* First Year (Freshman) & Options for GURS
First Year (Freshman) students are able to pursue Education Abroad (EdAbroad) through Study Abroad Providers and WWU Global Learning Faculty-led Programs.
Below are some program options for First Year (Freshman) students to consider. We have chosen a set of programs and locations ideal for a first year experience, based on a variety of factors:
- Availability of 100/200 level coursework
- Onsite logistics, structure, and support
- Short term & quarter length options
- Do not require letters of recommendation, or flexibility for the letters to come from High School instructors or administrators
- Do not require a visa in advance
- Visa/immigration documents can be obtained onsite, or for programs that do require a visa, the provider has a batch processing service
Please note there are other options available beyond what is listed.
This is not a guaranteed list for credit transfer. Students must obtain department advisor approval for fulfilling degree requirements.
Advisor
Research, Fellowships & Grants
CEA Affiliate Student Discount/Scholarship
All WWU students receive an automatic program discount off CEA program fees.
Award amount: Academic year $2000 + $500 flight voucher, Semester $1000 + $500 flight voucher, Summer $500 + $250 flight voucher
CIEE Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship
- Award covers the full cost of travel to and from participation in a four-week, 3-credit study abroad program sponsored by CIEE.
- Fellows are expected to present and share their study abroad experience with their campus community upon their return to campus.
Award amount: Full Ride Study Abroad Fellowship
Liz Partolan-Fray Memorial Scholarship for Education Abroad
This scholarship is designed to support underrepresented students to participate in international education. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded to WWU students who are participating in a summer Global Learning program led by WWU faculty member.
Award amount: $500
CIEE - Gilman Go Global & GAIN Grants
Just by applying for the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship, students participating on CIEE Study Abroad programs will automatically receive Go Global grants! GAIN Grants available for students using a Pell Grant, and helps cover airfare.
Award amount: Semester $2500, Summer $1000
CIEE Open Campus: Global Institute Grants
Award amount: $2,000 - $10,000
U.S. Dept. of State Critical Language Scholarship
Award amount: Summer $Full Tuition, Airfare, Accommodations
Freeman-ASIA (Freeman Awards for Study in Asia) Grant
Award amount: up to $3,000 for Summer, $5,000 for Semester/Quarter, $7,000 for Academic Year
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
For Pell Grant eligible students
Award amount: Grants averaging up to $3,000 for Summer, $5,000 for Semester/Quarter, $8,000 for Critical Language Study
Advising Info
First Year (Freshman) Student Eligibility Requirements
- Must be fully admitted to WWU before beginning the EdAbroad application.
- Students can participate in EdAbroad the second quarter at WWU. For students admitted in Fall quarter, the earliest term for EdAbroad participation is Winter quarter.
- Participation limited to Study Abroad Providers and WWU Global Learning Faculty-led Programs, cannot participate in WWU Exchanges or direct enroll options.
- Must be prepared to submit an updated WWU transcript before departure confirming Satisfactory Academic Progress. Failure to meet satisfactory academic progress requirements may result in revoking program acceptance.
After you decide on a program and the courses you will take abroad, you must complete the Departmental Academic Advising Esign Form with your academic advisor. Please do not contact departmental advisors prior to being fully admitted to WWU. The form must be completed before your program commences.
Review Your Degree Works
Web4U > Student > Student Records > Degree Works. Follow steps to see what you have completed, and what you still need for your degree plan. At least 50% of the credit hours required for the major/minor must be earned at Western.
An official transcript from your program must be sent to Education Abroad for processing upon completion of your program.
Additional Info
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Things to Consider
- Cost of Living around the World
- Consider adding a Global Studies Minor to your degree