Why Study Abroad?
Why Study Abroad?
Study Away Coordinator
Term Study Abroad is available to students in all majors. Here are examples of where you could choose to study.
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.
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:
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
October
November & December
January
February
COST
There are three basic cost categories for accepted Study Abroad students –
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 Accepted, Non-language Majors
Approved Programs for Spanish Language Majors
Country | City | Program Link |
Costa Rica | Heredia | USAC Heredia, Costa Rica |
San Ramon | USAC San Ramon, Chile | |
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) |
Approved Programs for German Studies/Language Majors
Country | City | Program Link |
Germany | Berlin | FU-BEST Berlin, Germany |
Luneberg | USAC Luneburg, Germany |
The list of approved programs is subject to change. Please contact the Study Away Office with any questions.
Study Abroad Health & Safety
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 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.
Please note the student application includes a 250-500 word essay.
Learn more about our students and their experiences studying abroad
About 25 percent of Wartburg students will travel abroad for their coursework with a Wartburg faculty member each May Term. These opportunities are coordinated through the faculty rather than the Study Abroad Office.
STUDYING ABROAD AND STILL GRADUATING IN FOUR YEARS. WORTH IT.
Learn more about yourself and others
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.
What our alumni say
* Based on a recent alumni survey.