Office of Study Abroad and Outreach

While Abroad


While Abroad

Carry the appropriate documents during your travel. Passport, Student Visa, Letter of admission from host institution, financial affidavit.

Confirm your safe arrival. Within two weeks of arriving, send us your complete contact info, including:

  • address in the host country
  • telephone and fax numbers
  • e-mail address

Send us your actual class registration. To receive the correct credit at WIU, you must send this information as soon as possible. Your registration confirmation must include:

  • The course numbers and/or names of any classes you've added
  • The course numbers and/or names of any classes you've dropped
  • A description or syllabus for any courses you've added, if we don't already have one. 

Check with your Study Abroad Advisor for any questions or concerns.

During Your Stay

Maintain adequate academic records. Keep all your records from abroad: syllabi, reading lists, reports, papers, notes, journals, essays, etc.

Prepare yourself for different styles of academic supervision and demands.

Tips for Maximizing Your Learning

Learn to Handle Stress and cultural shock.

Set & Maintain High Standards for Personal Behavior: Remember that stereotyping is universal. Try to demonstrate the friendly, outgoing attitude Western Illinois University students are known for.

  • Become a "people watcher."
  • Be flexible. Remain true to yourself but learn to bend.
  • Join various student activities.

Become a Keen Observer. Immerse yourself in the host culture and record your thoughts.  Keep a journal or diary.

Exercise appropriate caution at all times. You are the one responsible for your physical and emotional safety while abroad so be careful at all times. 

Remember to:

  • Always carry the address and phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and your host country address.
  • Avoid demonstrations or large groups of people.
  • Don't wear a lot of U.S. or American-defined clothing.
  • Avoid situations that can be physically or emotionally threatening.
  • Be especially cautious about your sexual behavior and practices.
  • Practice caution if you become intimate with someone.

Make sure your final grade report is sent to us. Ask your host institution to send your official transcript/grade report to:

Office of Study Abroad and Outreach
Center for International Studies
Western Illinois University
Horrabin Hall 08, 1 University Circle
Macomb, IL  61455-1390  USA

Pay All Debts BEFORE You Depart. Any remaining debts at your host institution must be resolved before they will release your transcript/grade report. No transcript means no WIU credit and registration until the situation is resolved.

 

APPLY NOW


Announcements

  • Spring 2024 Study Abroad scholarships now open!

    Scholarship applications for Spring 2024 study abroad programs are now open. More information about the scholarships and the application form can be found on our website. The application deadline is midnight, Wednesday, November 1, 2023. If you have any questions about the scholarships, please contact Kim McDaniel, Study Abroad Advisor, at kd-mcdaniel@wiu.edu.

  • Apply for passports NOW!

    Passport processing is currently taking 3 months. If you plan to travel in Spring or Summer 2024, apply for your passport NOW. For more information, see the Passports 101 page on our website.

  • Disney World Communication Culture info sessions 2023 scheduled.

    Learn more about the Disney World Communication Culture Study Abroad Course at these info sessions:
    Wednesday, September 27
    Thursday, September 28
    Wednesday, October 11
    Thursday, October 12
    Location: Memorial 338
    Time: 4pm
    For details, please see the Disney World Communication Culture webpage.


    Tropical Ecology: the Galapagos info sessions 2023 scheduled.

    Learn more about the Tropical Ecology: the Galapagos Study Abroad Course at these info sessions:
    Friday September 29 at noon via Zoom
    For details, please see the Tropical Ecology: the Galapagos webpage.


    Exploring Italy Through Film info sessions 2023 scheduled.

    Learn more about the Exploring Italy Through Film Study Abroad Course at these info sessions:
    Tuesday, October 3
    Location: Simpkins 219 and via Zoom
    Time: 4:30pm
    For details, please see the Exploring Italy Through Film webpage.


    Art in Italy: Political Mythologies info sessions 2023 scheduled.

    Learn more about the Art in Italy: Political Mythologies Study Abroad Course at these info sessions:
    Thursday, October 5
    Location: Garwood 10
    Time: 4pm
    For details, please see the Art in Italy: Political Mythologies webpage.


    International Trade: Costa Rica info sessions 2023 scheduled.

    Learn more about the International Trade: Costa Rica Study Abroad Course at these info sessions:
    Thursday October 5 at 5:30 pm
    Friday October 6 Knoblauch at noon
    For details, please see the International Trade: Costa Rica Info webpage.

     

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Contact Us

Office of Study Abroad and Outreach


StudyAbroad@wiu.edu

Memorial Room 348

309-298-2504

Advising appointments