Study Abroad
Short-term Faculty Led Trips
Each academic year, UVA Wise offers a variety of short-term faculty led study abroad trips. These trips usually occur during spring break or in summer. Students that participate are required to register for a foreign study course associated with the trip (credit hours may vary depending upon the trip).
Short-term faculty led trips fulfill the experiential learning activity (ELA) credit required for graduation beginning in fall 2024. Previous trips include locations such as Austria, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Nepal, India, and the United Kingdom. Locations vary from year to year.
Applications for upcoming trips will open in August 2025.
Upcoming trips for 2025-26*
Winter Break 2025
- Costa Rica, December 13-22, 2025
Spring Break 2026
- Ireland, March 4 - 15, 2026
- Portugal, March 4 - 15, 2026
Summer 2026
Coming soon!
*All trips are subject to the study abroad short-term trip approval committee and trip enrollment.
Eligibility Requirements
All students who apply to study abroad are subject to the eligibility requirements explained below.
- Must meet cumulative GPA requirements. Short-term study abroad trips (spring break and/or May): cumulative GPA of 2.5. Semester or year-long study abroad: cumulative GPA of 2.75 with no grade lower than a C- in the previous two academic terms or with approval of the Director of International Programs and Services.
- Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. If standing changes, students may be withdrawn from a program in which they are already enrolled. If academic or disciplinary cases are in the past and have been resolved, students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Students are required to purchase recommended health insurance for the trip.
- Students are required to attend all pre-departure orientation meetings and complete all assigned work.
- Freshmen are first eligible for short-term trips in the second/spring semester of their first year.
- Only students who have completed three full-time semesters at UVA Wise are considered to be eligible for semester or year-long study abroad. Transfer students with an associate’s degree must have been full-time students for a semester to be eligible for semester or year study abroad. Students may be considered for participation earlier on a case-by-case basis.
- Students must read and sign a participation agreement.
- Students must make payments by the specified deadlines.
- Students for all study abroad opportunities must obtain passports and any other required documents, such as visas, in a timely fashion.
- Students must enroll in the State Department’s STEP program. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program).
Application Process
A study abroad application and two references from UVA Wise faculty and/or staff are required.
Study Abroad Application - Exchange Programs (Semester or Year-long Experience)
Please note, that a personal statement using the following writing prompt should be uploaded at the end of the application. Personal Statement (500 word maximum) - Please share your academic and professional goals. Why are you interested in studying abroad and what do you hope to gain, learn, and experience in this particular location?
Short-term Faculty-Led Study Abroad Application (Current Students)
Short-term Faculty-Led Study Abroad Application (Community, Faculty/Staff, Alumni)
Scholarships
UVA Wise offers scholarships to support study abroad. Students must complete the separate scholarship application for consideration.
Office of National Awards and Fellowships is an excellent resource for private and/or national awards for study abroad including the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS)
UVA Wise recently joined the KIIS Study Abroad Consortium (the Kentucky Institute for International Studies is a non-profit study abroad consortium). KIIS is committed to offering high-quality, low-cost study abroad options for students and offers a variety of summer programs in Europe, Africa, Asia, Canada, and Central & South America with courses in Business & Economics, Humanities, Health Sciences, Language Study, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. All KIIS programs are faculty-led by faculty from consortium member institutions. The program cost typically includes six credit hours (summer), transfers between the airport abroad and the program site, on-site orientation, accommodations, some meals, local transportation for group excursions, comprehensive medical insurance, and security evacuation insurance. For more program details, visit www.kiis.org.
Application deadline for summer: December 1 (apply early and save $100) or February 5 (regular application deadline)
Funding: Scholarships are available to assist in offsetting program expenses.
Questions or ready to apply: Contact Candice Stadler, Director of International Programs and Services
ISEP Study Abroad at UVA Wise
UVA Wise partners with ISEP Study Abroad, a non-profit organization with a mission to make the transformative experience of studying, interning, and volunteering abroad accessible and affordable for everyone.
- ISEP offers an impressive and affordable array of programs among a global community of universities in more than 40 countries.
- Students can participate in semester-long, full-year, or summer programs for any field of study, as well as volunteer and internship programs.
- You have access to flexible and affordable housing and meal plans, optional excursions, student groups, campus amenities, and flexible application deadlines.
- ISEP also offers scholarships for their programs, with many focused on underserved student populations as well as opportunities for students studying a language or in specific locations around the world.
About ISEP Programs
- ISEP programs are immersive and life-changing, allowing students to gain cross-cultural understanding and respect for others.
- Participating in an ISEP program helps build a transformative self-confidence that can only come from an authentic study abroad experience. From an increased openness and respect for different cultures to greater problem-solving and communications skills, the ISEP experience will help you develop highly desirable skillsets that will impact your future both professionally and personally.
- Whether you participate in study, intern, or volunteer abroad programs, ISEP assures you get all the support you need.
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