Welcome, Cougs, to WSU! Now, let’s get you abroad!
As a WSU student, you have access to the full study abroad catalogue of programs WSU is affiliated with through the Education Abroad office. We hope you use these resources to help pick a program, find scholarship information, and get started on your journey to go abroad. If you have any questions, email ip.edabroad@wsu.edu for assistance.
Step 1: Complete Global Cougs 101
Log-in to mystudyabroad using your WSU credentials. If you are a new student who has not registered for classes yet, you may have limited access to myStudyAbroad. Once you are an enrolled student, you should be able to access this website.
The Global Cougs 101 tutorial is offered asynchronously through myStudyAbroad and is an overview of the program types, applications, eligibility requirements, and additional resources available to you. Basically, it’s where to go if you don’t know where to start. You can complete the modules at your own pace, but it should not take longer than 20-30 minutes. You are able to go back to the modules to access the resources anytime you’d like, even months or years later.
Because time with Education Abroad Advisors is limited, we ask that you complete GC101 before scheduling an appointment with an advisor in our office. However, meeting with a Education Abroad Advisor is NOT required to go abroad.
Step 2: Talk to an Academic Advisor
As soon as you know you want to go abroad while at WSU, let your academic advisor(s) know your plans. Ask them to help you set aside classes that are easy to take abroad, like UCORE or Honors courses, and if they know of any programs other students have done that worked well for your major.
Planning early is a key component of successfully studying abroad without delaying graduation, so reach out to your advisor now! For a sample email you can send to your advisor to start the conversation about studying abroad.
Step 3: Pick a Program and Apply!
Determine your priorities for what the “best” option is for you. Whether it be finances, course offerings, or specific countries you’re interested in, use the Advising Guides to look for programs that could be a good fit. Advising Guides
Attend info sessions or the WSU Study Abroad Fair to learn more about options available. Maybe you don’t know where you want to go until you stumble across the opportunity on accident. You can’t open yourself to that possibility unless you attend events geared towards studying abroad!
If you’ve completed Global Cougs 101, schedule a meeting with an Education Abroad Advisor if you are having trouble finding a program that works. We’re here to help and know the amount of programs can be intimidating. Don’t forget that most programs have two applications to complete – through WSU and through the provider or host university.
Step 4: Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid
Study Abroad scholarship resources are available on the Education Abroad website here. Scholarships are also offered through providers, exchange universities, and academic departments.
Non-WSU Funding for Study Abroad
It is your responsibility to create a financial plan to study abroad. If you are using federal financial aid at WSU, you’ll still be able to use those funds for studying abroad. For information on what aid can and cannot be used to study abroad, visit the Student Financial Services website here.
Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions
Students who receive the Pell grant at WSU are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship. The Gilman Scholarship is offered through the Department of Education to provide equal opportunity to college students looking to broaden their cultural horizons. The Distinguished Scholars office at WSU provides support to students with application essays and more if you’re interested in applying!
www.gilmanscholarship.org/
distinguishedscholarships.wsu.edu/
Stay connected to Education Abroad!
Follow us on Instagram to get updates on study abroad programs, deadlines, and hear from current Cougs abroad: @wsugloballearning @storiesfromabroadWSU
Reach out to your Academic Advisors
Use the following email template for assistance in reaching out to your academic advisor to start the study abroad conversation. Keep in mind that you may need to reach out to multiple academic advisors if you plan to double major or declare a minor. Students in the Honors College should also work with their Honors Advisor to plan for study abroad. If you are not declared to a major, work with your assigned advisor from the ASCC until you are accepted into your major.
Hi <Academic Advisor>,
I wanted to let you know that I am interested in studying or interning abroad while I’m a WSU student. I have completed Global Cougs 101 and I think doing a program abroad during <insert semester/year> would be ideal for me, but I wanted to meet with you to discuss program options, timing, and classes I should save to study abroad, including UCORE or electives in my major.
Do you have time to meet this week to discuss more?
Thank you,
<Name>
Hi <Academic Advisor>,
I wanted to let you know that I am interested in studying or interning abroad while I’m a WSU student. Before I set up a meeting with my Education Abroad Advisor, I wanted to meet with you to get feedback on timing, courses to save for my semester abroad, and programs other students you’ve worked with have done. I have completed Global Cougs 101 and feel ready to talk more about studying abroad. Do you have time to meet this week to discuss more?
Thank you, <Name>
For Parents and Family
We know that sending your students abroad can be exciting, but also scary. Here are a few quick facts to help you understand the significance of your student getting the opportunity to go abroad:
- 97% of study abroad students found employment within 12 months of graduation.
- 90% of study abroad alumni who applied got into their 1st or 2nd choice graduate school.
- 96% of study abroad students indicate an increase of maturity and self-confidence after studying abroad.
- Students who study abroad are 19% more likely to graduate than their peers.
- 80% of study abroad student reported that study abroad allowed them to better adapt to diverse work environments.
What Statistics Show about Study Abroad Students
We want to assuage any fears you have about your student going abroad with WSU. Keep an eye out for our family-version of Global Cougs 101 this Fall. Once scheduled, the link to register will appear below.