West Virginia University

WVU Full Semester Exchange Programs

International Studies majors can particate, typically in their junior or senior year, in an extended foreign study experience for a full semester or even a full year. Although WVU students have the option of participating in one of several “affiliated programs” (including ISEP), International Studies majors usually participate in one of the WVU semester exchange programs. These are programs in which West Virginia University has formal agreements with certain foreign universities in which WVU and the partner university exchange students on an annual basis. There are several major benefits to participating in one of WVU’s semester exchange programs.

First, our majors pay their regular WVU tuition to attend the foreign university (and foreign students enrolling at WVU pay tuition to their home institutions). Not only does this enable them to use their WVU financial aid package, but paying WVU tuition is considerably less expensive than the cost of studying abroad through other universities or a private, “affiliate” foreign study programs.

Second, these Universities increasingly offer courses that are accessible to WVU students, as part of their larger effort to increase international students. Not only do these universities offer advanced foreign language courses for non-native speakers, they also offer substantive international studies courses taught in English, largely because it serves as the common language of instruction for all international students. As such, WVU students can enroll in mainstream university courses, even though they do not have complete fluency in foreign language. Particularly important to note is that, because these courses are taught by resident university faculty, I.S. majors benefit from courses that convey a non-U.S. perspective on international affairs.

Third, WVU students are enrolled in programs attended by students from throughout the region or the world, often living in the university’s “international dorm”. As such, they are not isolated among a group of WVU students or even simply Americans. A semester of intermingling with international students is obviously a great immersion into foreign culture and global community.

Certain WVU exchange programs are particularly appropriate for the International Studies major. These are programs that offer a substantial number of curriculum in International Studies, i.e., courses on the culture, geography, economics, politics, and international affairs of the country and region in which the university is located. Furthermore, most also emphasize courses in advanced language and cultures for non-native speaking, foreign students. In fact, although these programs do not require complete fluency, for certain programs it is expected that incoming students will have at least two years of foreign language, in order to take full advanged of the opportunites for academic and cultural immersion for the full semester.

Participation in a WVU exchange program requires careful and advanced planning. In fact, the “priority deadline” for Fall Semester (and full years) programs is January 30th, while the “final deadline” is February 27th. Deadlines for Spring 2010 have also been announced: “priority deadline” is April 17th and the “final deadline” is October 2nd). Throughout the process of choosing a program, majors should work closely with their I.S. academic adviser and the Department of Foreign Languages to insure the proper selection of classes. Furthermore, given that these exchanges are arranged by the Office of International Programs, students should work with Ms. Tara George-Jones, who directs all WVU semester exchange programs. Be sure to follow the guidelines provided at the WVU Semester Exchange Program page at the Office of International Programs website.