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 domestic 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:

• Full-time, enrolled domestic student
• 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 2nd or 3rd year.

September

• Get to know the Study Abroad website at Wartburg Study Abroad
• Start the conversation with your advisor(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 (kathleen.sihler@wartburg.edu)  to talk about your interest, program options, selection process, financial obligations, concerns and questions, etc. 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 advisor, 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 accepted 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 & board.  It may be possible to place your study abroad room & 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 & board, personal expenses, passport & 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.

Approved Programs for Accepted, Non-language Majors

Approved Programs for Spanish Language Majors

Approved Programs for German Studies/Language Majors

The list of approved programs is subject to change.  Please contact the Study Away Office with any questions.

Study Abroad Alumni is an organization for students who have returned from studying abroad. Study Abroad students have stories to tell about our time abroad.

Returned students may have frustrations, reverse culture shock, and “home” sickness that people who haven’t traveled can’t understand. This is a group where students can gather to find resolution to issues and have some fun as well! Activities vary, depending on what the members decide they want to do.

In the past the group has had Friday Afternoon Cafe’s, Sunday night suppers with Study Abroad picking up the tab, a Christmas party, and other activities. In addition, they help with information sessions and orientation for students who are interested in a study abroad experience. If you are interested in studying abroad and would like to connect with a Study Abroad Alum, email studyabroad@wartburg.edu.

Vaccination
In light of evolving domestic and international travel, testing, and entry requirements, and in order to ensure the fullest possible participation in academic and international education experiences, these requirements will apply to all participants, including students, faculty and others traveling internationally for academic purposes on behalf of Wartburg College.

International Vaccination Requirements
Wartburg College requires all participants in international education abroad to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination no later than 90 days prior to planned travel. Proof of vaccination must be submitted through the college’s COVID-19 portal on https://www.wartburg.edu/knights-care/. In addition, all international education abroad participants must follow  CDC recommendations and timelines for vaccine booster shots and submit booster shot documentation.  Any participant who does not fulfill these requirements will not be able to participate in the international education experience.

Information and documents submitted through the portal will be available only to those who have a need to know about the information, and its use will be confined to determining a participant’s ability to participate in international education or related activities such as internships.

Financial Responsibility requirements for participants in international academic and May Term travel
Participants are responsible for all costs associated with pre-travel vaccination and boosters and any required pre- and post-travel COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2 testing. Requirements for COVID testing will be guided by the policies implemented by destination authorities.

Participants on international travel are supported by the college’s mandatory insurance policy.  Please note that this policy includes a quarantine benefit that provides a maximum of $2,000 towards reasonable costs related to a person who becomes ill during travel and is subject to mandatory quarantine that prevents travel.  Any costs exceeding this $2,000 maximum will be the responsibility of the individual participant.