UWM offers 85 different study abroad programs.
Exchange Programs
UWM has entered into agreements with universities all over the world where we exchange students with one another. On an exchange program, students attend a foreign university and choose and attend classes just as they would at UWM. Students on these programs tend to need to find their own housing and food options (with assistance). Exchange programs take place during most terms (UWinteriM has limited offerings). Space on these programs may be limited; contact our office for more information.
Costs
If you are participating in an exchange program, you pay your regular UWM tuition, the same as you would if you were staying on campus, in addition to international health insurance and administrative fees. The rest of your estimated expenses will be listed in the non-billable section of the program’s budget page – this means you will not be charged by UWM for those associated costs.
Non-Exchange Programs
UWM has entered into agreements with several study abroad providers for short-term, semester or academic year programs. These providers serve as an in-country resource. Providers may include housing, meal plans, airport pickup, excursions, etc. as part of their program packages.
Costs
The main difference between these programs and exchange programs is that you pay a comprehensive program fee in lieu of tuition. This fee includes academic-related expenses and often also additional expenses such as housing, meals, and any additional administrative costs related to the operation of the program. Anything that is not included will be listed in the non-billable section of the program’s budget page. Program fees and inclusions will vary from program to program. Read information found on the program’s page very closely in addition to the cost information sheet. Consult with your Study Abroad Coordinator to determine what is and is not built into your program fee.
Faculty-Led Programs
For this type of program, you travel abroad with a UWM faculty member who teaches a course in a particular subject area. These programs typically range from 10 days to 2 months during the UWinteriM or summer terms. On most faculty-led programs, you will be with the same group of students all of the time, and much of the planning of events will be decided by the professor. This makes faculty-led programs a good choice for students who may be apprehensive about going abroad for the first time.
Costs
If you are participating in a faculty-led study abroad program, you are charged a comprehensive program fee in lieu of tuition*, the same as a non-faculty-led study abroad/non-exchange program. In this case, this fee typically includes all major expenses related to the operation of the program, such as faculty salary, student and faculty housing, local transportation, and entrance fees. International air travel, food, and housing costs may be included in some programs but not in others. Program fees and their inclusions will vary from program to program. Read information found on the program’s page very closely in addition to the cost information sheet. Consult with your Study Abroad Coordinator to determine what is and is not built into your program fee.
Additionally, faculty-led study abroad program budgets are based on a shared group cost and, as such, there will be minimum and maximum amounts displayed, as costs may fluctuate based on the number of participants in the program.
*The only exception to this is for students on short-term study abroad programs who may have a combination of on-campus (tuition-based) classes and study abroad. Tuition for the on-campus classes must be paid separately to the Bursar’s Office.
Non-UWM Sponsored Programs
A non-UWM program is a study abroad program that is found through a different program provider or a different university. If you are interested in a study abroad program that is not offered by UWM, please see below for more information.
- Students are responsible for submitting the application, fees, orientation, visa procurement and any additional documentation needed for their specific program directly to their host-school or provider.
- Students will be enrolled in a study abroad placeholder and international health insurance by CIE.
- Students will earn transfer credit for their program. They are responsible for making sure that their transcripts are forwarded to CIE to be processed. Meet with a Study Abroad Coordinator to get more details.
- It is recommended that students meet with a financial aid advisor to review options available for external study abroad programs.
Please note: UWM-affiliated program providers require a separate application in addition to the one required by CIE. More information about these requirements will be provided during the application process.
Costs
If you are participating in a program that is not sponsored by UWM, you will only pay UWM the standard international health insurance and administrative fees. You will be responsible for working directly with your program’s provider to determine fees, and you will then pay the provider directly.
For financial aid purposes, you will provide your own budget with your cost estimates broken down similarly to the budget breakdowns on each of the UWM-sponsored program pages. Consult with your coordinator as you work to put together your budget and work through your costs.
Important: If you participate in non-UWM study abroad program and do not work through CIE, you:
- will not be able to use financial aid to pay for host institution program fees.
- will not remain enrolled at UWM while abroad.
- will not receive credit for you experience abroad until CIE has processed your transcript after the program has ended. There will be an additional $250 fee for this service.
- may not receive credit for your non-UWM program if the program does not have proper accreditation.