In order to get started with Study Abroad, we recommend the following:

• Fill out a General Intake Form and email it to studyabroad@mail.wou.edu, or use the General Intake Form link on the Study Abroad main webpage 
• Create a Terra Dotta account, this will be your tool to apply for programs 
• Schedule an initial advising appointment through Handshake 
  • If you would like to schedule an appointment about the process going forward, you can do it through Handshake. From your Wolf Portal, click on Wolf Link, this will take you to Handshake. Once you enter Handshake, find the Western Oregon University Career Center Tab. Should be in the middle of the page. When you click on it, you will be taken to the Career Center page. Scroll down and click on the Schedule Appointment button. Enter some information and for the type of meeting click “Study Abroad.” If it is not there, go ahead and click “Career Counseling.” If there are any issues, please let me know and we can schedule an appointment in person at our office WUC 119. 
• If you haven’t already, meet with your academic advisor and discuss your interest in Study Abroad. They will be the ones helping you create a class schedule while abroad
• Find a program you like and submit an application.

Pre-Advising Questions to Ask Yourself 

As you start thinking about studying abroad (your goals, the type of experience you want to have, the programs you might be interested in, the planning process), you may want to consider asking yourself the following questions:

• What do you want to come away with from this experience? What are your top priorities when it comes to studying abroad? Is it satisfying specific major/graduation requirements? Is it the practical or cultural experience? Perhaps personal growth? Connections to faculty members? Maybe all of the above?
• How comfortable do you feel traveling and/or living abroad? Are you looking for a program/experience that will be more structured with on-site support? Or are you looking for a more independent experience?
• Do you have dependents or other special needs that will need accommodation while abroad?
• How long do you want to be away?
• Do you want to live in a dorm? With a host family? In an apartment?
• How important is cost to you? Do you have a personal budget or cost-range in mind?
• What scholarships and financial resources do you currently have to attend university? What others are you able/willing to apply for to fund this experience?
• When is the best time for you to go? Have you talked with your major advisor about graduation requirements and perhaps figured out when a study abroad program would fit in nicely with your graduation schedule?

Email:

studyabroad@mail.wou.edu