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- Application Process Overview
Study Abroad - Application Process Overview
Thinking about studying abroad through Willamette?
The WU Sponsored Study Abroad Program Application for the fall 2013 and spring 2014 semesters will be due in early December 2012. The application will become available in early fall semester.
For Freshman (spring 2012):
Study abroad information sessions for freshmen will be offered in mid-late spring 2012. Go to the UPCOMING EVENTS page for those dates/times.
Step 1 (required!):
THE DATES and TIMES for these fall sessions have not yet been set.
Attend a General Study Abroad Information Session. Everyone must attend the General Study Abroad Information Session, the other two are optional. If you attended a Study Abroad Info Session last semester, still attend the General Study Abroad Information Session – there will be much more in-depth information than the sessions given last semester.
General Study Abroad Information Session (Required) |
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Date/Time/Location Attend ONE of the following: FALL 2012- dates/times/place to be determined in summer 2012 |
What will you learn? Overview of how study abroad works at Willamette University What is an Advising Appointment? Types of programs Deadlines Basic application information What to do before the session? Get familiar with the OIE website www.willamette.edu/dept/oie/abroad What should I bring? Note taking materials |
Step 2:
Attend the following supplemental information sessions: Study Abroad Application Details Session AND Study Abroad Statement Writing Session
Application Details Session (Optional) |
Statement Writing Session (Optional) |
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Date/Time/Location Attend ONE of the following: FALL 2012- dates/times/place to be determined in early fall 2012 |
What will you learn? Specifics about the application process Strategies for making a strong application What to do before the session? Attend a General Study Abroad Information Session What should I bring? Note taking materials. Suggestion: It is useful to bring a copy of the application and then take notes on the copy. Find the application on the OIE website under How to Apply. |
Date/Time/Location Attend ONE of the following: FALL 2012- dates/times/place to be determined in early fall 2012 |
What will you learn? Strategies for writing a great personal statement How to address all the Selection Criteria What to do before the session? Attend a General Study Abroad Information Session What should I bring? Note taking materials. |
Step 3:
Explore the Office of International Education's website:willamette.edu/dept/oie/abroad. Research the selection criteria, how to apply, deadlines, the available programs, and the required IDS 102X Maximizing the Study Abroad Experience (.25) course.
Step 4:
After you have attended a General Study Abroad Information Session please make an appointment to meet with an OIE Advisor to talk about your specific needs and any questions you may have. To make an appointment please stop by the OIE.
Step 5:
Meet with your academic advisor (faculty member) about your study abroad plans. You will need his/her endorsement on the Advisor Meeting Form for your application.Make arrangements for a Faculty Recommendation, Personal Recommendation, andLanguage Assessment as well.
Step 6:
Inform your family and other loved-ones you are considering studying abroad and share all information with them.
Thinking about a short term study abroad program?
Information about Post Sessions (Summer Study Abroad Programs) during the summer of 2012 can be found on the OIE website: willamette.edu/dept/oie/postsessions. The deadline for Post Sessions is not the same day as the semester study abroad program deadline.
Why study abroad?
Although the number of students from the U.S. studying abroad grows each year, still about only 1% of college students spend a semester or year studying in another country. At Willamette, studying abroad is more common than the national trend, for the last five years around 50% of each graduating class has earned credit abroad. Still, it is important to note that studying abroad is an earned privilege, and only qualified students are selected for programs. Read the selection criteria and find out how to apply
There are multiple reasons why so many Willamette students study abroad; a few are outlined below.
The Ultimate Liberal Arts Experience
Many say the purpose of a liberal arts education is to teach students how to think and how to learn. Studying abroad allows you access to the next level of critical thinking as you take yourself outside of your comfort zone and expand beyond what you know.
In the classrooms abroad you will most likely encounter new or different styles of teaching and different expectations for your learning process. In adapting to these new styles you will not only learn the content of the course, but new ways of grasping knowledge and understanding.
While living abroad you will find yourself in situations that challenge the way you act and think. If you carefully navigate these intercultural interactions you will learn skills which will be applicable to your academic, professional and social life.
Language Acquisition
To immerse yourself in a language is one of the best and quickest way to learn. Whether you go abroad to start learning a language or to master one - daily speaking, writing, and reading is guaranteed to improve your skills.
Résumé Building
Many companies now rank international experience as something they desire in a great employee. There are many desirable qualities that studying abroad can help foster including problem solving skills, critical thinking, adaptability, intercultural communication skills, perseverance, foreign language fluency and many more.