UW Study Abroad provides hundreds of study abroad options to UW students. Use our Getting Started page to learn the basics of study abroad. To explore various study abroad program models available to you select from any of the program links or scroll down the page.
Exchanges
University Exchanges
UW has more than 70 student exchanges with universities around the world that are available to undergraduate and graduate students in most fields of study. Exchange participants pay an exchange fee equal to UW tuition and attend regular classes at the partner university for a semester or an academic year. Instruction is generally in the language of the host country but a significant number of partner universities also offer courses in English.
For detailed information about UW partner universities or to apply to a specific exchange program, select from the regions below and link to the brochure of interest.
University exchanges are well suited for students who want access to university courses in a variety of academic disciplines, seek full immersion in the student life and culture of a foreign university and society, and desire a high degree of personal independence.
To learn more about the exchange process, please visit the Exchange Programs page.
Departmental Exchanges
Departmental Exchanges generally focus on a specific academic discipline and restrict participation to students in the department. Applications and student selection for Departmental Exchanges are managed by the academic department. Students interested in Departmental Exchanges should contact the department for information and application instructions.
To learn more about the exchange process, please visit the Exchange Programs page.
Apply to a departmental exchange
UW Faculty-led Programs
UW Faculty-led Programs offer students the opportunity to study abroad with programs organized and taught by UW faculty. UW Faculty-led Program participants pay a program fee (instead of UW tuition) and take coursework or participate in field studies that focus on specific academic themes or proficiencies. Most UW Faculty-led Programs, with the exception of those sponsored by UW language departments, are taught in English. UW Faculty-led Program dates generally correspond with UW term dates. Participants receive 12-15 UW credits for full quarter options and 6-15 credits for Summer A or Summer B programs.
Early Fall Programs are short-term study abroad programs (3-4 weeks) led by UW faculty that take place during the gap period between the end of the UW summer quarter and beginning of autumn quarter. Students earn five credits for the seminar.
UW Faculty-led Programs are well-suited for students who want coursework in specific areas of study, wish to study abroad for a period of time that mirrors the UW academic calendar, desire some on-site support, and have limited or no foreign language background.
Apply to a UW Faculty-led Program
Partner Programs
Partner Programs are approved study abroad options administered by other universities, study abroad program providers, or foreign language schools. Depending on the program, instruction may be in English, the language of the host country, or a combination of the two. Some Partner Programs focus on specific topics while others offer a wide range of course options in various subjects. UW Partner Programs vary in length from a quarter, to a semester, to an entire year. Participants receive regular UW credit for coursework completed.
Partner Programs are well-suited for students who seek coursework in specific or varied fields of study, desire on-site support, and may or may not have proficiency in a foreign language.
Direct Enrollment Programs
Direct Enrollment Programs are approved study abroad options in which a student directly enrolls at another university or foreign language school. Unlike an exchange, there are no incoming students taking your spot and you pay your program fees directly to the institution abroad. Depending on the program, instruction may be in English, the language of the host country, or a combination of the two. Some Direct Enrollment Programs focus on specific topics while others offer a wide range of course options in various subjects. Direct Enrollment Programs vary in length from a quarter, to a semester, to an entire year. Participants receive regular UW credit for coursework completed.
Direct Enrollment Programs are well-suited for students who seek coursework in specific or varied fields of study, desire on-site support, and may or may not have proficiency in a foreign language.
Apply to a Direct Enrollment Program
Fieldwork, Research, & Independent Learning Abroad (FRILA)
Fieldwork, Research & Independent Learning Abroad (FRILA) allows students to engage globally while maintaining student status and receiving international travel security coverage.
Our Fieldwork, Research & Independent Learning Abroad (FRILA) program, formerly known as “Independent Learning Abroad”, allows students to undertake degree-related international travel (whether for credit or not) while being fully enrolled at UW, covered by insurance abroad, and supported by UW Global Travel Security to ensure their health & safety.
FRILA – For Credit
This option is for students who are seeking to earn UW credit for their Independent Learning Abroad. Students who choose this option are able to receive 1-30 graded credits per quarter of enrollment.
FRILA – Zero Credit
Some students may not need credit for their Independent Learning Abroad, but still want their transcript to reflect their academic work overseas. Independent Learning Abroad – Zero Credit allows students to be enrolled in zero credits of FSTDY 555 for each quarter requested. A grade designation of “CR” will be recorded on a student’s official transcript at the University of Washington at the end of each quarter of enrollment.