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.
Webster University instituted its first European campus in Geneva, Switzerland in 1978. The University's flexible, American-style higher education attracted not only Americans, but students of many other nationalities as well. After the success of the Geneva campus, the University established four additional campuses: Vienna, Austria; Leiden, the Netherlands; London, England; and Cha-Am/Hua Hin, Thailand. Learn more.
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 undergraduate students can also take advantage of our affiliations with universities in Japan, Mexico, and China. 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).
When can I study abroad?
Both Webster and visiting students may study abroad with Webster for the fall or spring semester, an entire academic year, or a summer term. Many students choose to study abroad in their junior year, but undergraduate students are eligible to study abroad as early as the second semester of their freshman year as long as they have taken fifteen credit hours previously at Webster. Graduate students can study abroad after they have taken nine credit hours at Webster.
Webster University students have the additional option of studying abroad for one eight-week term during the fall or spring semester. Study abroad experiences may last up to one academic year and eight weeks for undergraduate students. Graduate students may study abroad for up to one semester.
How do I apply?
Applications can be downloaded from each individual course page, or picked up in the Office of Study Abroad. Applications must be handed in, emailed or faxed in to the Office of Study Abroad by the deadline indicated.
Only complete applications will be accepted. As indicated on the application cover page, course registration is a separate step and needs to be done as per normal (either through Webster Connections or with your Academic Advisor).
The deadlines to study abroad are as follows:
| Semester | Deadline |
| Summer | February 15 |
| Fall | March 15 |
| Spring | September 15 |
OSA starts accepting applications no earlier than the first of that month. You must submit the following materials together as the office of study abroad does not accept incomplete applications:
- Study Abroad 101
- Application. Essays typed on a separate sheet
- WWTP Form with passport-sized photo attached. (Webster students only)
- $30 Application fee for visiting students
Once you have applied, the Study Abroad Center is your main resource for program information, course schedules, housing details, etc.
For more information, please visit the Apply Now tab.
Do you offer short-term program options?
Yes, we do! Short-term courses are offered throughout the world and vary each year.
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!
Undergraduate students can study in London or Thailand for one semester minimum. Webster undergraduate students can study in Kansai during the fall semester or academic year, China during the fall semester, and Guadalajara during the summer, fall, or spring semester.
Where will I live? Will Webster help me find housing?
Study Abroad students are required to live in campus housing. Students will be housed in dormitories and housing complexes both on and off campus with local university students and other Webster students. London graduate students must find their own housing.
After you are accepted into the program, you must complete the “Statement of Housing Intent” form of your study abroad application. Webster University will not provide housing to family members, friends or dependents of Webster University study abroad students.
How will I pay for housing?
Students will pay in local currency on-site at all of our campuses. More detail will be provided after acceptance into the program.
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.
What are classes like?
Students at Webster's international campuses represent over 100 different nationalities and come from all over the world. There is no majority on campus when it comes to nationality--it's truly an international mix of students.
Students from the U.S. make up 10% or less of the total student body.
Because Webster's campuses offer comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs, most students at Webster's international campuses are earning their degrees at the campus you will be attending.
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?
Study abroad students must be enrolled full-time while overseas. Undergraduate students are allowed to take 12 credit hours minimum and 18 credit hours maximum per semester (6-9 credits hours per eight-week term). Graduate students are allowed to take 6 credit hours minimum and 12 credit hours maximum per semester (3-6 per eight-week term).
For the London campus, undergraduate students must take 15 credit hours minimum (18 max.) per semester. During the summer term, London undergraduate students are allowed to take 3 credit hours minimum and 6 maximum. Graduate students studying in London must take 12 credit hours minimum (18 max.) per semester. During the summer term, London graduate students are allowed to take 6 credit hours minimum (9 max). Courses are generally 3 credit hours each.
How will I register for courses?
With the exception of London, final course schedules are typically released one month prior to departure. Once this happens, registration forms and schedules are sent out via email. Students must submit their completed registration form to Office of Study Abroad in order to be registered for the term abroad.
Advisors cannot register students for courses taken abroad and there is no online registration.
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. The staff is bilingual in both English and the host language. 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.
Is there an 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.
St. Louis based Webster students are also required to attend a pre-departure orientation session in St. Louis.
Does Webster offer financial aid?
Financial assistance from Webster University is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are degree-seeking students at Webster. Most federal and state financial aids awarded by the home campus can be used while studying abroad. Contact your financial aid advisor to see how your financial aid may be used to study abroad at Webster University.
There are also scholarships available to qualified students. The Office of Study Abroad offers the Webster World Traveler Program as a special scholarship available to Webster students that do not receive tuition remission. This award is for a free round-trip ticket from St. Louis to the international campus. Contact the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) for additional 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. If you do not have a passport, apply ASAP at your local post office. Visas are required for some of our programs; for more information please contact the Study Abroad Office.
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Can I work abroad?
Generally, students cannot work while study abroad. This is mainly due to visa regulations. Also, we encourage students to take advantage of their time overseas by focusing on their academics and enjoying their study abroad experience.
What are good resources for before, during and after I Study Abroad?
There are a variety of online resources available to you, which assist with planning your travel, managing finances, and understanding more about the customs and culture of the country you will visit. See below for a variety of great online resources:
- Airlines of the World
- Priceline
- Travelocity
- Student Universe
- STA Travel
- Kayak.com
- XE Universal Currency Converter
- Translate with Babel Fish
- "What's Up with Culture?" An On-Line Cultural Training Resource For Study Abroad
- Electric Power Around the World
- Country Calling Codes
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How can I finish my degree abroad?
Degree programs vary by each international campus. Students interested in completing their entire degree overseas need to apply directly to the campus, or international program, in order to become accepted into a degree program.
Students interested in completing a degree at one of Webster’s international campuses must contact that campus’s Admissions Office for details on how to apply, and for assistance on the application process and other details. This information is available from each campus’s website, accessible from http://www.webster.edu/studyabroad/degree.shtml.
Completing a Webster University Global Program
Students interested in one of Webster University’s Global Programs should visit those websites for Admissions contact information. Global Programs include the Global MA in IR, online at http://www.webster.edu/global/, and the Global MBA, online at http://admissions.webster.edu/globalmba/index.html
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Will I need any vaccines to study abroad?
Currently, U.S. citizens do not need vaccines to study in any of our offered programs. We follow the updates and requirements from the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. Please visit the following link to get the most up-to-date information on health and safety in the country of your choosing:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx
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How do I learn about the course specifics, and itinerary?
For more information on the course, and on the local itinerary, be sure to read through the information online for each program. If you have more questions about these specifics, contact the course instructor.
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Will I receive credit for these programs?
Yes. Credit is given, and grading is determined by faculty upon your successful completion of all required assignments. Course content is determined by the instructor, and is posted on the individual pages as it is made available.
It is important to remember to register for the course separate from submitting forms to the Office of Study Abroad.
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Are accommodations arranged for these programs?
Yes. Accommodations are arranged, and will vary by program.
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What are my costs?
Costs vary by program, and generally include tuition, airfare, books, meals and living expenses. There is a Study Abroad Program fee which will provide you with Health Insurance, a Lonely Planet guide book and an International Student Identity Card.
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____________________________________________________________________Can I withdraw from the program?
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Yes, you can withdraw from the program without penalty before the program deadline. After deadline, you will not receive a refund for the program deposit unless the program is cancelled.
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For more detail regarding add/drop/withdraw procedures and tuition, refer to the Academic Policies handbook at www.webster.edu/students/handbook/academics.shtml#add_drop
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