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New Student Orientation

For more information on New Student Orientation, visit orientation.wvu.edu.

WVU's Education Abroad, in the Office of Global Affairs, offers hundreds of opportunities each year for students to travel and grow their global competencies while earning credit toward their degree. Education Abroad works closely with all academic departments on campus to ensure that students find the best fit program for their academic experience.

Education Abroad NSO Activities:

  1. Tuesdays at 11 AM: Education Abroad 101 Sessions

NOTE: There will be no Education Abroad advising on Tuesday, June 9, in observance of West Virginia's Primary Election Day.

"What Kinds of Education Abroad Does WVU Offer?"

There are multiple types of study abroad:

  • Exchange Program: the most traditional type of international experience. WVU maintains exchange relationships with over 50 partner institutions across the globe. These university partnerships allow us to send and receive students through reciprocal exchange. A reciprocal exchange is where a student pays their Tuition & Fees at their home institution, and they receive the same benefits abroad (depending on the exchange, you may pay for housing and meals abroad or here at WVU). These programs provide credit from the partner institution that will be transferred via Global Affairs - Education Abroad.
  • Short Term Program: Short Term programs include faculty-led programs and international internships.
    • Faculty-led programs are WVU courses taught abroad by WVU faculty. Participants receive WVU credit similar to WVU courses taken on campus. These programs aim to teach course material "in place" and provide first hand experiences to students within the framework of the academic material. Faculty-led programs can range from one week to a semester in length.
    • International Internships are customized, professional placements. Typically, summer internships are 8-weeks in length. Students participate in a reflective course for 6 WVU credits during their time abroad. Students work with trusted providers to find the placement that best fits their experience and professional career goals.
  • Affiliate Programs: Affiliate programs are third-party companies that WVU works with to allow students a wider variety of education abroad experiences. Our affiliates can help students study abroad at their dream location, allowing us to connect in areas where we can't support a traditional exchange.

"How Do I Pay For My Program?"

Many people believe that an education abroad experience is too expensive and this is simply not the case – with many different options, education abroad is extremely affordable and available to students of any financial means.

With all education abroad programs, Education Abroad is able to work with financial aid to adjust your cost of attendance, often making more grant and loan funding available. It's possible to receive assistance with all costs associated with your study abroad, from plane tickets to passports.

  • Exchange: Students participating in a WVU Exchange Program pay their tuition and fees to WVU, and in exchange receive benefits at a partner institution. Almost all of your loans, grants, and scholarships will be available for you to apply to your semester abroad, including the PROMISE scholarship.
  • Faculty-Led: Faculty-led programs are also payable with financial aid. Working with your Education Abroad Coordinator, the costs of your program can be included in your annual cost of attendance.
  • Affiliate: Affiliate programs offer students the opportunity to study abroad in specific locations where WVU may not have an exchange partner, or a short-term program. These are usually companies that are FOR PROFIT, and often come at a higher cost. Financial Aid will still apply, but by working with a Education Abroad Coordinator, you may find a solution that allows you to study in your dream location with much less financial burden.

"Will the Classes Count Towards My Degree?"

Education Abroad works closely with all academic units at WVU to ensure that programs meet the academic needs of our students. Whether you're going for a semester exchange, or on a WVU Faculty-Led program, we can help find the best fit for your academic needs to ensure your time abroad will help with degree completion.

"How Do I Get Started?"

Step 1: Find A Program

Using the Program Search , you can browse programs by location, duration, program type, and field of study. With hundreds of options available each year, you're certain to find a program that works for you.

Step 2: Talk With an Ed Abroad Coordinator

Education abroad regional coordinators are available to answer any questions that you may have, and to help guide you through the study abroad process. They can help you in find a program that best fits your goals and academic needs, assist you with the application process and offer advice for travel and your time abroad. Click here to make an appointment.

Step 3: How to Pay

There are many different options for study abroad programs that range in duration and costs. Also, by working with your study abroad coordinator and the WVU Financial Aid Office you can discover what sources are available.

Step 4: Apply!

Once you’re confident about a program, it’s time to apply! Follow the “Apply Now” link on the selected program brochure page to create a profile and start on your application. Be sure to read each part carefully, and only sign the Program Enrollment Contract and Withdrawal Procedures if you’re committed to participating in the program.

Step 5: Pre-Departure Sessions

Pre-departure sessions are scheduled each semester for WVU Exchange participants or by group for each faculty-led program. These sessions offer advice on safety, security, travel tips, information on your location, and any information specific to your program.

Step 6: Have Fun!

"The Global Mountaineers Certificate Program"

The Global Mountaineers certificate program prepares graduates for a modern, globalized workforce. The program helps to develop cross-cultural competencies and teaches students to articulate the value of their experience as it contributes to their future plans – in either the workforce or graduate education.

By focusing on language proficiency, global experience, global issues and intercultural intelligence, students gain valuable skills that can be used throughout their professional and academic careers.

Certificate Components

1. Global Competency Course Requirements

GLO 101 - Introduction to Global Competence (1 credit) introduces central concepts of global awareness, intercultural communication, and global issues. The course prepares students for experiences in education, work or service abroad, as well as for successful integration into the global community.

GLO 486 - Global Competency Summative Experience (1 credit) helps students demonstrate the cultural experiences they've gained through their Global Mountaineer learning endeavors through project-based presentations.

2. Language Component

Students must complete six (6) hours of world language study in a language other than English or the student's native language. This can be done at WVU, at an institution abroad, or via AP credit.

Language Learning is an essential part of working in a global environment. Exposure to world languages has a great impact on employability and helps create both understanding and opportunities.

For a full list of language courses, visit http://catalog.wvu.edu/undergraduate/undergraduatecertificate/globalmountaineers/.

3. Core Course Component

Students must choose six (6) hours from an approved list of over 100 courses. Many of these courses can be used to fulfill GEF requirements for graduation and focus on regional studies, cultural perspectives, and global issues.

For a full list of approved courses, visit http://catalog.wvu.edu/undergraduate/undergraduatecertificate/globalmountaineers/.

4. Education Abroad / Internship Component

An education abroad experience is a vital requirement of Global Mountaineers. Almost all forms of studying abroad can fulfill this requirement, including spring break experiences, internships, and semester exchange programs.