Study abroad is when a student takes classes or completes research in a foreign country or another institution in the US, usually toward a college degree. UW does have many opportunities for students to take advantage of, though STEM majors may experience some limitations due to the necessary science sequences required for the major or future interests, so early planning is needed to make this experience a possibility.

Please check out UW Study Abroad for some additional information about available programs

There are the main types that our students normally take

• Programs associated with UW, this can be Exploration seminars or full quarter events
• Partner Programs outside the UW like CIEE
• Direct Exchanges
• Internships
• FHL - though local to the PNW, this is an onsite experience for a full quarter in Autumn or Spring, or part of Summer. This is a hands-on, immersive dive into science set in the San Juan Islands

Students will need to start to do the following at least 6-9 months prior to many of the experiences:

• Identify a program or area of the world where they would like to study.
• Speak with an adviser to see how or if the chosen program would have overlap with their requirements. Begin assessments of syllabuses are available with the associated departments.
• Complete the necessary paperwork like Visas and passports.
• Once returned, forward the necessary paperwork through Study Abroad to the associated departments to get your credits evaluated and updated.

For those participating in a Direct exchange, students will need to have each associated department review and assess the syllabuses and work to determine equivalency. This may take a few months to get processed. UW run programs will have designated classes that will automatically convert when grades post.

Autumn quarter is suggested for many Direct exchange programs because many international schools are semester based, and Autumn will have minimal interruption with UW’s scheduling.