Willamette University

International Education

Essential Elements

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.

The evaluation of applications is confidential and all decisions are final. Appeals are considered only in the case of demonstrated administrative error, or an extenuating change in circumstances, normally beyond the student’s control, or new information that would justify review of the case. All appeals must be received in their entirety in the Office of International Education within three weeks of the date of the denial notification letter.

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. This class cannot be taken on an "audit" basis.
  • 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.
  • Students planning any international travel within three to four months of the start date of their potential program(s) should discuss these plans with an OIE Advisor. Many visa applications require submission of the original passport during the processing period.

Non-WU Programs

If considering petitioning for approval for a Non-Willamette program or taking a leave of absence to study abroad please see the Non-Willamette Programs page.

How to Apply

Instructions & Application Materials

The deadline for all programs that fall within the 2012-2013 academic year is Friday, December 2, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.. A complete application must be turned in to the Office of International Education by 4:00 p.m. on this date. The initial application process is the SAME for all Willamette Sponsored programs. ONLY the items outlined in the Application and Instructions/Checklist are due on this date. Do not submit additional application materials for specific programs 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, .

Application Instructions and Materials

Check the Upcoming Events dates on upcoming INFORMATION SESSIONS, including special sessions on "Application Details" and "Statement Writing".
If you are applying for off-campus study through Willamette programs, you must download/print (PDF), complete, and submit the following application materials.  

  • Application (includes Instructions and Application Checklist) for Willamette Study Abroad Programs
  • Statement: Why Do I Want to Study Abroad - (see Application Instructions)
  • Transcript Request form AND transcripts from ALL undergraduate institutions you have attended. This form, available from this website only, releases your transcript to OIE for your application. Do NOT use the usual WU transcript request form. See instructions and Transcript Request for further information on transcripts from other institutions.
  • Academic Recommendation Form
  • Personal Recommendation Form
  • Academic ADVISOR Form
  • Language Assessment Form (if applicable)
 

Credit and Financial Aid Information

Credit received will show as generic Willamette credits unless otherwise arranged by your academic advisor and the Registrar. You will be given information on how to do this in your Predeparture meetings.

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 then Willamette pays the program/university.

For some programs you are billed through your WU student account for housing. For other programs you will pay those costs directly to the host university or program provider. Board (meals) may be billed through your WU student account, paid to the host university via a board program, or you may be shopping and preparing your own meals. 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 late-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 about two weeks after final review.  ALL applicants are sent their official status letter at the same time. 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, as soon as they receive an acceptance letter. See the current Application/Instructions for the current deposit amount.