university of washington study abroad application tips and basics

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD:

THE BASICS Natalia Dyba, Director of Global Initiatives

Study Abroad Ambassadors

http://www.uwb.edu/globalinitiatives

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

• This is where you set the parameters for what you are looking for in a program

• Location, duration, and program subject or topic can all be sorted

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

If you leave your search

general, you will have a

lot of results to look

through so don’t get

overwhelmed

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

• Look at the different

options—this is your once

in a lifetime opportunity

• Try and find 2-3

programs that really

interest you

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

• Read ALL of the program

description

• How does it fit in your

academic schedule?

• Am I interested

in/passionate about the

subject matter?

• Questions? Contact the

program directors—they are

there to help!

Is this program

right for me?

Don’t apply because it

sounds convenient or

easy—lack of genuine

interest shows through

in your application!

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

Some programs run multiple terms, so make sure you apply for the correct one

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

While it looks like there is

a lot, there are actually

only three sections

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

This is the standard

application for all UW-

faculty led programs

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

• This is your chance to tell the directors why deserve to be on this trip, not just what you will get

out of it but also what your participation will add to it

• They want to see a genuine interest—a connection to the location or the program subject

• Straight from a program director: “I look for evidence that the applicant is (not only personally,

but) academically curious about what she/he will encounter” –Marc Miller, Professor, UW

School of Marine and Environmental Affairs

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

• Think realistically about how you plan on financing the program

• FAFSA funding, study abroad scholarships

• Meet with a study abroad advisor about funding and scholarships

• Just remember, these are a few expenses for a priceless opportunity

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

• You will be living, eating, and studying with this group of students

• Let them know you can and will be a team player

• What group experiences have you had, and how have you made them

positive/successful?

How have your travel or lack of travel experiences influenced your decision to study abroad?

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

Give you recommender

enough time—minimum

two weeks before the

application deadline

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

• We strongly suggest you have a UW faculty member provide your letter

• It is best to notify them before you send the request so they know to look out for it, and

tell them when you have sent it

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

Course information will help them remember you in a specific classroom setting

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

This shows that you have

successfully sent the

recommendation request

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

When your letter has

been received the box

will be checked off

Make sure to send a thank you note to your recommender—they will appreciate it

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

This is quick

and easy

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS

• When all the boxes are

checked, your application is

complete

• If all parts are completed

your application is ready to

be reviewed, no further steps

are necessary CONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE DONE!

APPLYING TO STUDY ABROAD: THE BASICS