Semester Study Abroad Information - Multicultural and Diversity Studies| Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa USA

As you consider applying for study abroad through Wartburg, you may want to be aware of the application procedures and requirements. Acceptance into Wartburg’s study abroad program is on a competitive basis. Each year the Study Abroad, similar to the Wartburg West program, accepts a limited number of qualified students. At the current time, approximately 25-30 students study abroad annually, some language majors for a year, but the majority of students for a semester.

Through the application process we will be attempting to determine whether you meet the requirements for study abroad, and to what extent you have demonstrated the characteristics necessary to be a successful study abroad student. These characteristics are based on years of working with study abroad students, and while they do not guarantee success, they do provide a guideline for determining who is most likely to thrive in a study abroad environment.

Study Abroad Applicant Profile:

-	Will be a junior or senior at time of study abroad departure.
-	Has a minimum GPA 2.5/4.0; may need 3.0 to qualify for certain programs and sites. GPA requirement must be achieved by Feb. 1 application deadline.
-	Has decided on a Wartburg-approved study abroad site by the time of application and has basic knowledge of program, location, and culture.
-	Has chosen a study abroad experience that clearly connects with applicant’s academic goals and can articulate this connection.
-	Has met with academic adviser(s) and has a clear picture of the impact study abroad will have on ability to complete intended academic programs for on-time graduation.
-	Has a realistic understanding of challenges study abroad poses - academically, physically, financially, and emotionally.
-	Where applicable, has necessary language skills to study at a university level in intended country.
-	Has discussed study abroad intentions with appropriate family members and they are supportive of application.
-	Has demonstrated a readiness and maturity for study abroad through academic and co-curricular involvement at Wartburg.
-	Has a genuine interest and involvement in cross-cultural issues, events, and relationships.

Financial Aid:

-	All students are charged Wartburg tuition and fees. If the tuition portion of the program is greater than Wartburg tuition, the student will be responsible for the additional tuition cost. Other charges will be the responsibility of the student and will vary by program. Students are awarded financial aid based upon the cost sheet estimate provided by Study Abroad. The following applies to all Study Abroad Programs: All scholarships and grants that require that a student remain on campus cannot be used for study abroad. (for example: Meistersinger) All other institutional scholarships/grants such as Regents and Presidential Scholarships as well as Wartburg College Grant can be used to study abroad. Assuming that the maintenance requirements have been met for merit scholarships, a student will be awarded at the renewal amount. ELCA Tuition Exchange, Tuition Remission, Tuition Exchange and Wilhelm Loehe benefits cannot be used to study abroad. Federal and State grants as well as Stafford Loans can be used for study abroad costs. Financial aid awards for study abroad are determined within a few weeks of the Financial Aid Office receiving the estimated budget information regarding the cost of each trip. Once a student receives an award an appointment can be made with Financial Aid office to confirm what aid will be available for the trip.
-	Short-term loans are available from Wartburg for advanced travel and preparation arrangements. Check with the Controller's Office for further details.
-	The Diers Scholarship is available to students who plan to participate in a semester or year-long Study Abroad program characterized by a significant interaction with a designated culture. Programs eligible for this may include service learning, language study, and/or field research. Funded by a gift from Herman and Dorothy Diers, for whom the Diers Programs are named are long-time advocates for cross-cultural learning at Wartburg. The scholarships will be made to students on a competitive basis. The scholarships will range in dollar amount from $500 - $1000, and must be used to offset the student's costs of participation in an approved Study Abroad experience. Eligible study abroad programs/sites include: The Diers Programs in Tanzania, China, Australia, and Ghana, Partnership for Service Learning approved sites, and the School for International Training approved sites. Applications are available in the Study Abroad office. The deadline for applications is mid-April.

Health:

Health officials are strongly urging individuals to vaccinate for the seasonal flu. Study Abroad encourages everyone to reach out to your individual health care provider to seek guidance regarding individual preparations for the flu season and vaccinations for travel. For more information and in preparation of travel students should visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/features/StudyAbroad/

-	Many travel programs require special immunizations and other health-related precautions. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for health-related issues in specific countries.
-	After acceptance from the Study Abroad Office, you should begin to work on completing the health form, which may require scheduling a pre-departure appointment with your health care provide. If you are traveling to a developing site it is strongly recommended you visit a travel health clinic.

Academic Planning:

-	Students studying abroad for a semester or for the whole year must maintain full-time enrollment wherever they're located. Full-time enrollment may include courses at a foreign institution, arranged studies of Wartburg courses (for example, FL 104, ID 373 and RE 373), internships, and field experiences.
-	Visit with Study Abroad Office (WBC 118) and your academic adviser as early as possible about your interest in Venture Education.
-	Academic credit will vary by program and individual circumstances and is subject to approval by the student's academic adviser and the Wartburg Registrar's Office.
-	Check early with the Study Abroad Office to ensure that you have met any necessary prerequisite course requirements or language training needed for your studies.
-	Study Abroad students may not register online for the program but must register in person in the Registrar's Office.