Application Process

Wittenberg maintains a full-time Office of International Education to assist students with study and travel plans and to counsel them in integrating international dimensions with educational and life goals.

Once you have decided upon a study abroad program, you will receive the appropriate application and paperwork form the Director. Although many program applications vary, Wittenberg requires a minimum list of items to be completed with the application

Application: Applications usually have their own instructions for completion. Follow these instructions and return the completed application to this office. DO NOT send the application directly to the program.
Biographical Essay: The topic for your essay should be why you wish to participate and why you have chosen your particular program. We require a minimum of 250 words. Some applications contain their own essays which may be substituted upon approval of the Director.
Faculty Recommendations: Wittenberg requires that you obtain a minimum of two recommendations from Wittenberg faculty. If your application does not supply enough forms we will provide the needed number. Ensure that these forms are returned to this office. They are not to be sent separately to the program.
Transcript: Go to the Registrar's Office and complete a transcript requisition form. Indicate that two transcripts should be sent to the Office of International Education.
Additional Items - Some applications may require a fee, photos, language evaluations, a portfolio, etc. These items will be described in the program's application. Have these items delivered to the office so that they may be included with your application packet.

When the Office of International Education has received all of the above items, your application will be reviewed by the Director. Your packet will then be copied, and the originals will be forwarded to the program for acceptance. The copy will be retained in your file by this office for future reference. You will get a notice in campus mail when your application has been sent.

After you are accepted the program will usually notify you directly (using the address you give on your application) about the status of acceptance. When they do, contact the Office of International Education to make an appointment to proceed with the second round of paperwork that will make your study abroad official. The second round forms include:

Credit Advising: with this form you and your advisor work out a schedule that will guarantee proper credit as well as proper application of these credits to your major and/or minor.
Leave of Absence: The LOA informs the other campus offices of your status and intent.
Registration in Absentia: This form will register you for the term you return to Wittenberg.

We also suggest that you take note of several items you may wish to attend to:

Financial Aid: If you will be receiving any sort of aid, including State or Federal Loans you must make an appointment with the Financial Office to discuss the status of your award package. It is possible for us to provide you with an estimated expense sheet for your program.
Community Service and Math Placement: Before you will be authorized to study abroad, we advise you to complete your Community Service and Math Placement requirements.
Passport: If you do not already have a passport, you should now begin the application process. You will need an application, 2 passport photos, and a certified Birth Certificate. They will charge a fee of $65. You may apply at the Main Post Office in town.
Photographs: Programs usually require a small number of passport photos for various reasons. AAA and Click Camera are locations in Springfield that offer this Service. AAA is cheaper, especially for members. We suggest 6-10 photos.
Plane Tickets: We do not suggest that you buy tickets until you are accepted. It is in your best interest though to begin comparative shopping for your flight (especially for flights to Japan). Council Travel (CIEE) offers decent charter rates for students. Check out their Web site.
International Student ID Cards: This office sells the International Student Student ID Card which is the most recognized ID card worldwide, carrie extra insurance, is necessary for Council Travel discount plane fares, and is good for a variety of discounts. The cost is $18 and the turnaround time is 2 days. Check out the ISIC web site for more information on the ISIC card. An application for the ISIC card is available in the Student Travel magazine available in this office.