Independent Study/Internship/Volunteer Abroad
Guidelines
If you are planning to participate in an independent study, internship, or volunteer project abroad not sponsored by the UW Colleges and want to get credit for your experience please read these guidelines.
As soon as you decide to participate in an international experience and obtain credit for that please identify and meet with the UW Colleges faculty who will determine how many credits will be awarded and how you will be evaluated for the work done overseas. After that, please contact the UW Colleges Study Abroad office and inform us who that faculty member is so that we could work with the appropriate UW Colleges academic department for course approvals and registration.
An independent study, internship or volunteer abroad requires a high level of personal maturity and patience. It relates to following these guidelines as well as to taking an initiative to do the ground work regarding visa requirements. It is especially important that you learn about appropriate type of visa required by the host country for your purpose of visit and stay. Also, please be aware of the fact that obtaining the appropriate visa is a bureaucratic process, varying from country to country, and is subject to changes within the system of each country. The process of obtaining a visa may often require much patience and perseverance.
When you are abroad please maintain regular and prompt contact with the faculty supervisor and the UW Colleges Study Abroad office. We all want to help you succeed in your learning!
APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS
___ Meet with the faculty member who will act as your advisor to discuss what requirements of that department are and the number of credits to be awarded for your abroad experience. This is the person who will supervise your learning experience abroad and submit your grade upon completion of all requirements.
___ Transfer Credit Prior Approval Form
When you meet with the faculty member within the UW-Colleges department where the credit for the independent study, internship, or volunteer abroad will be applied, you will need to discuss, complete and sign Transfer Credit Prior Approval Form and attach the course syllabus.
___ Independent Study/ Internship/Volunteer Abroad Agreement Form
Complete, sign and return to the UW Colleges Study Abroad Office.
___ UW Colleges Study Abroad Application Form
Complete, sign and return to the UW Colleges Study Abroad Office.
___ UW System and UW Colleges Statement of Responsibility, Release and Authorization Form
Complete, sign and return to the UW Colleges Study Abroad Office.
___ Letter of Acceptance to participate in Independent Study/ Internship/Volunteer Abroad
This letter should be issued by the agency the student is traveling with and should be printed on official letterhead. The letter should also summarize the experience to be offered to the students, include details on the travel, accommodations, and risk management plans, and provide emergency contact information.
___ $200 Application Administrative Fee
This fee is non-refundable. Please make checks payable to “UW Colleges” and mail them to the UW Colleges Study Abroad Office, 432 N Lake Street, Madison, WI 53706.
___ One (1) Letter of Reference/Recommendation
A formal letter of reference or recommendation is required from one of your current professors. The letter must summarize your academic performance and aspirations.
___ Cover Letter
A cover letter (a letter to express interest in participating in an independent study, internship, or service learning/volunteer project abroad, to develop goals for this experience, and to show how this experience will benefit academic plans and future career exploration) is required.
XXX: INTRODUCTION TO STUDY ABROAD
All students participating in a UW-Colleges study abroad program, including Independent Study/ Internship/ Volunteer Abroad are required to complete the one-credit orientation course, Introduction to Study Abroad. This course does not need to be repeated if you took this course previously. You do not need to pre-register for this course, but you will be enrolled after you receive the letter of acceptance. You do not need to pay additional fee for this course: the tuition is covered by the $200 Application Administrative fee. Failure to take this course and pass with C or better will jeopardize your status as being accepted to go abroad. Details on the course can be found at WWW. You should plan for this course in class/work schedules and credit load.
REGISTRATION
Make sure to register for the class that your faculty supervisor advised and you both agreed upon before you travel. Remember, you must obtain the signature of the Department Chair on the Credit Approval form. This signature enables Records and Registration to enroll you for the pre-determined number of credits in the appropriate department section for your abroad experience. Students who receive an incomplete must check directly with their faculty supervisor.
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
Any Financial Aid you receive currently may be applied directly to the cost of your tuition while abroad. However, it is your responsibility to make all arrangements for this. Make sure to complete all necessary financial aid paperwork before your departure. Only students who are full time students at UW-Colleges can receive financial aid from their campus.
REQUIRED HEALTH INSURANCE:
Even if your program includes overseas insurance, UW-System has mandated the purchase of a state-approved health insurance plan for all UW System students abroad. The policy is through CISI, Cultural Insurance Services International. The cost is approximately $35.00 per month currently and will need to be paid at the UW Colleges Study Abroad office prior to your departure. You will be issued an insurance card upon receipt of payment. *If your study abroad program is sponsored by a UW System institution that already provides CISI insurance, please bring in verification so you can be waived from this requirement.
INDEPENDENT STUDY/INTERNSHIP/VOLUNTEER ABROAD APPLICATION DEADLINES
Fall Semester/Academic Year April 15
Summer February 15
Spring Semester October 15
Materials should be mailed to: UW Colleges Study Abroad
432 N Lake Street
Madison, WI 53706
If you have any questions please contact Tetyana Schneider, UW Colleges Study Abroad Coordinator by phone (608-890-4611) or email: