Study Abroad
After studying abroad, most students never view their education in the same way again. Students return home with a greater vigor for academic pursuits and a renewed interest in lifelong learning, one of the most important aspects of a liberal arts education.
Cultural and intercultural competency is an important part of the Wartburg educational experience. Wartburg offers many ways to immerse yourself in other cultures. The Study Abroad Office helps students discover these opportunities.
Here are a few more reasons to study abroad:
- Launch your career through internships abroad. They are a great way to experience local culture in the workplace and improve language skills.
- Studying abroad helps participants understand their own culture and biases better.
- Students who study abroad make life-long friends, both international and from the U.S. These same individuals are more likely to seek out a greater diversity of friends long after their study abroad experiences are over.
- Students who study abroad have a greater confidence in themselves, both professionally and personally.
Questions about Study Away Programs?
Contact Kathleen Sihler at kathleen.sihler@wartburg.edu or 319-352-8427.
Please note the student application includes a 250-500 word essay.
Term Study Abroad
Considerations
Some students arrive at college with a study abroad vision clearly set in their minds. For others, the idea develops, suggested by a supportive faculty member or sparked by some new academic interest or curiosity. Either way, consider these topics as you explore the possibilities.
- Academic needs to meet major/minor/graduation requirements
- Second language skill or interest
- Intercultural and personal goals
- Financial resources
- Wellness – physical and/or emotional
- Identity – sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, individual with a disability
- Interest in internships or volunteering
- Any other important priorities
Eligibility
Wartburg Study Abroad is a one-term academic and intercultural opportunity open to students from any major/minor. While the application process is competitive, the goal is to support as many qualified applicants as possible. Eligibility requirements include:
- 2.5 minimum GPA
- Advance planning discussions with the Study Away Coordinator
- Study abroad application, including a reflective essay
- Faculty reference
- Formal interview with Study Away Coordinator
Timeline
You begin the application process during the fall semester of the academic year before your planned study abroad year and complete the application process by the annual January 15 deadline. Most students apply during their second or third year.
September
- Familiarize yourself with this website.
- Start the conversation with your adviser(s) – discuss how study abroad could fit with your academic interests, requirements, and priorities, as well as your personal and cultural curiosities.
October
- Schedule an initial appointment with Kathleen Sihler, Study Away Coordinator, to talk about your interest, program options, selection process, financial obligations, concerns, and questions. This may take several conversations, so start early!
- Be flexible – select a first and second choice program and term, if possible, and outline an on-campus academic “Plan B” with your adviser in case study abroad plans are disrupted.
November & December
- Finalize your program choices with the Study Away Coordinator.
- Begin the application and contact your selected faculty member to complete the faculty reference.
January
- Applications and faculty references can be submitted up until the January 15, 11:59 p.m. deadline.
- Schedule your final application interview with the Study Away Coordinator once your application is submitted.
February
- Applicants will receive approval decisions by the end of February.
- Approved students will work closely with the Study Away Coordinator on next steps, depending on the selected term that you will be abroad.
Cost
There are three basic cost categories for Study Abroad students:
- Study Abroad program fee
Each approved study abroad program has a program fee, determined by the study abroad provider. This is the “tuition” required to enroll and participate in your selected program. Wartburg Study Away pays this fee as our investment in your study abroad opportunity. - Wartburg student bill
As a full-time, enrolled student you will be billed for Wartburg tuition, student support service fees, and mandatory international travel insurance for the term you are abroad. You will not be billed for Wartburg room and board. It may be possible to place your study abroad room and board expense on your student bill, depending on the specific study abroad program. If you receive financial aid, it can be applied to expenses on your student bill, as it would if you were on campus. - Out of pocket expenses
These expenses are paid by the student and can include the study abroad provider application fee, airfare, in-country transportation, room and board, personal expenses, passport and visa fees, etc. Total estimated cost varies from program to program. The Study Away Coordinator can provide out-of-pockets estimates to help with the selection process.
Wartburg College Study Away offers a geographically, culturally, and academically diverse selection of study abroad programs suited to a broad range of academic majors. Review the “Before You Apply” guidance and then explore the options below.
Program availability is subject to change due to various factors.
Approved Programs for Non-language Majors
Approved Programs for Spanish Language Majors
| Country | City | Program Link |
| Costa Rica | Heredia | USAC Heredia, Costa Rica |
| Chile | Santiago | USAC Santiago, Chile |
| Spain | Alicante | USAC Alicante, Spain |
| Bilbao | USAC Bilbao, Spain | |
| San Sebastian | USAC San Sebastian, Spain | |
| Seville | AIFS Seville, Spain | |
| Oviedo | Oviedo, Spain (PDF) | |
| Uruguay | Montevideo | USAC Montevideo, Uruguay |
Approved Programs for German Studies/Language Majors
| Country | City | Program Link |
| Germany | Berlin | FU-BEST Berlin, Germany |
| Luneburg | USAC Luneburg, Germany |
The list of approved programs is subject to change. Please contact the Study Away Office with any questions.
Student health and safety while abroad is a constant priority for Wartburg College. Decisions on program safety and participation are guided by information from the U.S. Department of State (DOS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), our professional provider partners, and various professional and public resources from the international education field.
The college’s responsibility and commitment to student health and safety begins once students are accepted for study abroad and extends through the end of their program, in partnership with our professional study abroad providers. However, all travel involves some degree of risk, and individual responsibility and informed decision making while abroad are essential components of student safety and health.
Health and safety guidance, resources, and emergency contact information are provided to accepted study abroad students during the Wartburg Study Away pre-travel orientation sessions. The priority is to prepare students to make informed and aware decisions regarding their own health, safety and security in a new intercultural context and environment.
All study abroad students are also required to carry the college’s international travel insurance, which includes medical and emergency assistance and evacuation and repatriation benefits. Please contact Study Away Coordinator Kathleen Sihler at kathleen.sihler@wartburg.edu if you are interested in policy details.
Study abroad is a significant financial investment, but there are several scholarships available to help offset the cost. Read each opportunity carefully, as they all have their own eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Contact Kathleen Sihler, study away coordinator, with questions and/or for application assistance.
Wartburg Resources
Knight’s Experience
The Knight’s Experience program provides each continuously enrolled, full-time student a one-time disbursement of up to $1,500 that can be used in their second, third, or fourth year of study at Wartburg beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. Semester study abroad and May Term travel courses are both eligible for this disbursement.
Pastor Larry Trachte Thanksgiving Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded to first-generation, domestic students with high financial need who are enrolled in either study abroad or international May Term academic courses. No application is needed – recipients are selected each fall by the college’s Development and Financial Aid offices.
Wartburg College German Institute
Any Wartburg College student intending to study abroad in Germany for Fall, Winter, or May terms may apply each March and November for funding support from the college’s German Institute. Contact institute director Dr. Daniel Walther at daniel.walther@wartburg.edu for application details and deadlines.
External Resources
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Gilman International Scholarship is for U.S. citizens or nationals who are also Federal Pell Grant recipients as part of their federal financial aid package. There are two application cycles each year with early March and October deadlines. Awards range from $100 to $5,000. More information is available at Gilman International Scholarship.
Gilman-McCain International Scholarship
The Gilman-McCain International Scholarship is for U.S. citizens or nationals who are child or spousal dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel and recipients of Title IV federal financial aid. There are two application cycles each year with early January and March deadlines for the $5,000 awards. More information is available at Gilman-McCain Scholarship.
Study Abroad Program Provider Scholarships
Our study abroad program providers offer a variety of scholarships based on need, merit, program location, and/or applicant’s identity group. Scholarship information, applications, and deadlines can be found on each provider’s website.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarship
The FEA Scholarship is for diverse U.S. citizens or permanent residents with high financial need. There are two application cycles each year with mid-January and September deadlines for awards up to $5,000. More information is available at FEA Scholarship.
Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship is for a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or student currently studying in the U.S. on a student visa. There are two application cycles each year with mid-April and November deadlines for the $1,000 award. More information is available at Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship.
Learn through experience.
The Knight’s Experience provides up to $1,500 in one-time funding for all Wartburg students during their second, third, or fourth year to support an experiential learning opportunity. Qualifying programs include internships, study away, research projects, service trips, and more.
Wartburg is grateful to the Jack and Sarah Salzwedel family
for funding the Knight’s Experience for the 2026-27 academic year.
Ready for more?