, UW-L requires a $100 registration deposit for your semester/term abroad. (If you are studying abroad for the academic year, you are required to pay the $100 registration fee for the second semester.) This is to be paid to the Cashier's Office, and can be paid online through the TALON system.

Will I have a bill for a J-term program?

Yes, students do receive a separate bill for J-term. It is sent to students the first Monday in January and is due February 1. (Be sure to check your student account while on program!) Spring payments are usually due around March 1. The tie-in with spring fees occurs if a student receives aid for spring--that is applied before the J-term bill is due. If they receive enough aid to pay both J-term and spring, their financial aid will cover both bills. For additional information, please consult the Cashier's website: http://tuition.uwlax.jsatech.com/.

Do I really need to turn in so many photos?

YES!! The number of photos listed in your acceptance packet is what we need for you to attend the program. Photos are used for various reasons. Mainly, the university abroad requires a few photos for ID cards. We also need photos of you in our office for an International Student ID Card (ISIC) as well as one for your file. These photos need to have a clear view of your face (1x1 inch). Digital photos are acceptable. You must write your name and program on the back of each photo submitted.

Where do I get these photos taken?

These photos may be taken at Visual Communications in Wing Technology Center Room 160 . Appointments are required (phone: 785-5055 or email slezniko.larr@uwlax.edu). The cost is $8.00 for two photos.

How will I get credit for my courses?

Upon acceptance to your program you will receive a packet with another checklist to be completed within three weeks of acceptance. In this packet is a Gold form entitled “Academic Plan.” This should be taken to your academic advisor along with the course descriptions for your program. Your advisor will record which courses you will be taking abroad, the equivalent UWL course and sign the form. This form then needs to be returned to our office prior to your departure. Once you have completed your program and we receive your transcripts, the courses will be transferred to UWL.

Can a class that was failed at UW-La Crosse be retaken while abroad?

No. A student cannot retake a failed course abroad. The failed course must be repeated on campus.

What happens to my elective credits at UWL?

Unless the department evaluates the courses as satisfying a gen-ed course/category they do not count in gen-ed. If the course comes in with a 000L or 000U at the end, it does not fall into any of the gen-ed categories. “L” stands for lower division elective; “U” stands for upper division elective. Other letters of the alphabet at the end of an elective course determine where it could fall on the SNAP in the gen-ed categories. If the elective courses are not used in a major or minor, they will fall in the elective box at the end of the SNAP.

General electives do count toward the 120 needed to graduate. The number of electives a student has room for depends on their major/program. Some students have room for 10-20 credits of electives. Others have so many requirements that elective credit does not serve them well. Students are not ‘penalized” for taking electives (unless they go over the 165 credit rule for Wisconsin public institution credit).

Do I have a GPA?

Students on study abroad programs will have a GPA for the semester registered on their transcripts. It is not factored in to your cumulative GPA.

Do Spanish majors and minors need to take a Spanish course upon reentry?

YES!! Majors and minor are required to take a three-credit course at UW-L after reentry.

Students may apply to have this requirement waived. Waiver forms are available in the Modern Languages Office (315 GMH). Faculty will review the proposal and determine is the waiver will be issued, or if the student must still complete an additional course.

Will my financial aid apply to my study abroad?

YES!! On your application, make sure to check the financial aid box if you are interested in using financial aid. Once you are accepted, a Study Abroad budget will be given to the Financial Aid Office indicating the program and your out-of-pocket expenses for the term(s) you are studying abroad. The Financial Aid Office will use this budget to determine your award.

The Financial Aid Office has prepared a useful reference brochure to answer many of your questions about applying financial aid to study abroad programs. Their brochure is available here!

Are there any scholarships I can apply for?

There are several scholarships available to UWL students for study abroad program. Check out Financial Aid's website for the possibilities: http://www.uwlax.edu/finaid/scholarships.html.

What is the Academic Initiative Stipend?

The Academic Initiatives Stipend for International Education is a student funded program to facilitate a higher quality academic experience at UW-L. Stipends for UW-L students may be awarded in exchange for completing a service plan to promote international awareness and international education. More information and application forms are available on-line at: http://www.uwlax.edu/oie/SA/AID.htm.

What is the study abroad sash?

The study abroad sash is a sash to be worn at graduation. It shows the flag of the country in which you studied. You will receive this at the Saturday orientation session prior to your departure. The cost for this is included in your program fees.

Where can I find a flight?

Included in your acceptance packet is information for STA Travel. However, you are not required to purchase a flight through this agency. There are also many online websites devoted to finding flights. Some of these include, www.studentuniverse.com www.sidestep.com and www.kayak.com.

How can I complete the International & Muticultural Studies category in my Gen Ed?

You may satisfy the International and Multicultural Studies General Education requirement by completing the INS 250 (mandatory) taken prior to departure, INS 251 (journaling) taken during your program abroad, and INS 252 (re-entry) taken the semester you return. Once they have been completed, contact your College advisor to confirm the category has been satisfied on your SNAP report.

What is the INS 250 course?

The INS 250 course is required for everyone studying abroad for a semester or academic year. This is a 1 credit course through UWL. It lasts half of the semester and you will receive information about the course in your acceptance packet. OIE will register you for the appropriate section of INS 250. Non-UWL students are required to attend a weekend-intensive course. Presently, summer study abroad participates are not required to attend this class.

What is the INS 300 course?

The INS 300 course is a holding class you will be registered for during your study program. It shows that you are an active student at UWL. The course will eventually be removed from your record when the international transcripts are received and the actual courses/grades are posted to your record.

What is the study abroad orientation session?

The orientation session is NOT the same as the INS 250. This must be attended by all students who are studying abroad. It consists of four hours on a designated Saturday (stated in your acceptance packet). At the end of the session, program alumni who have studied at your abroad university will be available for a program specific Q&A session.

What do I do if I want to study abroad through another university?

First of all, make sure that we do not offer the same program through UWL. This is important as we have agreements with other universities such as Platteville and Milwaukee. If we do not offer the program you must meet with the Study Abroad Coordinator and provide printed description of the program you wish to attend. If approved, you will be required to complete the Academic Plan and Study Abroad Survey. Upon receipt of these documents, the Study Abroad Coordinator will send an approval letter to the Financial Aid Office for your consortium agreement. It is your responsibility to meet with a Financial Aid officer to arrange the transfer of any awards over to the university offering your program.

Also, please note that if you pursue a non-UWL sponsored program, you will not be registered for UWL classes for the term(s) abroad. This means you will have to go through the re-entry process. The Admissions Office has re-entry information and procedure available on their website (http://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/html/reentry.htm).

I'm a non-UWL student; how do I become registered?

Students desiring to audit or take selected courses for credit, but who do not expect to earn a degree at this university, may be enrolled as special non-degree student. This process may be done on-line at: http://www.uwlax.edu/Admissions/html/nondegree.htm. Non-UWL students will receive detailed information in their acceptance packet from OIE.

I'm a non-UWL student; what's my pin number?

The Personal Identification Number is a 4-digit number used for accessing the TALON system. For first-time users, the PIN is the month and day of your birth (i.e., birth date = May 12, PIN is 0512). You will be required to change your PIN on your first entry. The new number cannot be the same four numbers (e.g. 9999) or the original PIN number. If you have forgotten your PIN, call the registration help‑line at (608) 785-8951.

I'm a non-UWL student; how will I receive billing statements?

You should check your UWL e-mail account (8 letters of your last name "dot" and first four letters of your first name). Your password is the last four digits of your UWL ID number + month and birth date (8 digits) + @UWL (case sensitive).

EXAMPLE: E-mail Address: smith.john@students.uwlax.edu Password: 12345678@UWL

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Office of International Education
116 Graff Main Hall
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601 USA

Telephone: 608-785-8016

Fax: 608-785-8923

E-Mail: studyabroad@uwlax.edu