[Earth Top] WebsterStudy Abroad
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Study Abroad FAQs.

Here are some quick facts about Webster University's Study Abroad Programs.  Complete details are available from the Office of Study Abroad (OSA).

What is Webster University? 
Founded in 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri, Webster University is a respected independent comprehensive multi-campus international university, where undergraduate and graduate programs include the Liberal Arts, Fine and Performing Arts, Teacher Education, Business and Management and Communications.  Webster University-Geneva, our first international campus, opened in 1978 and was followed by Webster-Vienna, Leiden, London and Cha-am.  
The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) at Webster University-St. Louis administers Webster’s Study Abroad Programs, and is a resource to students studying abroad.

Where can I study abroad with Webster University?
As a study abroad student, you can study at our campuses in Geneva, Switzerland; Leiden, The Netherlands; London, England; Vienna, Austria; and Cha-am, Thailand.
Webster University students can also take advantage of our affiliations with universities in Japan and Mexico.  Additionally, Webster offers a number of faculty-led short-term programs that take students elsewhere throughout the world.

Who can study abroad?
The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) accepts applications from all Webster University students as well as students from other U.S. colleges and universities (unless otherwise noted in the program).  Traditionally, students choose to study abroad in their junior year, but seniors and qualified sophomores take advantage of these opportunities as well.  Study abroad experiences may last up to one academic year.

When can I study abroad with Webster?
Both Webster and visiting students may study abroad with Webster for the fall or spring semester, an entire academic year, or a summer term.
Webster University students have the additional option of studying abroad for one eight-week term during the fall or spring semester provided the second eight weeks is spent in St. Louis.

Can I study at more than one campus?
Yes, you can.  Webster University encourages student mobility internationally.  That means Study Abroad students can choose to study at more than one campus during an academic semester or year.  For example, you can study for eight weeks at Webster University-Vienna and then move to Webster University-Leiden. Or study for a semester in Thailand and then Geneva, and close out the year in London.  The combinations are endless!

Where will I live? Will Webster help me find housing?
Study Abroad students will be housed in dormitories and housing complexes both on and off campus with local university students and other Webster students. If you request housing through Webster, Webster will arrange your accommodations.  

Whether or not you request housing through Webster, you must complete the “Statement of Housing Intent” part of your study abroad application.  Webster University will not provide housing to family members, friends or dependents of Webster University study abroad students.

What kinds of classes can I take?
In keeping with the teaching tradition of many private American universities, Webster University is proud of its small class sizes.  The average class size is 15, with most classes having a limit of 20-25 students.  Graduate classes normally meet once a week in the evenings, whereas undergraduate classes normally meet two or three times a week during the day.  Coursework is rigorous and intensively paced so that classes can be completed in an eight-week or 16-week format.  Attendance at all classes, field trips, and labs is required.

Because Webster University is a comprehensive institution, you can take classes in a broad range of disciplines and majors.  Each campus also offers a number of context-based courses, courses that help you learn more about your local environment.  This combination helps you to continue with the timely completion of your degree while engaging your host culture in the classroom.  Visit the campus-specific web pages for information on tentative course offerings.

Who are the faculty members at Webster University?
Faculty members at Webster are accomplished teachers and academicians from around the world.  In addition to demonstrated skill in teaching, Webster faculty members are leaders in their fields of expertise.

How many credits can I take?
Your are allowed to take up to 18 credit hours per semester (6-9 credits hours per eight-week term).  Courses are generally 3 credit hours each.  Study abroad students must be enrolled full-time while overseas.

I am a visiting student.  Will credits earned at Webster transfer back to my home school?
In general, yes.  Webster University is an accredited U.S. institution.  All credits you earn at Webster will be reported on an official Webster University transcript.  Hundreds of students study abroad with Webster each year, so it quite possible that your school has already received credits from Webster.  Check with your home institution for specific policies on credit transfer.

What if I do not speak the language?
Not a problem.  The main language at all Webster University international campuses is English.  All classes are taught in English, and the staff is bilingual in English and the host language to help you.  At select campuses, language courses are available to assist you in engaging your local environment.  While we do not require you to speak the language of your host country, we always encourage you to acquire basic knowledge before your departure.

Study Abroad Orientation
Prior to departure, all student abroad students will receive a pre-departure orientation packet with information necessary to students before the program start.  
At the start of the program, each Webster University international campus has developed a thorough on-site orientation to help students acclimate to their new surroundings. Students will be introduced to campus policies and procedures, library, local surroundings, and will have the opportunity to open a bank account. Students are expected to arrive at their respective campus in time for the orientation and should arrange travel around the recommended arrival dates provided by the Webster University Office of Study Abroad (OSA) in St. Louis. 
Webster students are also required to attend a pre-departure orientation session in St. Louis.

Does Webster offer financial aid?
Federal regulations regarding the use of financial aid for study abroad have been revised to better accommodate the needs of most study abroad students.  Most federal and state financial aids awarded by the home campus can be used while studying abroad.  Contact the study abroad advisor at your home campus to see how your financial aid may be used to study abroad at Webster University.  

Financial assistance from Webster University is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are degree-seeking students at Webster.  Webster students retain all federal, state and institutional financial (with the exception of Work Study grants) while overseas.  There are also scholarships available to qualified students.  Contact the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) for more information.  

What about health insurance?
Your health and safety are of the utmost concern to Webster University.  Webster University requires coverage under the Webster University study abroad health insurance policy.  This coverage is mandatory for all study abroad participants, and no exceptions will be made.

Do I need a passport or a visa?
All study abroad students must hold a valid passport from the respective country of citizenship.  If you currently hold a passport, please ensure that it will not expire while you are abroad.  

How do I apply?
Contact the Study Abroad Center for application details.  Once you have applied, the Study Abroad Center is your main resource for program information, course schedules, housing details, etc.
 

Questions? Comments? Send them via email to worldview@webster.edu.
©2001, Webster University 
Last modified: May, 2003