How to Apply

Willamette Programs

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed by the International Education Committee comprised of 5 faculty, the Director of International Education, and 2 students. Some programs can be quite competitive. Competition for any one program varies according to kind of program, number of applicants, and spaces available. Preference is given to applicants who will have junior standing or above at the time of the program.

Review of each application is confidential, and all decisions are final. Appeals will be considered only in the case of demonstrated administrative error or an extraordinary change in circumstances normally beyond the student's control.

The International Education Committee's Selection Criteria is useful information to have for completing your application.

Restrictions to Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a privilege that is earned, not a right. Our programs are based on ongoing relationships with our international partners. Student participants are representatives of Willamette University and play a large role in the mutually beneficial relationship that the Willamette community enjoys.

A student must be enrolled full-time at Willamette University during the semester prior to the intended semester of study abroad.
In order to participate in most language programs, a student must be enrolled in a language class the semester prior. (Students who have completed the 331 level may request this requirement to be waived by the chair of that language department.)
Studying abroad for a year is possible however, one of the two semesters must be an exchange program. Exchange programs are indicated on the list of sponsored programs.

Instructions & Application Materials

The deadline for all programs that fall within the 2010-2011 academic year is Friday, December 4th, 2009. A complete application must be turned in to the Office of International Education by 4 p.m. on this date. The initial application process is the SAME for all Willamette Sponsored programs. ONLY the items outlined in the Application Instructions/Checklist are due on this date. Do not submit additional application materials for specific programs (if needed) until after you have been approved for WU Study Abroad and received instructions from OIE to do so.

For advice on completing your application and essay, check out our application tips. If you have specific questions AFTER you have read all the instructions AND you have attended an Information Session and/or already met with an advisor, contact an advisor here.

If you are applying for off-campus study through Willamette programs, you must download/print, complete, and submit the following application materials:

Current photo attached to the Application (see Application instructions for details)
Application, Instructions, and Application Checklist for Willamette Study Abroad Programs
Current transcript for WILLAMETTE and ALL undergraduate institutions you have attended
Personal Recommendation Form from a non-faculty member (i.e., employer, clergyperson, coach, club advisor (okay if faculty member), etc.) in a position of authority
Faculty Recommendation Form
Advisor Meeting Form
Language Assessment Form (if applicable)

Financial Aid and Credit Information

Credit received will show as generic Willamette credits unless otherwise arranged by your academic advisor and the Registrar. You may use all of your financial aid for WU Sponsored Programs. For all Willamette Sponsored programs you will be billed the current WU tuition rate to cover the program cost. You pay Willamette and Willamette pays the program.

For most programs you will be billed through WU for room and board. In some cases you will pay those costs directly to the host university or program provider. Review the individual program page under Costs to determine which way a program works. Study abroad scholarship and grant information

Notification of Acceptance to a Willamette Sponsored Study Abroad

The International Education Committee (IEC) review process is usually complete by mid-February following the deadline. See the current Application/Instructions for the current cycle's notification deadline. Notification in the form of a letter is sent via campus mail. Students must then accept or decline the offer of participation in a Willamette Study Abroad program and pay a deposit. The letter of acceptance gives specific instructions on this process. Every student who applies should be prepared to pay the deposit on time. See the current Application/Instructions for the current deposit amount.

Non-Willamette Programs

There are two ways to participate in a Non-Willamette Program.

Petition for approval

To do this you complete the regular application process with the Office of International Education. In this case you are petitioning the International Education Committee to approve your Non-Willamette Program. There are two important things to remember:

The committee will expect you to provide a strong academic case for approving your Non-Willamette program, including materials that outline the programs course of study and costs.
If approved, you will pay WU tuition and a program fee equivalent to the cost of Willamette's room and board plan B. Willamette University will fund up to a maximum of $12,000 towards the cost of the Non-WU program. If the cost of the Non-WU program exceeds $12,000, you will be required to pay the difference to Willamette. Students will also be responsible for paying any application fees associated with their Non-Willamette program.

Take a leave of absence

Credits may be transferred as generic non-Willamette credits as determined by the registrar. It is, however, Willamette policy not to accept any transfer credit for leave of absence study at a partner institution when a Willamette Program is concurrently operating there. Arrangements for these programs, including how you will get credit, are done by you in consultation with the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Financial Aid and your academic advisor.