Study Abroad
The department encourages its undergraduate majors and minors, graduate students, and language students to take advantage of the many study abroad opportunities available in Asia. For most students, study abroad is the ideal way to achieve advanced language competency while experiencing first-hand the cultural context in which Asian languages are used. In addition, study abroad can provide students with a valuable global perspective, enriching their undergraduate or graduate educational experience.
Most students are pleasantly surprised to discover that study abroad is affordable and need not delay graduation. Students attending UW-affiliated study abroad programs remain enrolled at UW while abroad, can make use of UW financial aid, and benefit from a streamlined process of credit transfer after their return. |
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Professor Zev Handel (center) with UW students in Beijing, Autumn 2000 |
How to Study Abroad in Four Simple Steps
Step 1: Begin planning early! Most programs have a summer session, a fall semester session, and an academic year session; a few programs have a spring semester session (equivalent to UW's winter and spring quarters). In most cases, deadlines for application are six to nine months before the program begins. For most programs, you should begin planning early in autumn quarter for study abroad the following summer or autumn. You may also need to consider deadlines for application for funding sources. For example, the popular Monbusho scholarship for study in Japan has a deadline of early August for study beginning the following September. In short, it is never too early to start your planning!
Step 2: Choose a program. You will want to consider a number of factors: location, cost, instructional quality, course selection, lodging situation, cultural programs, and work and travel opportunities. There are many resources available on campus to help you select the program that best suits your interests and needs. Your language instructor is an excellent source of information. The Office of International Programs and Exchanges (IPE), which administers study abroad programs, has detailed information about programs (including program descriptions, brochures, and student testimonials) and financial aid and fellowship opportunities. You can also set up appointments with advisers to get individualized advice related to the administrative and financial aspects of foreign study. The IPE office is located on the fifth floor of Schmitz Hall. The IPE web site allows you to search their database of study abroad programs according to your specific criteria -- it's a great place to start exploring all the exciting foreign study opportunities that are available. Finally, talk to students who have been abroad. IPE or your language instructor can give you the names of students who have recently returned from study in Asia.
Step 3: Begin the application process. Make sure you read the application materials carefully. Many programs require letters of recommendation or statements of language proficiency. Be sure to request these from your instructors well in advance of the deadlines. In addition, check with the student services coordinator in the Asian Languages & Literature Department before you leave to find out what advance preparation you should make in order to smooth your credit transfer after you return.
Step 4: Apply for funding. Applications for funding should be made at the same time as, or even before, your applications to programs. If your UW financial aid is not sufficient, you can apply for other sources of funding. IPE offers its own scholarship and has additional information on other fellowships, scholarships, and other financial resources.
Additional Information
The following cities are just some of the locations in Asia with UW-affiliated study abroad programs. (Click on a country name to see the complete IPE list of programs currently offered in that country.)
The Foundation
for International Understanding Through Students is a non-profit community-based organization on campus that promotes understanding
between international and American members of the UW community.
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