Students
The Study Abroad Process Checklist
William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad (WWSA)
____ Review this checklist in its entirety.
____ Explore available study abroad program options.
____ Schedule an advising appointment with a study abroad advisor by emailing goabroad@eiu.edu.
____ Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your study abroad plans.
____ Identify your top 2 study abroad programs (one as a back-up).
____ Submit an online application through the WWSA by 11:59PM CST on the appropriate deadline. There is no fee to apply.
____ Start saving your money.
____ Apply for/renew your passport at least 3 months before departure.
____ Verify visa and entry requirements through your host country's appropriate consulate or embassy. Ensure that you obtain the proper entry visa, if applicable. The WWSA does not provide visa assistance or advisement.
____ Complete your host school/provider's application process and adhere to their deadlines, as well as EIU's Study Abroad Deadlines.
____ Research study abroad scholarship, grant, and tuition waiver opportunities through the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad, the Pine Honors College, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology, and other EIU departments.
____ Upon admission to your program, complete your online EIU post-decision application questionnaires & upload your completed forms and materials to your online application. Ensure all post-decision questionnaires and materials are completed no later than one month prior to your departure.
____ Pay your study abroad commitment deposit by the appropriate deadline to secure your spot and so the WWSA can proceed with your course registration.
____ Check your EIU email regularly and maintain timely communication with the WWSA. This is the official form of communication of the WWSA.
____ Ensure your cell phone number is listed in your PAWS account so the WWSA can contact you if needed.
____ Apply for grants and scholarships by the appropriate deadline.
____ If you filed a 2023-24 FAFSA, you must meet with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to update your financial aid package for study abroad and submit a signed Study Abroad Budget Worksheet and Financial Agreement with accompanying program cost & budget information. (Provided & signed by a Study Abroad Advisor).
____ Set up direct deposit through Student Accounts to ensure that any aid, scholarships, or refunds you plan to receive are disbursed directly to your bank account.
____ Verify immunization requirements/recommendations for your host country through your doctor and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
____ Request course pre-approval(s) from your academic advisor and the appropriate department chair(s) to take your study abroad courses for EIU credit. ____ Submit a signed Course Approval Form to the Office of Study Abroad. (Signed by you, your academic advisor, and the appropriate department chair).
____ Ensure that your student account is free from any holds- financial, academic, or disciplinary- that would prevent the WWSA from enrolling you in your study abroad placeholder courses.
____ Enroll in your courses through your host school/provider, if applicable.
____ Attend required pre-departure meetings with your faculty leader(s), if applicable.
____ Attend one required pre-departure orientation with the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad.
On-site
____ Check in to your housing.
____ Attend on-site orientation.
____ Pay off your study abroad balance at EIU by the appropriate deadline.
____ Pay any fees owed to your host school/provider according to their deadlines.
____ Complete all required coursework & assignments.
____ Request that your host school sends your official transcripts directly to the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad.
Re-entry
____ Enroll in the Study Abroad Capstone course, STA 4000G for 1 credit hour, to fulfill your senior seminar requirement (applies to non-honors students who have completed at least 75 semester hours).
____ Update your resume to reflect your international education experience.
____ Get involved with study abroad initiatives on campus- Study Abroad Club, EIU Study Abroad Fairs, alumni and ambassadors associations through third party providers.
____ Spread the word about the benefits of study abroad- talk with your classmates, friends, and family about your experience.
____ Keep in touch with the friends you made in your host country, including your host family.
____ Complete a program evaluation.
Updated 06/22/2023