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.

 

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