Apply to Study Abroad

This page reviews the application and approval process for Study Abroad at UWF including the necessary forms and steps.

Before you apply: All students planning to apply for study abroad must attend a Study Abroad Information Session (Link to Info session page) held in the fall or spring semester.

1. For all students applying for study abroad, complete the following forms:

a. Create Profile at UWF AbroadOffice online

b. Select a program and complete Application items online

the online general application

statement of purpose (essay).

c. International Exchange Participation Request Print and complete with student and Advisor signatures submit to the International Center

2. After approval of participation in study abroad (noted by an email confirmation)

a. Upload the signed Participation Request Form.

b. Agreement, Waiver, and Release – Signed and Notarized, Must be uploaded and the original submitted to the International Center

c. Host Program Application documents are completed and submitted to the host institution or program.

d. Medical History Form – Submitted online

e. Passport Form

f. Financial Aid Advising – Mandatory for All Students

g. Pre-departure checklist for SA students

3. After Admission by the Host Institution or Program Provider and prior to departure from the United States, students will need to submit the following forms: (Read below the explanation on these forms.)

a. Course Pre-Approval for Term Abroad – Only one approval process based on the type of program

1. International Student Exchange Advising Agreement   OR

2. Study Abroad Enrollment Authorization Form  OR

3. Transient Student Form submitted at FACTS.org OR

4. Registration for Faculty-led or Directed-Study Course(s) through the academic department

b. Health and Accident Insurance Verification Form

c. UWF Release of Student Information Form (This form is Optional)

4. Immediately after arrival and registration at the host institution, students need to ensure that the host school sends directly to the UWF Office of the Registrar the Enrollment Certification Form. 

5. Additional Forms:  These forms will need to be completed only if applicable.  Read below the explanation on these forms.

a. Request for Extension of Study Abroad

b. Notification of Withdrawal from Study Abroad 

c. Update to Online Application Status

6. Application Forms for Special Programs:

a. US-Brazil Grant Program Application

b. UWF and UFV Partnership Brazil Program Application

c. Summer in Ireland Application (open every two years)

d. Summer Semester in Japan Application (open once a year)

7. Funding Resource at UWF:

a. UWF Foundation Student Study Abroad Scholarship Application

Forms Explanation

1a – Even before you are ready to study abroad, it is beneficial to create an online study abroad profile so you can communicate with study abroad advisors, get invited to information sessions and presentations, and make the study abroad office aware of your interest in study abroad.

·         Click on Create Account, fill in the relevant fields and choose a secure Password for your account.

·         Fill in all the profile sections listed (Academic Info., Program Preferences, Current Address, etc.).

·         Once you fill in your entire profile, you will be able to:

·         ask questions about study abroad program details

·         apply for a program

1b - Apply for a program. The Statement of Purpose needs to be submitted with the Approval to Study Abroad online at http://uwf.abroadoffice.net .

1c – The International Exchange Participation Request is required by the Office of the Registrar.  Students should read carefully the information regarding tuition whether it is paid to UWF or the host institution and the additional forms the students will need to submit depending on the type of program in which students will participate.  Note that the form needs the signatures of the student, the Academic Advisor, and the Associate VP for the Office of Diversity and International Education and Program.

2b – The Agreement, Waiver, and Release is required of all students.  Students should read the form carefully.  The form discusses students’ responsibilities and legal rights while in study abroad.

2c – The Host Program Application documents need to be completed carefully and legibly.  Students need to observe the application deadlines for the program. Some program applications require multiple pages and a variety of information. Some program applications may be completely or partially online.

2d – The Medical History Form is required for all students.  Read and complete the form accurately and thoroughly.  

2e – Submit Passport Information and Upload a copy using the online form.

2f – Financial Aid Advising - All Students are required to meet with Financial Aid to confirm award status for the term abroad– even if they do not currently receive any aid. Financial Aid includes funds received through FAFSA, grants, loans, Florida Bright Futures, Fl-Prepaid, VA or Military Benefits for education, UWF scholarships, work-study, private scholarships or other awards received for educational purposes. Students receiving VA benefits, such as, Post 9/11 GI Bill, must also meet with the VA Certifying Official at UWF located in the UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center (Building 38). 

2g - Pre-departure checklist for SA students - The more time and effort you put into preparing for your international experience the better your experience will be. Download the Pre-Departure Checklist and prepare yourself for your Study Abroad program.

3a1 -The International Student Exchange Advising Agreement is for students who participate in an international exchange program at one of UWF’s partner institutions.  Students will pay tuition to UWF and will be registered at UWF during the study abroad period in courses determined as “equivalent” to those being taken at the host institution.  This form will list the courses the students will take at the host institution. Students will need to meet with their academic advisors to discuss the plans for study abroad, discuss courses they plan to take while abroad to determine how the courses will apply to the students’ academic programs at UWF. Academic advisors/Department Heads sign the form to ensure credit approval.

3a2 - The Study Abroad Enrollment Authorization Form is for students who participate in an international exchange program (usually through another school or a third-party provider).  Students will pay tuition to the host institution or program and will not be registered at UWF during the study abroad period; instead acceptability of transfer credit will be determined by the Office of Admissions at UWF. Students will need to meet with their academic advisors to discuss the plans for study abroad, discuss courses they plan to take while abroad to determine how the courses will apply to the students’ academic programs at UWF. Academic advisors sign the form to ensure course approval.  Submit form to the Office of the Registrar. Students should also plan to confirm transfer credit with the UWF department that would offer the coursework. This confirmation should be completed in writing by email with the department head.

3a3 - The Transient Student Form is for students who participate in a study abroad or exchange program through another State of Florida public institution.  Students will pay tuition to the offering Florida institution or program and will not be registered at UWF during the study abroad period. Students will need to meet with their academic advisors to discuss the plans for study abroad, discuss courses they plan to take while abroad to determine how the courses will apply to the students’ academic programs at UWF. Academic advisors approve the online form to ensure course approval.  

3a4 - Registration for Faculty-led or Directed-Study Course(s) through the academic department will follow typical course registration procedures. Faculty-led courses and directed-study courses are for UWF credit. Students pay tuition to UWF for such study abroad programs and receive UWF credit.  Students will need to meet with their academic advisors to discuss the plans for study abroad, discuss courses they plan to take while abroad to determine how the courses will apply to the students’ academic programs at UWF.

3b – The Health and Accident Insurance Verification Form is required for all students.  Students need to show proof of medical coverage for the entire period they are abroad.  Insurance will need to meet the minimum coverage requirements established by UWF.  For more detailed information on the requirements, read the section on Health and Accident Insurance.

3c - The Release of Student Information Form gives permission to the Office of the Registrar to release academic information to someone other than the student. This form is optional but must be submitted if a student wants to allow UWF to discuss their academic, financial, or health information with a family member or friend.

4. The Enrollment Certification Form is required for all students – those participating in exchange program with UWF partner institutions as well as those who are approved to be transient students abroad.  This form confirms the students’ registration at the host institution.  Upon receipt of this form by the Office of the Registrar, students in an exchange program to a UWF partner institution will be enrolled at UWF in equivalent pre-approved courses and will pay tuition to UWF.  For students approved to be transient students abroad, this form will confirm their registration at the host institution.  The students will not be enrolled at UWF.  Instead, credit transfer may be awarded as determined by the Office of Admissions upon receipt of the transcript for coursework completed at the host institution.  A copy of this form will be provided to Financial Aid to allow release of available aid.

5a – The Request for Extension of Study Abroad is only of for students recommended to extend their study abroad program.  Request must be received at least one month before expiration of currently approved program.  Students should be aware that they will need approval from their UWF academic advisor and from the host institution.  Students will need to resolve the implications that an extension may have with Financial Aid and the Office of the Registrar.  If approved, the student will need to complete two forms and submit them to ODIEP: 1) Exchange Student Advising Agreement and 2)Enrollment Certification to confirm enrollment in approved courses. Students will also need to purchase additional Health and Accident Insurance Coverage for the additional period if extension request is approve.

5b – The Notification for Withdrawal from Study Abroad is needed for students who for justifiable reasons are not able to complete their study abroad programs.  In withdrawing from or terminating a study abroad program before the scheduled ending date, the students understand that they take responsibility for their actions. Additionally, they acknowledge that they must resolve the implications of their actions with the Office of Financial Aid. Furthermore, they acknowledge that as degree-seeking students at UWF, they will notify their academic advisors of their early withdrawal. In withdrawing from or terminating their study abroad program before the scheduled ending date, they acknowledge and agree that UWF credit will be available only for those I have completed. Finally, they agree to notify the appropriate host institution staff of their early withdrawal and will comply with any financial obligation incurred.

6a – The US-Brazil Grant Program Application is for students applying to participate in the US-Brazil Environmental and Business Initiative.  For additional information, go to theUS-Brazil Grant Program website.

6b - The UWF and UFV Brazil Program Application is for student applying to study in at UFV for the summer May-June intensive language program or for academic year exchanges.

6c - The Summer in Ireland Application is only available every two years when the program is offered.

6d - The Summer Semester in Japan Application is available once a year.

7 – The UWF Foundation Student Study Abroad Scholarship Application is for students who wish to apply for a scholarship to help fund their study abroad program.  Students may apply for funding for a study abroad program in the summer, fall, or spring. Applications are accepted and reviewed only once a year, and the application deadline is usually in February of each year.