Study Abroad Toolkit

If you intend to use financial aid, you must plan ahead!

Things to know: 

• You must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for federal and state financial aid. For financial aid purposes, six credits for undergraduate students and four credits for graduate students is considered half-time enrollment in fall, spring and summer semesters. Note: J-term credits are combined with fall semester credits to determine half-time enrollment for financial aid purposes.
• Federal regulations prohibit releasing any financial aid funds before the semester for which you have been awarded. At UW-River Falls, your financial aid will not be applied to your student account until six days after the start of the regular term. If you need to pay a trip deposit or book airfare early, for example, you must plan ahead. If you have questions about how to plan ahead, you can visit a UWRF financial aid counselor as they are here to assist you as you arrange funding for studying abroad.
• If you are not a UW-River Falls student, or are a UW-River Falls student participating in a non-UWRF program, you must work with your home campus to complete a Consortium Agreement to allow your home campus financial aid to apply to your education abroad experience through another campus.

Visit Financial Aid's Study Abroad webpage to learn about using financial aid and various on-campus scholarship opportunities for education abroad/away programs.

Many different scholarships are available to assist you with the cost of your study abroad/away program. A listing of specific education abroad scholarships for UWRF students, as well as national education abroad scholarships and scholarship databases can be found below. You are also encouraged to explore the university-wide scholarship opportunities for UWRF returning students, which include a range of scholarship opportunities beyond the education abroad-specific opportunities highlighted below. 

Scholarships for study abroad during J-term 2026, spring 2026, Spring Break 2026 and May 2026 will open in September 2025. A second scholarship cycle for study abroad during summer 2026 and fall 2026 will open March 1, 2026.

 
National Scholarships

• Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants: Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. 50 $1,000 grants are awarded each year. Students must attend an undergraduate institution with an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter (UWRF has one), but do not need to be a Phi Kappa Phi member in order to be considered. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards for undergraduate study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.
• Boren Awards: Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are excluded. Boren Scholars represent a variety of academic backgrounds, but all are interested in studying less commonly taught languages, including but not limited to Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili. Boren Scholarships provide American undergraduate students with the resources and encouragement they need to acquire skills and experiences in areas of the world critical to the future security of our nation, in exchange for their commitment to seek work in the federal government.
• Freeman-ASIA: Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
• Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships.
• DAAD Scholarships: DAAD offers a wide range of funding opportunities for individuals and institutions in higher education. Since DAAD New York is the representative office for all of North America, its programs are open to students, faculty, administrators and staff of higher education institutions geographically located in the United States, Canada and their territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, etc). There are a few special programs that may extend to constituencies beyond that. Our primary goal is to facilitate transatlantic mobility to Germany for US and Canadian scholars, therefore Germany must be a component of your intended academic travel. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis. We consider the academic merit of the individual, the feasibility and quality of the proposal and the impact of the applicant and application as a whole.

 
Education Abroad Scholarship/Grant Databases

Search through these databases to find other possible scholarship/grant opportunities:

• University of Minnesota Scholarship Database
• Diversity Abroad Scholarship Database
• International Scholarships

When you apply to a UWRF education abroad program, you confirm you understand and agree to the terms and conditions here: UWRF Fees Deposit and Payment Agreement, and acknowledge you will be responsible for paying any unrecoverable program costs UWRF has incurred on your behalf if you need to cancel your participation at a later date.

Dietary Issues

Accommodations for dietary restrictions or preferences may be more challenging abroad. The ability of the program to meet or arrange to accommodate your dietary restrictions or preferences is dependent on other providers (e.g., local restaurants, lodging facilities that provide meals, and so on), and UWRF cannot guarantee that those facilities can accommodate your restrictions or preferences, whether in part or in full. If you have a dietary restriction (e.g., Celiac), or have dietary preferences (e.g., Keto), you should consider the extent to which your experience could be negatively impacted if those restrictions or preferences are not met. If you have an allergy or restriction and are exposed to a food allergen, for example, you should have translated materials to communicate this information to those who will be preparing and serving your food. You can purchase translation cards for a variety of food and drug allergies, special diets and medical needs. You will also want to discuss with your doctor how to manage your symptoms while abroad and ensure you have whatever medications you may need in the event of an emergency. UWRF will not provide refunds for dietary purposes. While UWRF may make reasonable efforts to accommodate, or arrange for accommodation of, your dietary restrictions or preferences, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring those restrictions or needs can be met while participating in the program.

Preventive Treatment

Depending on your destination(s), there might be required vaccines. Some countries do not require any, beyond being up-to-date on your routine vaccines, but the Center for Disease Control does make a number of preventive treatment recommendations. If you choose to seek any preventive treatment, set up a travel appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Some treatments require more than one dose over many months so it is important to plan ahead! You are solely responsible for ensuring you have the appropriate vaccines required, and/or recommended by the CDC, prior to traveling to your destination, and for any personal medical outcomes in connection with obtaining – or refraining from – such vaccination(s).

 
Accommodations

Each country determines its own laws and requirements regarding disability accommodations. Please recognize the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) only covers disability protections in the United States and accommodations do not necessarily translate unilaterally in other countries. If you want to discuss your access needs further before traveling to help you best determine your options, please contact the UW-River Falls Disability Resource Center. Travel to many countries comes with the expectation that the accommodations available in the United States might not be available abroad. Many locations in Europe, for example, are not wheelchair accessible. Locations in developing countries might lack the same accommodations available at home.

General Health Considerations

If you have any health issues, you’ll want to discuss with your doctor how you plan to successfully manage your treatment plan while abroad, including a review of your current medication list to identify how you will manage your medications while abroad. You will also want to transport any prescription medications in their original containers within your carry-on luggage, and have arrangements if possible with your doctor to replace them if they are lost. All of these arrangements should be discussed at your travel appointment with your doctor. Transportation and possession of prescription medications in connection with participating in the program are ultimately subject to applicable laws, which may differ from those of the United States. You are responsible for understanding and complying with the laws applicable to your prescription medications at all times.

Rest assured, many students, faculty, and staff have traveled abroad while successfully navigating the considerations listed above. They do not preclude your participation but are important factors for you to individually consider before committing to the program. There are also offices on campus you could consult prior to making a decision (e.g., Student Health and Counseling, and the Disability Resource Center) to help ensure you have the most successful, safe, and healthy, experience possible while abroad.

The following items are a few of the most important tasks related to your health, safety and security:

1. Consider the points above prior to submitting an application for your experience.
2. Fully and accurately complete the Medical & Disability Self-Assessment questionnaire in your online application. Please note this material will appear in your application after you are accepted to study abroad.
3. Consult with your medical professional(s) about any medical needs, and how to manage these while abroad.
4. Learn about your destination, including any health or safety concerns, via the travel.state.gov website.
5. Review guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for travelers health in your destination.

Universities of Wisconsin Required Insurance

The University of Wisconsin System mandates that all University of Wisconsin students studying/traveling abroad under a UW sponsored program or abroad experience must be enrolled in health insurance through the University's provider, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). The policy has provisions for medical coverage, including a global teleconsultation service, remote behavioral health services, emergency evacuation, and repatriation.

The Office of International Education will make arrangements with CISI for coverage, typically a few weeks before the start of a program. A personalized insurance card and a consulate letter will be emailed to you, along with a claim form and policy documents. The fee for insurance is listed on individual program pages, under "Program Fees". You are billed through the Student Billing Office. If you are participating in other UW university's program, you will receive CISI insurance through that university. 

If you plan to arrive earlier or travel after their program ends, you are encouraged to arrange additional coverage directly with CISI.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

The UWRF fees, deposit and payment schedule, applicant cancellation and refund policy has no provisions to waive non-recoverable costs for committed participants who need to withdraw their participation in an experience after committing, regardless of the reason for withdrawal. If you need to withdraw your participation after committing, you will have significant financial responsibilities, ranging from 40-100% of the total program fee. As such, you are encouraged to consider purchasing trip cancellation and/or trip interruption insurance, which can provide reimbursement for these cancellations. This kind of insurance coverage is not offered by UWRF, but it can be purchased independently for UWRF-sponsored or personal travel. Supplemental trip cancellation (cancel for any reason: CFAR) and trip interruption (interrupt for any reason: IFAR) insurance is in addition to the included CISI coverage outlined above. 

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance typically provides reimbursement for last-minute cancellations due to sickness, severe weather, or even security risks. During travel it can provide coverage for travel delays, missed connections, lost/stolen baggage, early departures due to unforeseen personal events, extended in-country stays due to illness, and more. 

UW System worked to identify reputable partners for supplemental CFAR/IFAR travel insurance and made the information available to the various UW campuses. Gallagher Worldwide Trip Protector provides extensive trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance and will work with UWRF-sponsored travelers or those on independent or personal travel. Please note: the policies outlined below need to be purchased within 21 days of a participant's acceptance to a program.

For more on Gallagher Worldwide Trip Protector, please see:

• Gallagher Travel Insurance Program Flyer
• Gallagher Travel Insurance Enrollment Summary
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption Protection for Academic Travel (culturalinsurance.com), click the "Get a Quote" button to review and purchase plans.

Note: These links to trip cancellation insurance providers are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement, an approval, or a recommendation by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls or UW System of any of the products, services or opinions regarding a general insurance product or of a specific organization. You are not required to purchase trip cancellation coverage to participate in UWRF-affiliated travel. If you decide to purchase trip cancellation coverage, you are responsible for the costs of the insurance. The University of Wisconsin-River Falls and UW System make no representations or warranties of any kind in relation to the analysis, information or services provided by an insurance provider.

The U.S. Department of State issues Travel Advisories to provide information about the relative safety of traveling to various international destinations. The Advisories range from Level 1 (lowest) to Level 4 (highest). You can read more about the Travel Advisories and check the level for the country you plan to visit by going to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/.

UWRF-Managed programs operate only in level 1 and 2 destinations. If you are pursuing a non-UWRF or independent experience in a destination with a level 3 Travel Advisory, you must receive permission from the UWRF International Risk Management group. Contact the Office of International Education at studyabroad@uwrf.edu at least eight weeks prior to planned departure to initiate your permission request. Travel to level 4 Travel Advisory destinations is not allowed.

You are expected to enroll in the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for the duration of your study abroad experience. STEP is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. 

STEP Program Benefits:

• Get real time updates about health, weather, safety and security in the country.
• Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
• Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there's an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest or a family emergency.

In addition to enrolling their official program location and dates, you are encouraged to personally register any additional travel you may undertake outside official program dates, or beyond the official program location. 

Complete the registration,

Each year UWRF compiles an annual Security and Fire Safety Report to keep you informed about safety on our campus, including our campus locations abroad.

• Residence Life - Housing
• Financial Aid
• Dean of Students Office
• Student Billing
• Student Health and Counseling

Travel Documents and Passports

All countries to which you travel outside of your home country require you to carry valid travel documents. For most travelers, the requirement is a valid passport. You may also be required to obtain a visa or other additional documentation. Please check your travel dates and make sure you will arrive back in the United States at least six months before your passport expires.

It is your responsibility to obtain your own passport prior to participating in a study abroad program or international activity. Individual programs will never arrange passports for participants.

You are also encouraged to consider the following when applying for your travel documents: 

• If the country to which you are traveling requires a visa, you will likely need to send your actual passport along with your visa application. In this situation it is imperative you apply for your passport as early as possible to allow for enough time to still submit a visa application after obtaining your passport.
• Though emergencies are extremely rare, you may want to consider whether you have a family member or friend with a valid passport who could travel to you if needed. Details on your coverage under CISI Insurance in this unlikely scenario can be found in the Insurance section under the Health and Safety section above.
• You will need to submit a photo with your passport application. Many discount retailers and pharmacies will take passport photos.
• If your passport is from a country other than the United States, or if you are a U.S. Green Card holder (permanent resident) without a U.S. passport, please contact the Office of International Education as soon as possible for information on obtaining the appropriate documents for travel to your intended destination.

Helpful Links

• Apply for/Renew a Passport
• Country Specific Information (if a visa is needed, health/safety concerns, etc.)
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• U.S. Department of State Travel Alerts and Warnings
• CDC Travelers' Health Information
• Lost/Stolen U.S. Passport Information
• State Department Resources for Emergencies Abroad
• CIA - The World Factbook

Using your Phone Abroad

For many program locations, WiFi will be widely available in the accommodations utilized. It is also recommended you explore ways to connect to reliable mobile networks while abroad.

• International Plans: Explore available international plans with your current provider to see if there are affordable options to meet your needs.
• International SIM: Prior to departing the U.S., work with your mobile provider to unlock your phone, which will allow you to purchase a local SIM card in your study abroad destination and then connect to local pay-as-you-go plans.
• E-SIM: If your phone has an E-SIM, there are several apps, such as Airalo and Dent, you can purchase to get international coverage. You pay by GB usage and most cover a wide range of countries.

Communication Expectations

• Stay Informed: Plan to spend time checking your email, Canvas, eSIS, etc. to stay up to date with course and program information. Safety is our top concern, so steady communication and frequent updates with your group leader and adviser are very important.
• Dialing 911: Many countries outside of North America use different emergency line numbers. Research what the emergency number is for the country you are studying.
• Travel Plans: Make sure you're informing the group leader about your individual travel plans if that's an option for your program.
• Emergency Situations: Call the local emergency number, if needed, but then also notify the group leader or coordinator immediately by phone. Do not email if the situation is urgent.
• Stay in Touch: Keep your family and friends informed about your well-being. Send short, frequent updates to let them know you are okay.

Regardless of where you travel, it is likely you will be using a currency other than the U.S. Dollar. Ensure you know the currency of where you will be traveling, as well as any secondary locations you may visit during your time abroad. It is recommended you always have at least two ways to access money. Traveling with a credit card is recommended as credit cards offer the highest levels of protection should you encounter any fraudulent charges while traveling. Research the questions below to ensure you're prepared!

Is the location I'm traveling to cash-based or cashless? If cash-based, you may wish to work with your bank or a currency exchange office to obtain local currency ahead of your travels. If cards are widely accepted in your travel destination, obtaining cash ahead of time is not recommended or necessary as currency exchange offices often charge high fees and poor exchange rates/

If traveling with a card:

• Will my card work in the countries I'm traveling to?
• What fees are charged for withdrawals or purchases? Is it a %, a flat fee, or both?
• Are there other currency conversion or foreign transaction fees?
• What phone number should I call if there's an emergency?
• What is my daily limit for ATM withdrawals?
• Request a PIN if you don't have one.

Exchange rates fluctuate daily. You can monitor these fluctuations at Oanda, XE currency converter, or their associated apps.

• Clown Car Packing Like a Pro
• How to Pack Like a Pro
• 10 Packing Tips Every Traveler Should Know
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• AccuWeather
• Weather Underground
• World Meteorological Organization (WMO)'s World Weather Information Service

Reflecting on your host culture:

• What have I learned while in the host culture(s) that I did not know previously? How has this changed my view of the host culture(s)?
• What was I able to learn about different aspects of the host culture(s) including non-academic areas; for instance, how are children and the elderly treated in the host culture(s)?
• What stereotypes did I have of the host culture(s) before I lived there? Have these changed in any way?
• Did I pick up any new stereotypes or biases? Are they valid?
• If I studied a language, how has that changed my views of the host culture(s)? Is my language study complete or do I need to study it further in order to perfect my language skills and understand the culture?
• What can I do to continue deepening my understanding of the host culture(s)?

Reflecting on your home culture:

• How have my attitudes about my home culture changed? What has caused these changes?
• By being abroad and able to compare my culture with a different culture(s), what have I learned about the history, values and traditions that make up my home culture?
• What can I do to continue deepening my understanding of my home culture?

Personal reflection:

• How have I changed during the sojourn abroad? Do I feel more confident, independent or cosmopolitan? How can I express these changes to my friends and family in a non-threatening manner?
• What new skills do I possess? For example: knowledge of a different culture(s), adaptation skills, second-language proficiency, creative problem-solving, tolerance, increased human relations skills, etc.
• In what ways can I apply what I learned abroad for personal, academic or career-related development?
• How have my personal values changed because of my experience?

Reentry, or reverse culture shock, is a very common reaction to returning home from time abroad. It can range from feeling that no one understands how you've changed, to feeling panicked that you will lose part of your identity if you don't have an outlet to pursue new interests that were sparked abroad. As you go through this transition period, you may find the following tips helpful:

• Recognize possible symptoms: restlessness, boredom, depression, uncertainty, confusion, isolation, wanting to be alone, missing the people, places, attitudes or lifestyle of your host country, changes in goals and priorities, negativity or intolerance towards the U.S., including American behavior, attitudes, customs and common social practice.
• The coping skills and strategies that were successful in helping you adjust to your host culture will be just as helpful coming home: get involved, identify a support group of other students, suspend judgment until you understand a situation, keep a journal, and always keep a sense of humor.
• You may recognize many of your values and beliefs have changed. Learn to incorporate new and meaningful values and beliefs in your life.
• Understand your friendships and relationships might change as a result of your new experiences. Explore new places and people with whom you can share your international experiences.
• Find ways to take care of yourself and ease into your surroundings.

We encourage you to continue talking about your experience, and sharing it with others. 

• Write a Blog: Channel your inner literary genius and write about your international experience. (Bonus: the people at home can follow along with your adventures!) There's any number of topics that a blog can cover. How did you choose your program and prepare to leave the country? What have you learned/experienced while you're abroad? How have you changed? What is your favorite part of your host culture? What travel tips would you share with others? Share your blog link with the OIE by emailing it to studyabroad@uwrf.edu.
• Volunteer with the OIE: The OIE hosts a Study Abroad Fair each fall and so UWRF students can learn about their international options - and you're invited! Hang out at the table for the program you went on and talk to other students about your experience. Pretty easy. It’s fine to bring photos or souvenirs or something else from your experience abroad, but it’s not required. Fair dates are posted on the OIE Instagram page as well as on the UWRF Events Calendar, so mark your calendars and let studyabroad@uwrf.edu know to expect you. The OIE also hosts numerous tabling sessions and classroom presentations each semester where volunteers are always welcome.
• Make a Video: Have some tech savvy? Show off your video editing skills and put together a video showcasing your experience abroad. Don't know where to start? Try making a "20x20 Vision" video, where you choose 20 photos/clips that represent different aspects of your experience abroad, then talk about each photo for 20 seconds in a voice-over. Send or bring your video to the OIE and, pending approval, we'll share it on our social media accounts.
• Get Creative: Put on your creativity hat and showcase your skills. Write an article for the Student Voice; speak about your experience to a student org, outside group, or school; send your best photos for the OIE to use on posters and online; the options are limitless. Contact studyabroad@uwrf.edu if you have questions or have something you'd like to share.

Please note, the OIE retains the right to choose which submissions to share/not share, etc. The Office of International Education assumes no responsibly for the content of student blogs, articles, photos, videos, or other submitted media. As such, student submissions do not necessarily represent the attitudes/opinions/beliefs of the Office of International Education, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and/or the Universities of Wisconsin.

Career Services serves all UWRF students and alumni. The office plays a key role in helping students declare or change their major and hosts events connecting employers with students such as the Career Fair and Virtual Career Treks. Specific to education abroad, Career Services can assist students when looking to add their study abroad experience to their resume and talk about this experience during an interview. The skills gained while studying abroad are vastly different dependent on experience, location, type of study, etc. Meeting with someone in Career Services can help capture your unique experience so it's listed powerfully on the resume and talked about in the interview with professionalism and clarity.

Also, be sure to checkout these helpful tips Career Services has put together on Marketing your Study Abroad Experience.