Study Abroad Timeline

See links below for a comprehensive and chronological guide to studying abroad.

  • When You Arrive at Wesleyan (and Before)
    1. Enroll in a language course and continue studying that language until you study abroad
    2. Visit the OSA website to research programs or countries of interest
    3. Research the relevance of specific study abroad programs to your intended major(s)
    4. Attend the annual Study Abroad Fair in September
    5. Seek out the advice of returnees or international students
    6. Make sure that your passport is current, even if you’re not sure when you will go abroad
    7. Discuss any major-specific study abroad considerations with your pre-major or major academic advisor
    8. Follow the Office of Study Abroad on Facebook for updates on deadlines, news, and events
  • One Year Before You Plan to Study Abroad
    1. Visit OSA website and office to research programs and read program reviews
    2. Research additional scholarship opportunities and note deadlines
    3. Meet with major academic advisor to discuss programs, major credit
    4. Apply for/renew passport if needed
  • The Semester Before You Go

    Students are strongly advised to take a course in their target language the semester before studying abroad even if they have previously met the prerequisite. We cannot emphasize enough the correlation between language proficiency and your personal well-being and sense of accomplishment while abroad.

    Applying for programs:

    1. Weeks 1 and 2 of semester:
      • Start application process on ViaTRM and watch the First Steps video
      • Visit the OSA to discuss your plans and the application process
    2. Know your deadlines*:
      • Oct 1 (for spring)/Feb 22 (for fall/full year): Wesleyan programs (Bologna, Madrid, Paris), exchange programs, and petition programs applications DUE
      • Oct 15 (for spring)/Mar 1 (for fall/full year): Wesleyan permission application for pre-approved programs DUE
      • NOTE - Wesleyan's application deadlines have been extended for Fall and Academic Year 2021 study abroad: March 1 for Petition programs; March 8 for Wesleyan-run, exchange, and pre-approved programs
    3. Submit applications to programs of interest
    4. Submit transcript requests if required by programs
    5. Request letters of recommendation from faculty members if required by programs
    6. Submit applications for grants/scholarships if applying
    7. Share our family page with interested parents or family members

    *Please keep in mind that for most pre-approved programs you will also be applying to the programs directly. Their application deadlines will vary and may be earlier than the Wesleyan study abroad application deadline. 

    After you’ve accepted a program:

    1. Notify OSA of your acceptance
    2. Pay program deposit
    3. Obtain your student visa – it’s important to start this process early
    4. Review your country’s information on the US Dept of State website and CDC website 
    5. See your doctor for a travel consultation
    6. Enroll in the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) through the US Dept of State 
    7. Read the Wesleyan Study Abroad Handbook 
    8. Sign up for a pre-departure orientation
    9. Notify your bank of your travel plans; ensure ATM access in your country or arrange other banking plans
    10. Book your flight
  • Week of Departure
    1. Ensure you have a sufficient amount of cash upon arrival in the currency of your program site for immediate arrival needs. If currency is difficult to obtain, ensure you have adequate amount of money in USD for exchange at the airport or can rely on ATMs in the arrival airport. 
    2. Make copies of all important documents (passport, other photo ID, credit cards, visas, etc). Take one copy with you and leave one copy with a trusted family member
    3. Compile lists of emergency, program, and friend contacts including phone number, email, and mailing addresses. Ensure you have program site addresses written down in the local language or alphabet
  • After Returning
    1. Ensure that your credits have transferred 
    2. Submit program evaluation to OSA
    3. Check out these Resume Tips from the University of Minnesota, and this article about Unpacking Your Study Abroad Experience from the University of Michigan
    4. Join the FCGS Student Advisory Board and continue being involved in international education efforts at Wesleyan
    5. Contact the OSA if you are interested in student worker positions in our office or volunteering at events
    6. Build on what you learned abroad by
      • continuing to practice your language skills.  For more information, see Kia Lor, the Assistant Director of Language and Intercultural Learning in the FCGS.
      • exploring opportunities for international fellowships for graduate study, scholarships for language acquisition, and international internships for professional development. For more information, see Kate Smith, the Associate Director of Fellowships, Internships, and Exchanges in the FCGS.