Semester Study Abroad

Semester Study Abroad Considerations

The decision to study abroad for a semester does require advanced planning and preparation. Students need to take into consideration both their academic and personal needs and wants. This requires taking time to research program choices and asking questions to determine what they are looking for in a program abroad.

The following are academic and personal questions that students should consider as they begin their semester study abroad journey:

• Do I need a Passport?
• Academic Checklist
• Personal Checklist

Global Scholars Program Eligibility Requirements

VWU’s Global Scholars program is a competitive study abroad program open to students in all majors. Selection of students is based on the following criteria as well as the academic fit of the selected programs to the student’s major and career plans.

Eligibility Criteria for the Global Scholars Program:

• Enrolled at Virginia Wesleyan University at the time of application
• Minimum of 2.75 GPA
  • Note - Some programs have higher GPA requirements; students must meet the GPA requirement for the program for which they are applying.
• No honor code violations
• No major student conduct violations
• Cannot be studying abroad their last semester at VWU
• Have second year student standing at the time of program departure
  • Note - Some programs require students to be a third year and students must meet the criteria list for the program they are selecting
• Will return to VWU for at least one full fall or spring semester after their study abroad semester

Financing Study Abroad

The perception is that studying abroad is expensive and beyond the means of most students. However, at VWU semester study abroad is extremely affordable. During their semester abroad, Global Scholars pay VWU’s tuition, fees, room, and board (for most programs). VWU students who participate in some direct exchange programs and the VWU Global Japan Study Abroad Program will pay their room and board fees directly to the provider in-country. There are additional expenses of airfare, visas, international health insurance, application and placement fees, in-country travel expenses, and personal expenses. However, VWU students may use their existing scholarships, loans, and grants, with the exception of Work and Learn, to assist in paying for their semester abroad.

Global Scholars are encouraged to apply for external study abroad scholarships and grants, including the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the Fund for Education Abroad. Additional information on study abroad specific scholarships is provided by GoAbroad’s Guide to Study Abroad Scholarships.

For assistance with applying for scholarships or questions about financing your study abroad experience, please contact VWU’s Director of Global Engagement, Ms Mandy Reinig, (areinig@vwu.edu). You may also schedule an appointment with her using her online appointment scheduler.