GW-Sponsored Foreign Study Exchange Programs
Students may elect to participate in a GW-sponsored exchange program in partnership with an overseas institution. GW students have the opportunity to enroll directly as international exchange students. As an international exchange student, students will experience independently navigating a foreign institution as if they were a student of the partner institution. GW maintains direct contact with the partner institution before, during, and after the student's study abroad experience, but no GW staff is present while the student is studying abroad. This model provides for an enriching cultural experience and is highly recommended for students who are prepared to independently engage in a study abroad experience at a foreign institution. The availability of any particular exchange may vary according to the status of the institutional agreement.
GW requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for admission to all GW Exchange programs. Admission is selective and space is limited. Students interested in study at a GW Exchange must submit the GW Exchange Application (PDF file here) and all admission forms required by the host institution. Participants are nominated by the GW Office for Study Abroad for the exchanges on the basis of applications, academic transcripts, judicial status, and preparation for study abroad through an exchange program. Final admission decisions rest with the individual partner institution.
Australia (Melbourne): Deakin University
Australia (Perth): Curtin University
Austria (Vienna): Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration
Brazil (Curitiba, Parana): Federal University of Parana
Brazil (Florianopolis, Santa Catarina): Federal University of Santa Catarina
China (Hong Kong): The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Czech Republic (Prague): Charles University, East and Central European Studies
Denmark (Fredericksburg): Copenhagen Business School
Japan (Akita City): Akita International University
Japan (Tokyo): Kyoto University
Japan (Tokyo): Waseda University
Korea (Seoul): Seoul National University
Korea (Seoul): Yonsei University
Morocco (Ifrane): Al Akhawayn University
Netherlands (Maastricht): University College Maastricht
Singapore: National University of Singapore
Spain (Pamplona): University of Navarra
Turkey (Istanbul): Bogazici University
United Kingdom (London): King's College London
United Kingdom (Edinburgh, Scotland): University of Edinburgh
Australia (Melbourne): Deakin University
Deakin University, mainly located in Melbourne, provides educational opportunities to 60,000 students. Melbourne and its surrounding areas are known for their sophistication and style, offering architectural beauty, galleries, theatres, fine cuisine, diverse nightlife activities, historical sites and natural wonders. At the University, students can take courses that fall within the following categories: arts, business and law, education, health and behavioral science, as well as science and technology (including architecture, computers, engineering, forensic science, etc.) The three types of accommodation available to students include temporary accommodations upon arrival, on-campus accommodation in student residences, off campus University accommodation (e.g. hostels) and non-University accommodation (e.g. living with Australian families or individuals, furnished rooms, a stand-alone room at the back of a house, or renting a room or property with other students).
Australia (Perth): Curtin University
The Curtin University of Technology is located just outside Perth City on a large parkland campus. Less crowded and urban than Australian cities in the East, Perth is known for its beaches, sunny weather, vineyards, green parks, inexpensive cost of living and relaxed lifestyle. The University is a large, comprehensive research institution and is ranked among the top universities in Australia. It has more than 25,000 students, including more than 3,000 international students from some 75 countries. Students can select courses in computer and engineering sciences, health sciences, mathematics, biology and environmental sciences, business, media and communications, social sciences, humanities, Pacific and Asian studies, and Aboriginal studies. Language instruction is available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Indonesian. Students are fully integrated in the Curtin community: all students study and live alongside Australian and international students. GW students are housed in on-campus apartments.
Austira (Vienna): Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration
The Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration is located in Vienna, the Austrian capital. Students will experience the art, music, and food from various cultures. Vienna is home to the headquarters of the Organization for Security and co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and OPEC. Vienna University of Economic and Business Administration is the first and only Austrian university to receive the EQUIS accreditation- the European Quality Improvement System. The university was established in 1898, one of the oldest business universities in Europe and is considered highly internationalized, with a number of international partnerships. Students are able to take a variety of course work in business administration, international business administration, economics and social sciences and information systems.
Brazil (Curitiba, Parana): Federal University of Parana
GW is a member of the US-Brazil Higher Education Consortia Program sponsored by the US Department of Education and the Brazilian Ministry of Education. Through this program, GW undergraduate and graduate students from virtually any liberal arts field may apply to study at one of two Brazilian universities: Federal University of Santa Catarina and Federal University of Parana. Qualified applicants will have completed a course on Brazilian or Latin American studies and have either Portuguese language skills or high level Spanish skills; all courses in Brazil are taught in Portuguese. Program participants will receive financial support including round-trip airfare, funding for pre-semester Portuguese language study, and a stipend for daily living expenses. Interested students should contact Professor James Ferrer, Director of the Institute of Brazilian Studies, at 202-994-5205 or ibi@gwu.edu.
Brazil (Florianopolis, Santa Catarina): Federal University of Santa Catarina
GW is a member of the US-Brazil Higher Education Consortia Program sponsored by the US Department of Education and the Brazilian Ministry of Education. Through this program, GW undergraduate and graduate students from virtually any liberal arts field may apply to study at one of two Brazilian universities: Federal University of Santa Catarina and Federal University of Parana. Qualified applicants will have complete a course on Brazilian or Latin American studies and have either Portuguese language skills or high level Spanish skills; all courses in Brazil are taught in Portuguese. Program participants will receive financial support including round-trip airfare, funding for pre-semester Portuguese language study, and a stipend for daily living expenses. Interested students should contact Professor James Ferrer, Director of the Institute of Brazilian Studies, at 202-994-5205 or ibi@gwu.edu.
China (Hong Kong): The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a leading international research university dedicated to the pursuit of new knowledge in science, engineering, business, humanities and social science, and the education of tomorrow's leaders. The University campus occupies a stunning 150-acre site overlooking Clear Water Bay, and is less than 30 minutes driving time from central Hong Kong. The School of Engineering has six academic departments; these include the Department of Chemical Engineering, the Department of Civil Engineering, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, the Department of Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Exchange students are assigned to an engineering department that best matches their home major department. On average, exchange students at the undergraduate level or equivalent take five courses in a semester, adding up to approximately 15 credits. Courses are taught in English. Students can choose a combination of courses across different disciplines to fulfill their academic needs. The University offers on campus housing in state-of-the-art dormitories and university apartments.
Czech Republic (Prague): Charles University, East and Central European Studies
The East and Central European Studies program at Charles University is a semester-long program with English instruction designed for international students interested in East and Central European studies or disciplines related to Czech studies, history, and culture. The program includes a two-week intensive Czech language course followed by semester-long courses taught in English. Students with sufficient Czech language skills may also enroll in any of 48 departments of the Faculty of Arts. Accommodations are available in the Prague Castle area (Komenskeho Dorms).
Denmark (Fredericksburg): Copenhagen Business School
The Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is located in Fredericksburg close to the heart of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. It is one of the largest institutions of higher educations in Denmark; with close to 15,000 students it is among the largest business schools in Europe. During your studies you can combine business and economics with culture, politics, tourism, languages or communication. All classes in the international programs are taught in English- except for the specific area studies classes, which are taught in their respective languages. Students may choose to live in student residence halls or private housing while attending CBS. When you arrive in Fredericksburg, a team of exchange crew members will greet you and arrange various activities in order to help you adjust to CBS, receive an introduction to the Danes, the Danish culture, Copenhagen, and, of course, to the unique CBS academic experience.
Japan (Akita): Akita International University
Situated in a rural area 30-40 minutes by car from the city center of Akita-city, Japan, Akita International University is a four-year, public, Liberal Arts university which provides students with the opportunity to study in English with other Japanese students. Akita is much smaller than GW, with approximately 900 students. The academic programs include Global business, Global Studies (North American and East Asian studies), Japanese Language, and a one year Japan Studies program. No prior study of Japanese language is required. Exchange students are guaranteed on campus accommodations. The program is designed for one or two semesters.
Japan (Tokyo): Kyoto University
Established in 1897, Kyoto University is the second oldest university in Japan, yet it is known for it cutting-edge research. Located in the city of Kyoto, students have access to ancient temples, shrines, gardens and other historical sites, some of which date back more than 1,000 years, as well as modern museums, arts galleries, theatres, and businesses. It is of a size similar to that of GW, with 21,700 students, approximately 1,000 of which are international students. The program is designed to last a year. All lectures in the Kyoto University International Education Program are offered in English. Subjects covered include life science, environmental studies, biotechnology, statistics, physics, economics, information science, polities, social studies, arts and Japanese language and culture. Housing is available in a university-owned student residence. Private apartments, while much more expensive, are also available.
Japan (Tokyo): Waseda University
Established in 1882 by Shigenobu Okuma, scholar and government leader, Waseda University is a private, coeducational institution of higher learning in Tokyo, Japan. The Waseda-GW exchange agreement includes enrollment in any of three yearlong programs of study. The Undergraduate Studies Program is a Japanese-language based program that allows qualified students to enroll in regular coursework offered in Japanese at Waseda. The International Japanese Language Program is a yearlong language-study focused program. The One-Year Study Abroad Program at the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) is an English-based program offering coursework in Asian culture, history, society, politics, economics, geography, arts, and literature. Waseda also assists students with locating lodging on-campus or in Tokyo. Students can choose from living on-campus, in an apartment, or in a homestay. Students are billed by GW for tuition and fees. Students must pay Waseda directly for any room and board charges.
Korea (Seoul): Seoul National University
Created in 1946 as the first modern, national university, Seoul National University now enrolls 32,000 students. Beyond its reputation as an academic leader in Korea, SNU offers outstanding cultural and recreational benefits, as well as a wide variety of entertainment opportunities in the college town of Kwanak and in the city of Seoul. Students may take courses in the following areas: arts, agriculture, sciences, business administration, education, engineering, fine arts, humanities, human ecology, law, medicine, music, natural sciences, nursing, pharmacy, social sciences and veterinary medicine. Students live in dormitories available on all three Kwanak, Suwon, and Yongon campuses.
Korea (Seoul): Yonsei University
Yonsei is the oldest university in Korea and continues to be known as a distinguished institution of learning in Korea. Located in Seoul, the college is attended by 30,000 students and is surrounded by government offices, museums, businesses, and natural beauty. A wide array of coursework is taught in English and students may choose from the following areas of study: East Asian studies, international relations, and international business. Students may also choose to study Korean language. Students will live in dormitories on campus. The international student dormitory houses up to 240 students, consisting of a mix of Korean and foreign students.
Morocco (Ifrane): Al Akhawayn University
Al Akhawayn University is located in Ifrane, in the midst of the Middle Atlas Mountains, in the heart of an area filled with forest, mountains, lake, and waterfalls. Dedicated to being an international university, Al Akhawayn aspires to have international students make up 25-30% of its student body. Students can choose to study in the following areas: human resources development, international studies, social sciences, communication studies, international studies and diplomacy, applied humanities, North African studies, and Arabic language programs. The language of instruction is English for all coursework. Students will live on-campus in student dormitories.
Netherlands (Maastricht): University College Maastricht
The University College Maastricht (UCM) is located in one of the most historic and beautiful towns in the Netherlands. The town has an impressive historic center that dates back to the Roman era, however Maastricht University, established in 1974, is a rather recent addition to Maastricht. With a student population of about 12,000, students make up a substantial part the total population. At UCM students can study almost everything. The College offers a broad range of courses covering the humanities, the social sciences and the life sciences all taught in English. The College community is friendly and intimate with small classes and accessible staff, which makes is easy for students to become familiar with fellow students as well as their professors.UCM does not have a residential campus and students arrange for rooms with the assistance of the University housing agency, which offers a selection of rooms. On the whole, students in Maastricht do not experience much difficulty in finding a suitable living space. Students may study at UCM for the full academic year or the spring semester only; study for the fall only is not possible due to the academic calendar.
Singapore: National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is located at Kent Ridge on the southern coast of Singapore. The University prides itself both on its academic success as a leading educational institution in Singapore as well as its aesthetic beauty due to its location near beautiful low ridges along the sea. Students have the opportunity to study in one of eight departments on campus including: architecture & building, arts & social sciences, business administration, dentistry, engineering, law, medicine and science. Coursework is completed on campus. Exchange students will stay in one of six university hostels on campus. Students will have access to dining halls, lounges, computer rooms, music and dance studios, sport facilities and libraries and may choose from double or single rooms.
Spain (Pamplona): University of Navarra
University of Navarra was founded in 1952 as a Catholic University in Pamplona, the Navarra region of Spain. The university continues a strong relationship with the Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church founded by St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, the founder of the University of Navarra. The student population includes over 15,000 students, (9,000 undergraduates). The exchange program is geared towards students with an interest in communications, offering a variety of courses which enhance written and oral skills, a greater understanding of multimedia and the tools to combine media and creative abilities. There are various on campus housing options as well as housing services for students who wish to live off campus.
Turkey (Istanbul): Bogazici University
Located in Istanbul, Turkey, a city of 12 million people and center of economic activity and history, Bogazici University is divided into five campuses. Originally established as an American institution of higher learning outside of the States and governed by a Board of Trustees based in the US, control of Bogazici University was turned over to the Turkish Government in 1971. The University houses four Faculties, including Arts and Sciences, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Education, and Engineering, as well as six graduate institutes, a school of foreign languages, a school of applied disciplines and various research centers. All coursework is taught in English. Coursework is available in the following disciplines: chemistry, history, mathematics, molecular biology and genetics, philosophy, physics, psychology, sociology, Turkish language and literature, Western languages and literatures, economics, management, political science and international relations, computer education and educational technology, foreign language education, primary education, secondary education, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical engineering, international trade, tourism. Students may apply for housing in the international residence hall, the Superdorm.
United Kingdom: (London): King’s College London
King’s College London was founded in 1829 by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington. King’s commitment to a research based education provides students with a comprehensive academic experience. The close proximity to London theaters, museums and government institutions provides for a balanced academic and social experience. There are over 13,000 undergraduate students at King’s College London. George Washington students can select from over 800 courses in the arts, health sciences, humanities and social science fields. Exchange students are guaranteed on campus housing in one of seven residence halls. GW students interested in attending King's College will apply through GW England.
United Kingdom: (Edinburgh, Scotland): University of Edinburgh
Located in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh provides students with a strong sense of tradition while at the same time, prepares students for the challenge of the 21st century. With over 24,000 students from over 130 countries, GW students have the opportunity to interact with a diverse student body. George Washington students can select from over 500 courses in English literature, history, politics and international relations, philosophy and psychology. George Washington students are guaranteed on campus accommodations.



