Study Abroad
A foreign study experience is an ideal complement to the International Studies major, and is a great enhancement of the regional areas of emphasis: Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa/Middle East. Study abroad provides the opportunity to become immersed in a foreign culture, develop language skills on a day-by-day basis, and take courses taught from non-U.S. perspectives. Course work taken as part of an accredited foreign study program can be credited towards the international study requirement and integrated into their course of study at WVU. I.S. advisors work closely with majors to explore opportunities and integrate into the student’s plan of study.
Study abroad experiences are readily available at WVU and managed through the university’s Office of International Program. Many of these have courses that fit directly into the International Studies curriculum, and include a variety of WVU programs that flexibility in terms of time commitment and cost: faculty-led spring break and summer programs, semester exchange programs with “sister” institutions, several independent programs affiliated with WVU, as well as various other non-WVU study abroad opportunities. Click on each links on the left side of this page for more information on each type of program.
Financial support is also readily available to qualified students. Not only is study abraod usually covered by standard financial aid programs, but international studies majors often receive financial aid for study abroad in the form of “student enhancement grants” offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and “Global Education Opportunity” (GEO) grants offered by the WVU Office of International Programs.
The WVU Office of International Programs offers important support services to students planning study abroad. Not only do they have extensive information on the above programs (and others), but their staff can provide advice on practical matters (e.g., health insurance), government travel restrictions (e.g., visa requirements), and WVU guidelines for safe travel.