Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about study abroad from the Office of International Programs and Partnerships (OIPP).
Studying abroad does not have to delay your graduation! PNW has a variety of programs that can work with your degree program.
The best thing to do is meet with your academic advisor to learn which semester or term might be best to study abroad for your major, discuss any courses you should look to take while abroad and if you have elective credits to take while abroad.
No! Some programs cost less or are close to what it would cost you to study here at PNW.
In fact, exchange programs charge you the same tuition as you would pay at PNW. It is essential to consider your total cost of attendance at PNW when comparing the cost of studying abroad; that is, what are you paying for tuition, fees, books and supplies, housing, food and personal expenses?
Yes! There are study abroad scholarships at PNW and beyond that you can apply to. In addition, students who have a FAFSA on file may be eligible to use their financial aid toward study abroad expenses.
Meet with the OIPP and the Financial Aid Office to learn more about your financial aid options.
No! While there are programs where you can study a world language, most programs offer English coursework.
When you study abroad in a PNW-sponsored program, you will earn PNW credits. The process for earning credits depends on the type of program in which you study.
There are many different housing options depending on your program type. Housing ranges from hotels, hostels, residence halls, apartments, homestays and more.
Whether or not you need a visa depends on several factors: the country to which you are traveling, the length of time you will be abroad and your nationality.
OIPP can only provide limited information regarding visas; ultimately, it is up to each student to determine whether or not they will need a visa to study abroad.
In general, U.S. citizens will not require a visa to study abroad on programs for less than 90 days. However, this is not true for every country.
As with most things, international travel brings about certain risks. However, PNW considers the safety and well-being of its students to be of paramount concern when planning study abroad programs.
We have several resources at our disposal that assist us in reviewing and vetting proposed programs, including information from the U.S. Department of State, an international travel and health safety committee that reviews all study abroad programs and a comprehensive international health insurance policy under which all participants are covered. Additionally, we provide training for our program leaders on health and safety matters and have a 24/7 emergency response phone number that activates university resources to assist in an emergency affecting a participant abroad.
All students will receive detailed pre-departure information related to the health and safety considerations for the country they are traveling to.
