Study Abroad

To continue as a leader in global engagement, NWU is shifting from only in-person study abroad to a multi-channel approach:

• In-person study abroad when it is safe to resume
• Virtual global engagement – using technology to meaningfully engage with others around the world
• GLOCAL engagement – Engaging with international persons and cultures in our local environment (Lincoln and Nebraska) 

This multi-channel approach makes global engagement more equitable and inclusive for all NWU students.

Open a whole new world of knowledge and adventure that will benefit your academic, career, and personal life by making a plan to study abroad.

Get Started – a Step-by-Step Process

1. Schedule an appointment at the Office of Global Engagement
   Get expert advice on selecting a program and applying for passports, visas, insurance and financial aid. Email studyabroad [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (studyabroad[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) for an appointment.
2. Make a couple of decisions
   1. Decide WHEN you would like to study abroad—spring, summer, fall or for the whole year.
   2. Decide WHERE you would like to study abroad. Choose from schools all over the world speaking all sorts of languages.
   3. Decide HOW you would like to study abroad. Each program has its own advantages and disadvantages.
   4. Explore and compare study abroad programs on the new Global Engagement portal.
3. Apply for a couple of things
   1. Apply for a passport if you don't have one. U.S. passports are valid for 10 years, so if you have one, make sure it isn't about to expire.
   2. Apply for the study abroad program you want. OGE will help you with the application. You will need to create an account using your WebAdvisor username and password.
   3. Apply for scholarships and grants. Awards vary from $200 to $5,000 or more.
4. Create a timeline 
   List important dates and deadlines to keep yourself organized.
5. Once accepted, make an appointment with OGE for next steps.

Three Types of Study Abroad Programs

• Exchange programs – Study at a school that has a special agreement with Nebraska Wesleyan either directly or through an exchange network. There are over 200 exchange options to choose from. When a NWU student studies through an exchange program, a student from an exchange university will study here. The benefit is, your tuition doesn't change. You pay the same amount you normally pay Nebraska Wesleyan and receive all awarded financial aid. Plus you can receive an additional study abroad grant.
• Non-exchange programs – Choose from more study abroad options, because NWU students don't have to swap with a student from another school. With a non-exchange program, students studying will pay their fees directly to the program. This means that students are not able to apply their NWU financial aid. However, for those who do not already receive much NWU aid, they may find that some non-exchange programs can be less expensive than exchange programs.
• Faculty-led, short-term programs – Study for a shorter amount of time (between two and six weeks) during the summer or winter breaks. These excursions offer between two to six credits depending on the program. Each summer typically features about four to eight different options from a variety of academic departments to a handful of different countries.

Other Abroad Opportunities

• Internships Abroad - Internships abroad can be a great way for students to advance their careers while exploring another culture. Students who want to pursue internships abroad have a variety of options to choose from. Many study abroad programs offer internships alongside study abroad. Students can find internship opportunities through NWU’s sister schools, ISEP universities, ISA and IES among many others.
• Student Teaching Abroad - Education majors at NWU are required to do student teaching. Students have the option of completing this requirement abroad. STA offers an assortment of countries for students to choose from including Ireland, Australia, England and New Zealand. STA is beneficial because it functions like an exchange program, in that students pay their normal rates and get their normal financial aid.
• Research Abroad - The SFCRG is awarded to students and faculty who work together to prepare a research proposal. If the proposal is approved, the student(s) and faculty are awarded the appropriate amount of money to carry out their research including travel expenses. The SFCRG does not have to involve international travel, but if students have a research proposal in mind, this can be an excellent way to fund going abroad. Previous winners of the SFCRG have gone to Cuba, Australia, India, Mexico and Nicaragua and have focused on disciplines such as music, theater, biology, modern language, political science and more.
• Virtual International Programs - Virtual International Programs can be a great way for students to gain international experience without leaving their home university. There are several options to become involved in virtual international programs varying from taking courses for credit, completing an internship, or participating in service learning. Students who want to pursue a virtual international experience are encouraged to explore the various programs available to them.

Need more preparation before making a decision? Take Preparing for Education Abroad, a one credit course that offers instruction on applying for studying abroad, applying for scholarships, cross-cultural value systems, practical travel information, foreign academic systems, and cultural self-awareness.