Attend First Steps

First Steps overviews Wesleyan's policies for study abroad, program eligibility, the application process, and more. All students must attend a First Steps meeting before applying or meeting individually with an advisor. 

First Steps meetings are offered every half hour on MWF 10am-12pm and TuTh 2-4pm. You can schedule a First Steps meeting in person (Fisk 201) or on Zoom (Mondays only). 

Consider Your Goals, Identities, and Priorities

It can be tempting to start browsing program options right away, but doing so without a clear understanding of yourself and your goals can be overwhelming. By taking some time to reflect early on, you'll have more direction and confidence in your program search process. 

Wondering where to start? Check out the How to Choose a Program page for advice.

Research Your Options

Now you're ready to explore study abroad programs. Head over to the Find a Program page to get started. Some things to keep in mind during this stage: 

• Remember that Wesleyan has language requirements for study abroad in certain locations.
• Contact the program provider to ask any questions that aren't answered on the program website. 
• Seek the advice of your fellow Wesleyan students, like the study abroad peer leaders. Student program evaluations and a student contact list are also available in WesPortal.
• The Office of Study Abroad staff are always happy to meet with you during advising hours.

Apply

Where do I apply?

All students must submit a study abroad program application with Wesleyan on ViaTRM. Depending on your program type, you may also need to submit a second, separate application directly with the program provider (which may have a deadline that is earlier or later than Wesleyan's ViaTRM deadline). 

The only students who do not need to complete a second application outside of ViaTRM are those applying for a Wesleyan-run program or DIS Copenhagen/Stockholm. Also, exchange program applicants will complete an application on ViaTRM before being nominated by the OSA to the exchange institution. You will then be sent the exchange institution's application directly. 

When are the application deadlines? 

Wesleyan's study abroad application deadlines vary by program type and term. Please keep in mind that these deadlines may differ from your program provider's own application deadlines. You can find an overview of the study abroad program types here.

Fall and Full-Year Programs 

• February 22: Wesleyan-run, exchange, and petition programs 
• March 1: Pre-approved programs 

Spring Programs 

• October 1: Wesleyan-run, exchange, and petition programs 
• October 15: Pre-approved programs

Summer and Winter Programs 

• April 1: Summer programs
• October 30: Winter programs 

How many programs should I apply for? 

While there are a few programs that are more selective, we recommend that you apply to no more than 1-2 programs. Unlike the college application process, study abroad programs are less selective and the eligibility requirements are lower. The vast majority of Wesleyan students get into their study abroad program of choice.  

Selective programs tend to have early or annual application deadlines and higher GPA requirements. If you wish to apply to one of these programs, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements, apply early, and have a backup program just in case.