Study Abroad Course Approval Procedures (For Students)

The Center for International Education (CIE) facilitates the development, support, and implementation of study abroad programs. Students wishing to pursue a study abroad program for a semester, year, summer, winter, or spring break, either faculty-led, UMW or non-UMW program, must follow all CIE procedures and work with CIE to plan their program. In addition, students must also meet the eligibility requirements of UMW:

1. Students must complete 12 credits at UMW and declare a major before studying abroad. Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA (most programs require a higher GPA).
2. Transfer students must spend at least one semester in residence before studying abroad.
3. Students on academic probation are not eligible to study abroad.
4. Students who are on a first suspension at the time of departure may depart only after being advised by the Office of Academic and Career Services; students on a second suspension are not eligible to study abroad.
5. Students must complete at least 15 of the last 21 credits at UMW. If you are abroad during the first semester of the senior year, the student must take 15 or more credits in your final semester at UMW to meet the residency requirement.
6. Students may not study abroad the last semester of their senior year.

Prior to departure, students must submit a Course Approval Form to ensure transfer of credit. The student works with CIE, their advisor, and departmental chairs to determine the most appropriate selection of courses. Coursework taken without prior approval will not be guaranteed transfer credit upon the completion of study abroad. Students are responsible for having the transcript from their study abroad program sent to CIE. Upon successful completion of their program, students work with CIE to integrate the experience abroad into the UMW academic community. Students should consult the Office of Financial Aid to determine how aid might apply to study abroad. All students studying abroad pay a $300 study abroad fee per semester and a $20 fee (per week) for summer, winter, or spring break programs.