Choose your destination

Whether you have always dreamed of visiting another country as part of your university studies or if this is a new idea for you, it is possible to take your education overseas during your academic career at EWU.

You can choose from many different programs, apply for scholarships, apply financial aid to the costs, and transfer your study abroad coursework back to EWU. Rather than take you off course on your university pathway, study abroad experiences can heighten your focus, improve your academic engagement, and help you prepare for professional success.

It can also enrich your life. Study abroad can provide a way to immerse yourself in other cultures and languages, experience and come to understand different perspectives, develop your ability to persevere in circumstances that challenge you, and grow your empathy and cultural humility.

Learn more about study abroad by exploring the links below. Then, visit us at EWU Global in Patterson 345 to discuss your ideas and plans.

Getting Started

Step 1: Identify Your Goals

Studying abroad begins with identifying your goals, choosing a program and location that will allow you to meet those goals, and identifying the quarter(s) you would like to and are able to participate in.

You may be tempted to begin your study abroad plan designed around a particular place. We encourage you to think differently. It is likely that the first place that comes to mind when you consider study abroad does not actually connect with what you are hoping to gain from your study abroad experience. Instead, try reflecting on these questions:

Do I want to improve my language abilities? (If so, look for programs that have intensive language programs, offer courses in the target language if you are an advanced speaker, and offer homestay options with families to increase language immersion. Think about the language variety that most matches up with your future communication needs--and choose a program where this is the dialect/form of language you will be using.)
Do I want to give myself an edge in preparing for my career? (If so, look for programs that offer an internship in place of one of the courses you will take. Consider countries that are still in development where you can truly use the skills you have learned and can gain unusual insights into how other systems operate.)
Do I want to add elements to my coursework that I won’t be able to gain at EWU? (If so, study the course catalog offered by different programs and look for courses that add something unique, valuable and interesting to your major or minor.)
Do I want to connect with a heritage language or heritage culture? (If so, look for programs that are close to the language variety and cultural backgrounds that are a part of your family history as well as programs that clearly support heritage-seekers.)

Don’t start with the place. Start with your goals.

Step 2: Choose Your Program

You have a range of options to choose from while studying abroad.

Direct Enrollment: Join a program at a university that is approved by EWU. You will work directly with the host university for the admissions process and enrollment. This is best for a student looking for complete immersion and independence.
Provider Programs: Join a provider program that can provide almost any kind of study abroad experience you can imagine. Provider programs are organizations that have an agreement with EWU. The provider acts as the liaison between EWU and host universities or organizations and provides continuous support for the student before and during their study abroad experience.
Faculty-Led: Led by EWU faculty or staff, EWU students travel together to complete a course overseas. These programs are typically 3-weeks or less, and there are fewer options to choose from.
Exchange: Take part in a university exchange program. EWU has several university partners that allow a small number of students to be exchanged between the universities each year. These programs require being nominated by EWU, and you pay EWU tuition.
Internships: Choose a virtual or in-person internship where you can gain real-world career experience that will give you an edge in your professional career.

Explore all these program options here: Explore Programs

Step 3: Meet with Advisors

If you need help finding a program or would like to know more about study abroad, please contact our Study Abroad Advisor Isadora Anderson. You can visit her during her office hours or schedule and appointment via email: melkins2@ewu.edu.

Office hours are in Patterson 345E: Mondays; 8:30 AM – 4 PM, Thursdays; 8:30 AM – 2PM, and Fridays; 8:30AM – 2:30 pm

After you’ve selected a program, you’ll also need to meet with your individual academic advisor. They will help you plan to ensure you stay on track to graduate and complete all the requirements for your major.

Step 4: Research Financial Opportunities

Step 5: Apply for Your Adventure

Once you have picked a few programs that you like you can start filling out your EWU Study Abroad Application.

This application is required for the Study Abroad office at EWU. Please remember to pay the $50 processing fee via this link.

Each individual study abroad program will have it's own application documents for you to complete. Please make sure to pay any required application fees or deposit.

Step 6: Travel the World

Want to know how much time you need to plan your adventure? Click HERE to find out more.

Hear the stories of EWU students that have traveled overseas.

Be inspired. EWU students share stories of their amazing travels. Click HERE to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the elgibility requirements? How do I receive credit for my courses? What are the COVID-19 travel requirements? Can I study abroad with a disability?

What are the elgibility requirements?

Students must be at least 18 years old
Participants must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Freshmen are only eligible to participate in EWU Faculty-led program options.
Students must be at least sophomore standing, at time of departure, for individual student options.
The Discipline record at EWU will be reviewed for all applicants.
Students must have completed at least one quarter at EWU for application to be approved.
Running Start students must complete Running Start and confirm plans to continue at EWU as a degree-seeking student before they are eligible to participate in the program
Transfer students must complete one quarter at EWU before going abroad.
All participants are bound by the EWU Student Conduct Code (SAC 172-121-040) during entire Education Abroad program as well as abide by all applicable laws of the country in which they will be studying.

Have questions about eligibility? Come see us at EWU Global in Patterson 345 to get your questions answered.

How do I receive credit for my courses?

What are the COVID-19 travel requirements?

Can I study abroad with a disability?

Yes! But it is important to note that all countries around the world are ADA compliant, or have comparable legal requirements. EWU Global works with partner programs and institutions to determine whether the necessary accommodations are available in your first choice location. If not, all attempts will be made to find an alternate destination which will better fit your needs and goals.