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Semester or Year-Length Study Abroad through Warren Wilson College
Warren Wilson College holds exchange agreements or partnerships with institutions in a number of countries. Students who apply for a semester or year-length study abroad program work closely with academic advisors and the Office of the Registrar to insure the smooth transition of transfer credit. We recommend that students begin preparing for study abroad at least one year in advance. Warren Wilson professors and International Programs staff are available to counsel on the opportunities that are available each year as well as what programs might work best for specific interests and major areas of study. Please review the Checklist for Semester Abroad if you are considering applying for a semester abroad program.
Most study abroad applications are due by March 1 for the following fall semester, or by October 1 for following spring admission. Students contemplating participating in program of study abroad should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 unless otherwise indicated. Program fees vary. As with short-term study abroad courses, all students are required to follow application procedures and attend International Programs orientation sessions.
China: Liaocheng University
Qualified Warren Wilson students will have the opportunity to spend a semester at Liaocheng University in this highly immersive program. The primary focus of the program is on Chinese language and culture. Liaocheng University is located in Shandong province, an area not commonly visited by Western tourists or students. This program is particularly suitable for Global Studies majors or others desiring a culturally-challenging experience. Prior Chinese language study is not required, but is helpful. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
England: London
The London Program is well-sutied for students who wish to study abroad in an urban and familiar American-style classroom setting. Students desiring more cross-cultural interaction may choose to participate in an internship or service-learning programs, take part in Imperial College clubs or do a homestay with a British household. The London Center is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, an exciting yet safe area of London where students can easily walk to museums, theaters and shopping. Students have the option of living in shared flats (apartments) or with a local family. Visit the CAPA London Program website to learn more. Applicants should possess a minimum GPA of 2.8.
France: Universite Catholique de l'Ouest
Qualified students with a strong background in French may study for a semester or a year at this university in Angers located in the heart of the Loire Valley. Students are required to register for further French language study while also pursuing courses offered in a wide variety of subjects at this university. All courses are offered in French, so it is advisable only for students with advanced language skills. Placement has been limited in this program. Slots may not be available in every academic year. Visit Universite Catholique de l'Oeust's website for more information. 3.0 GPA, excellent French skills, and recommendation of the language department are required.
Germany: Trier University-Birkenfeld Environmental Campus
Warren Wilson College's partnership with the Environmental Campus of the Trier University of Applied Sciences in Germany provides a special opportunity in particular for science, business and language majors. With advance planning, students may also prepare research projects at WWC and continue them in Europe under the supervision of WWC and Birkenfeld faculty, in addition to attending courses. German language skills are strongly recommended. Birkenfeld is located in the beautiful Mosel River area of western Germany, close to the borders of France and Luxembourg. For more information, visit Trier University's website. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Japan: Kansai Gaidai University
Situated between Kyoto and Osaka, the university offers a strong Asian Studies program particularly suited to students seeking experience in a Japanese milieu. Students are offered options for language study, as well as an immersion in Japanese culture, language, business, history and the arts. Many courses are taught in English. Home stays are possible and some scholarships are available through the university. Visit Kansai Gaidai's Asian Studies website for more information. Applicants must possess a 3.0 GPA and a demonstrated interest in Japanese culture.
Korea: Hannam University
South Korea has emerged as an important economic and political force on the world stage. Qualified students may spend a summer, semester or year studying in Daejeon, South Korea at Hannam University. Foreign students typically attend classes at the Center for Korean Language and Korean Studies. Intensive Korean language study is at the heart of this program. Students may also choose from courses taught in English in Korean literature, history, culture, business and economics. 3.0 GPA is required.
Mexico: Universidad de Oriente (UNO)
Spanish majors and students with advanced Spanish skills may spend a semester at one of Mexico's newest universities, the Universidad de Oriente (UNO), located in the 16th century colonial city of Valladolid and the heart of Yucatán. It is a center for Maya studies, and it emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and academics alongside environmental responsibility and community service. At this small-sized, regional university, students have the opportunity to take courses in advanced Spanish, environmental studies, business, history, sustainable tourism, linguistics and Maya culture. Students live with host families, allowing them to integrate further into the local community and culture while strengthening their language skills. Like Warren Wilson, the Universidad de Oriente emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and environmental responsibility alongside academics and community service. 3.0 GPA and recommendation of the language department are required.
Mexico: Universidad Popular Autóma del Estado del Puebla (UPAEP)
Spanish majors and students with advanced Spanish skills may study for a semester at UPAEP, a university in the beautiful and historic city of Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage site. UPAEP offers courses in across many different disciplines, appealing to humanities as well as science majors, particularly agriculture, pre-med, pre-vet and other health sciences. The university has a strong commitment to service learning and has on-going service projects in both urban and rural communities. UPAEP enrolls over 7,000 undergraduate students from all over Mexico, as well as from several other Latin American and European countries. Students have the opportunity to live with Mexican host families or in university housing. 3.0 GPA and recommendation of the language department are required.
Northern Ireland: Queen's University Belfast and University of Ulster
Through Warren Wilson's affiliation with the Irish-American Scholars Program, qualified WWC students have the opportunity to spend a semester or year studying in Northern Ireland. Generally, students are placed at a University of Ulster campus or the Queen's University Belfast. Both universities are excellent institutions that offer many academic programs in a traditional British educational environment. The Queen's University Belfast is renowned for research in Irish Studies, politics, music and archaeology, among other specialties. The University of Ulster (four different campuses) has many strong liberal arts offerings, but is particularly known for business and management, sciences, health and education. Students normally enroll in several courses per semester and live on or near campus in dormitories or shared flats. For more information, visit the Queen's University website and the University of Ulster website. Students must have a minimum 3.2 GPA.
Spain: University of Granada
Through a special cooperation agreement, Warren Wilson students with advanced Spanish language skills have the opportunity to spend a semester studying at the University of Granada, founded in 1526 in beautiful southern Spain. Courses are offered in Spanish through University's Centro de Lenguas Modernas in literature, history, art history, economics, geography, language and culture. Students live with Spanish family hosts, and several excursions and cultural activities are included throughout the semester, including a two-day trip to Cordoba and Seville. Required 3.0 GPA and recommendation of the language department.
Thailand: Payap University
WWC students have the opportunity to spend a semester or year at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This study abroad option allows students to enroll in Payap's Thai and Southeast Asian Studies program. The program requires all students to study Thai language and culture, and also offers on a rotating basis various courses (taught in English) in the fine arts, sociology/anthropology, history and religion. Visit Payap University's Thai and Southeast Asian Studies website for more information. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA.
School for International Training
Warren Wilson has a special relationship with the School for International Training, a U.S.-accredited organization that offers semester-length programs focused on a variety of academic themes in many different regions of the world. This arrangement allows a limited number of students per year to remain enrolled in Warren Wilson College while taking part in these intensive cross-cultural experiences. This option would be particularly suitable for students majoring in Global Studies, or for others who may be interested in completing independent research studies abroad. Visit SIT's website for more information.
Living Routes
Living Routes offers US-accredited study abroad programs with a focus on sustainable living and intentional community. Students in Living Routes semester programs may explore tropical ecology, development and social justice on Costa Rica, integral sustainability in India, peace, justice and the environment in Israel, or environmental design and communications in Scotland. Programs are designed for students to experience the culture of the community and the region with many seminars and lectures offered by local experts. A limited number of WWC students may remain enrolled in the College while participating in these programs. Visit Living Routes' website to learn more.
CIEE
A limited numbers of qualified WWC stuents have the option of remaining enrolled in the College while participating in one of six approved CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) semester abroad programs. Participants may study Spanish and liberal arts in Argentina, Arabic and culture in Jordan, arts and sciences in Botswana, sustainability and the environment, or service learning in South Africa or the Dominican Republic. CIEE combines academics with opportunities for cultural engagement such as excursions, homestays and volunteer opportunities. These CIEE semester programs are suitable for students in many different majors. Visit CIEE's website for more information on these approved programs.