Lets Travel, UW Style!

Whether it’s France, Italy or even Rome — the choices you have courtesy of  UW are endless, and the experience you get is priceless. Studying abroad can be nerve-racking and a bit overwhelming, but also exciting! Even some of the boldest students tense up when thinking about it, especially since leaving behind your friends and family may sound intimidating. But guess what — they’ll be right there when you get back. Now is the perfect time to travel: while you’re young, free and full of energy.

You might be thinking, “Eh, maybe I’ll go after I graduate.” But who has time to travel the world in their late 20s when most are too busy to even watch television? Don’t pass up the opportunity and end up regretting it later. Take the chance now while you’re still able to. Whether it’s one week or a whole semester, you’ll be sure to come home with thrilling stories to share with your friends and family!

For every reservation or excuse you have to stay, we have a reason why you should go.

STUDY ABROAD IS SO EXPENSIVE  AND I CAN’T AFFORD IT!

Fear not, with the help of financial aid, scholarships and a little planning you can cover most of your expenses. If you currently have scholastic scholarships which are applied to your tuition expenses, there is a high chance those scholarship funds can go towards your study abroad expenses as well. If you currently do not hold any scholarships, the individual study abroad programs often have scholarships available for students participating. Check with the financial aid and global affairs office if you’re unsure about your current status.

I AM VERY DEPENDENT ON MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY; I DON’T KNOW HOW  TO BE ON MY OWN.

You’re in a new country and you’re scared. That’s OK, it happens to everyone. Starting from scratch can be quite terrifying; but fear not — the program staff are always around to help you, not to mention your classmates that are traveling beside you. With programs that last anywhere from a week to a year, everyone can find something they are comfortable with. Take this time as an opportunity to grow and become more independent. Being independent is the first step to being confident and in control of your own life and choices.

I WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN A UW SEATTLE STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM, BUT I AM A UW TACOMA STUDENT.

You are more than welcome to participate in a UW Seattle or UW Bothell program regardless if you are a UWT student. If you don’t find a program that sparks your interest here at UWT, you are encouraged to look into other varieties that the Seattle and Bothell campuses offer.

I WANT TO STUDY ABROAD, BUT I  DON’T HAVE A PASSPORT.

You must have a passport for all international travel, which means you cannot use your birth certificate, student identification card or your driver’s license — even if it’s an enhanced license. It can take weeks or even months to get your passport, so apply ahead of time. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date to see if it is valid during the time you will be traveling.

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM  STUDYING ABROAD?

Besides venturing out and exploring another culture first-hand — in everything from the food to the new language you’ll be picking up — you will also earn credits to meet your degree requirements. Instead of sitting in a classroom for roughly five hours each week, you will be immersing yourself into the culture — a much more appealing way to learn and enhance your life experience. Firsthand experience is the best way to learn, and a lot harder to forget.

Upcoming Info Sessions and Programs:

STUDY ABROAD 101
Date: Nov. 7
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: CP 206C

HOW TO FIND YOUR STUDY ABROAD
Date: Nov. 14
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: CP 303

TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD
Date: Nov. 15
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: WCG 322

RENAISSANCE THINKING FOR CONTEMPORARY LEADERSHIP TRIP
Date: March 2018
Location: Rome, Italy
Application Deadline: Dec. 1
Requirements: Must be graduate student

Have more questions? Stop by the Office of Global Affairs in GWP 102 or email them: uwtintl@uw.edu