Why study abroad?

Studying and traveling in a different country and culture can offer an educational experience beyond anything you've known before! It allows you the opportunity to challenge yourself and your abilities to adapt and learn. You will view the world through a new perspective, perhaps causing you to question some of what you held true before. You may find that you learn as much about your own country while studying abroad as you do about your host country.

You can build or increase your fluency in a foreign language through some study abroad experiences and you can complete degree credits in general studies, pre-requisites for your major or elective areas. And, besides the personal benefits, the experience can add dramatic value to your resume for future employers or schools.

What programs do the UW Colleges offer?

Some UW Colleges study abroad travel opportunities are one to three weeks in duration and occur between semesters or during summer. They are often preceded by a campus-based or asynchronous course of instruction. You may typically earn anywhere from zero to three degree credits for a course. These courses are intensive learning experiences supervised by faculty members.

Other UW Colleges study abroad opportunities last for an entire semester and students can earn up to 12 or more credits during the experience. These study experiences are usually supervised by faculty from the host institution.

Semester Abroad programs include:

Australia. University of Ballarat, Melbourne, Australia. Contact Whiz Beck, UW Marathon, (715) 261-6238.

Scotland. Are you interested in spending a semester in Scotland and living in a 300-year-old castle?

The "Experience Scotland: Wisconsin in Scotland" (WIS) program is a study abroad opportunity located in Dalkeith, Scotland, just 6 miles from the capitol city of Edinburgh.  Students participating in this program live in the 300-year-old Dalkeith House on more than 1,000 acres of beautiful, forested estate land.  Students engage in a unique and dynamic academic program designed to allow them to earn credit towards their American bachelor’s degree while learning about Scottish history and culture.  A core curriculum of credits is required, of which students are expected to take at least one British course as well as “Scotland: Society and Globalization,” taught by Scottish professors.  Students can also take courses from a variety of University of Wisconsin instructors who vary each semester.  Classes are taught in the house and meals are prepared and served there daily, as well. Click here for more information.

If you are interested in learning more about the Wisconsin in Scotland program, please visit the website at www.uwrf.edu/wis.

If you will be applying for the program, please note that you will be classified as a “special student” through UW-River Falls (the campus from which the program is administrated).  Although you will not be on the UW-River Falls campus, you will be using UW-River Falls resources. In addition to completing the WIS application (found on the website), all WIS special student applicants must complete a UW-River Falls “Special Student Application” that will allow you to enroll in WIS as a special non-degree student at UW-River Falls.

For more information, please contact  the Wisconsin in Scotland Program Coordinator, Kelsey McLean: kelsey.mclean@uwrf.edu or (715) 425-3238.

Can I afford it?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for many study abroad programs. Students who have been accepted and approved for financial aid for the academic year in which the study abroad occurs may wish to have their aid re-evaluated based on the costs of study abroad. Partial scholarships may be available for students who demonstrate financial need according to FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) guidelines.

Other Study Abroad Opportunities
UW Colleges students are eligible to participate in some of the UW baccalaureate campuses study abroad programs. Often, a student can join a program at the campus where they will transfer upon return from the study abroad program. Contact the Office of Student Services to learn how to access information.

For more information, visit the UW Colleges study abroad website or contact the Office of Student Services.