| 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.
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