Undocumented Students

Although it is not a safe time for Undocumented and DACA students to study abroad, there are options to “study away” within the United States through National Student Exchange. 

DACA Students Interested in Study Abroad

Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) historically had a pathway to study abroad by applying for something called Advance Parole. Advance Parole is a procedure by which certain non-U.S. citizens receive permission to re-enter the U.S. after temporarily traveling abroad. In theory, travelers may use an Advance Parole document to travel back to the U.S., but re-entry into the U.S. is actually up to the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at your port of entry. This means re-entry is not guaranteed, even with an Advance Parole travel document, which may put DACA travelers at serious risk of not being able to re-enter the United States. Under current political circumstances, the EdAbroad office recommends that DACA students do not travel outside the United States. 

Undocumented Students without DACA Interested in Study Abroad

There is not a safe way for Undocumented students to travel outside the United States that assures re-entry into the United States, including traveling to British Columbia, despite its proximity.  

Are there any options for study away experiences inside the United States for Undocumented students? 

Yes, WWU is a member of the National Student Exchange (NSE), which provides study away opportunities primarily for semester and yearlong study at universities across the United States.  These NSE host universities have indicated willingness to accept Undocumented students, but be sure to consult the NSE advisor in EdAbroad and do your own research to verify that this information has not become out-of-date during these fast-changing times.