experience international study with george washington university study abroad George Washington University Office for Study Abroad study abroad with george washington university

 

Before You Go

Congratulations on your acceptance to a study abroad program! Like any significant and meaningful undertaking, study abroad requires attention and preparation over several months prior to the international experience. You need to be sure to attend a Predeparture Orientation and complete your study abroad registration process before leaving campus for your study abroad experience. Don’t forget about obtaining your passport and visa and making all the necessary travel plans for your time abroad.

Things to Consider When Choosing to Study Abroad:

  • Values and Goals -identify and clarify your values and goals for your study abroad experience; what do you hope to gain from studying abroad?

  • Options - understand the program options available to you: affiliated, exchange, GW study center.

  • Models - be familiar with the various types of programs and what they are designed to facilitate or promote.

  • Fit - determine how well individual programs, services, and environments fit your academic needs, personal goals, linguistic preparation, expectations, and interests.

  • Features and Benefits - consider what is available and if these features are important to the type of experience you want to have.

  • Informed Choice - consider how study abroad in a less-traditional destination might fulfill your academic, cultural, linguistic, personal, and professional goals more effectively.

  • Advantages and Disadvantages - weigh the likely advantages of study abroad in a particular program or destination against any perceived disadvantages, as common perceptions of these are often a product of stereotypes or negative generalizations.

  • Approval Process - learn what you must do to be authorized to study abroad by GW - review policies concerning eligibility and approval.

  • Costs, Financial Assistance, and Scholarships - assess program costs and what they cover; anticipated personal expenses associated with participation; and the availability and process for financial assistance and scholarships.

  • Predeparture Preparation - prepare for your experience abroad through program materials and cross-cultural resources information provided by the Office for Study Abroad.

  • Volatility - understand that study abroad involves risk and volatility regardless of where you study, though some destinations may be more likely to present specific types of risk such as health precautions, strikes, political turmoil, natural disasters, or crime - gather information about such concerns and evaluate them carefully - learn more about local conditions and travel precautions through the Bureau of Consular Affairs and the Centers for Disease Control.

When you have selected a specific site, be sure you receive, review, and understand the following information about your program:

  • Program Structure - type, location, duration,size, facilities, and staffing
  • Academic Credit - how earned, courses available, how applied to degree at GW
  • Living Arrangements - homestay, residence, independent living, and other options
  • Orientation - predeparture program on campus and upon arrival in country
  • Safety and Responsibility - security measures, precautions, local conditions, contingency plans, and emergency procedures
  • Health and Wellness Resources - recommended precautions and required immunizations, local medical care, program services and referrals
  • Support Services - academic, social, emotional, health and wellness, and special needs
  • Cost - GW fees, what the fees cover, and how to pay
  • Travel Arrangements - how to make them and program dates.