POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

(By Faculty action)

The International Education Committee heartily encourages Wittenberg students to explore the possibilities for studying abroad. Any overseas experience, even travel, can broaden a person’s outlook and understanding. Academic study abroad adds a special dimension to this kind of experience however, and it calls for distinctive capacities:

          Maturity, independence, and adaptability
          Motivation and purposefulness
          Preparation and capacities appropriate to specific programs

The qualities required for successful study abroad vary from program to program, and they are difficult to assess. Their evaluation, however, is part of the University’s responsibility in endorsing any program of study for academic credit. The University also has a responsibility to evaluate the program itself in terms of its academic soundness and its ability to provide the opportunities it promises.

The University cannot preclude a student from applying to and participating in any off-campus program. It has the obligation, however, to accredit off-campus study with discretion. If a student elects to participate in a study abroad program without prior endorsement the student must follow the usual procedures for transfer of course credit described in the Wittenberg Registrar’s Catalog.

The following criteria are intended to apply to student seeking endorsement of programs of study abroad.

ACADEMIC CRITERIA

A student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to qualify for accredited study abroad.

A student must complete four academic semesters (or their equivalent) of college before study abroad during the academic year will be accredited.

A student must attend an orientation workshop prior to study abroad and must complete an evaluation for the study experience in order to receive credit for it.

PERSONAL CRITERIA

1. Evidence must be present that:

2. The student is a person of maturity, independence, and adaptability;

3. The student brings to the program motivation and purposefulness;

4. The student’s study abroad is relevant to a clearly thought out course of study or educational objectives;

The student has adequate preparation for the program of study, including language ability in so far as it is appropriate.

A student must present evidence of meeting the personal criteria through the following:

1. Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a faculty member, on which are listed the criteria to be evaluated;

2. A Credit Advising Form signed by the student’s academic adviser;

3. An interview with the Director of International Education or other designated person.

PROCEDURES

A Leave of Absence Form, signed by the student’s adviser and the Director of International Education, must be turned in prior to study abroad, except for programs operated by Wittenberg University.

Grades reported from study abroad programs will be posted on the student’s official transcript but will be calculated in the student’s GPA only when on a Wittenberg-operated program.

An administrative fee of $200 per study period will be charged.

It is possible for Wittenberg students to study abroad independently under the following conditions:

1. The academic program must be arranged with the student’s faculty adviser and the student’s department must refer the student to the Committee on International Education for program approval;

2. The student must satisfy all criteria normally applied for study abroad;

3. The student who has had independent study abroad approved is charged 2/3 tuition for the term or terms in which the student is engaged in such study. The student should consult with the Director of International Education regarding details of independent study or internship.

In the case that a student applies to a program with which Wittenberg does not have a consortia agreement, the student must submit with other application materials a statement explaining why that particular program is chosen and exactly what it promises. The Director may authorize or deny credit or require that study materials be reviewed for credit upon return. The student may appeal the Director’s decision to the International Education Committee.

STUDY ABROAD AND STUDENT AID

Foreign study includes Wittenberg programs, exchange programs, affiliated programs, and other programs.

Student financial assistance from Wittenberg’s general and endowed funds, including scholarships, shall be applied only to charges retained by Wittenberg for students in direct exchange programs.

Students aid funds from Wittenberg funds will not be transferred for affiliated or other non-Wittenberg programs. Funds cannot be transferred to other programs. Funds cannot be transferred to other academic semesters. The aid awarded will only reflect aid for the actual terms the student attends Wittenberg.

State and Federal funds and sponsored outside gift scholarships may be applied to study abroad programs which are approved for credit by Wittenberg as long as the eligibility criteria required by the government or sponsor are fully met. Students must receive a minimum of 12 credits to be considered full-time for State and Federal Assistance.

All students with financial assistance must make an appointment with the Director of Student Aid to assess their aid award. A completed study abroad expense form is required at the time of appointment. This form can be obtained from the International Education Office.

PROGRAMS

Each student should have access to that study abroad program which most reflect the student’s abilities and interests.

Qualified students can be placed in internships abroad where they may combine work experience with cultural and language studies. Each program must be worked out individually with the faculty, and the process should be started early. Students interested in this option should consult the Director of International Education.

Full information on Wittenberg programs, affiliated programs, and approved non-consortia programs is available in the office of International Education.