Choosing a Program
From length, location, to program requirements, there is a lot that goes into choosing a study abroad program. Here’s some information to help make your decision a little bit easier.
You can also make an appointment with a Peer Advisor to learn more.
Academics
Interested in taking coursework towards your major or minor?
These guides show selected study abroad programs that work with degree programs:
- Accounting (PDF)
- Art (PDF)
- Biology (PDF)
- Business (PDF)
- Chemistry (PDF)
- Communications (PDF)
- Computer Science (PDF)
- Criminal Justice (PDF)
- Engineering (PDF)
- English (PDF)
- Film Studies (PDF)
- Geoscience (PDF)
- Global Studies (PDF)
- Graphic Design (PDF)
- HERS (PDF)
- History (PDF)
- Legal Studies (PDF)
- Mass Communications (PDF)
- Mathematics (PDF)
- Music (PDF)
- Nursing (PDF)
- Physics (PDF)
- Political Science (PDF)
- Psychology (PDF)
- Public Health (PDF)
- RTTR (PDF)
- Social Work (PDF)
- Sociology (PDF)
- Spanish (PDF)
Most general education courses—unless they have been approved in a previous term—will be approved for WSU general education credit upon return from your study abroad.
After selecting your program, contact Dr. Hannah Leverentz-Culp at hleverentz@winona.edu for recommendations on general education courses that have the best chances of transferring back as WSU courses from your program.
Check out the Course Equivalency Table to see what courses other students have taken abroad and how they transfer back to WSU.
Cost
Whether you’re studying in another country or domestically, these programs can sometimes cost more than being on campus. How much more depends on many factors.
- What is the cost of living in your destination city and/or country?
- How long is the program?
- Does the program include tuition, or is that in addition to the program fee?
- How many credits will you earn/courses will you take?
- What kind of accommodations are available?
- How much is the flight?
- Do you have extracurricular travel plans that will impact your budget?
Use the Budget Estimate Worksheet (PDF) to make sure you have considered all possible costs for a program
No matter your goals, the Study Abroad office can help you weigh all factors to ensure you chose a program that’s right for both you and your budget.
Learn more about funding your study away program.
In 2024, the average cost of a faculty-led program was $5,748 including airfare.
Costs can range from $2,500-$8,000 depending on the program.
The program costs typically include:
- airfare
- transportation throughout the program
- lodging
- most meals
- admission fees for group educational experiences
- WSU tuition and fees for the courses associated with the program
You can use your financial aid award—including tuition waivers—for faculty-led programs.
The average cost of a semester or summer abroad program is $14,000 plus airfare.
For a summer month-long program the average cost is $5,000 plus airfare.
There are programs that cost about the same as a semester at WSU, while others are significantly higher in cost.
You have a wide range to choose from to suit your budget. See examples of some of our most affordable programs (PDF).
Keep in mind that you can use your financial aid award for study abroad programs. Many of the partner programs also offer scholarships and grants.
Program Length
Semester Programs are offered in the fall and spring. Summer programs may vary in length from 2 weeks to the entire summer.
Faculty-led Programs are typically 2-4 weeks in length, and occur during summer, spring break and winter break.
You can search for a program by term.
Location
We have programs in 40 countries on 6 continents. Semester programs offer coursework in English, unless specifically a language program. All faculty-led programs are taught in English.
You can search for a program by location or language.