Approved Independent Projects Abroad

Occasionally students arrange an independent project for UWRF credit with a UWRF faculty member that includes time abroad. Some students also engage in a for-credit internship abroad that is approved by a UWRF faculty member. If you are considering these options, you will need to take additional steps regarding your status as a UWRF student and be responsible for all aspects of your stay abroad. The availability of financial aid and the transfer of credits may also vary with each type of independent project abroad.
 
Be certain to review the considerations below and consult with the Office of International Education if you are planning to pursue an independent project abroad.

Policy, Financial, and Academic Considerations

• Confirm with the UWRF Office of International Education that international travel is allowed for the time period you are considering. In case of travel advisories, including world health or safety concerns, study abroad and international travel may be suspended.
• Consult with the UWRF Office of International Education regarding your UWRF status and the impact on financial aid and other funding as well as UWRF student benefits if you participate in an independent project abroad.
• Consult with a UWRF faculty member to design your project, expected academic outcomes, credit, and time-frame for your independent project. You must have written verification that a UWRF faculty member has agreed to supervise your independent project if credit will be awarded.
• UWRF scholarships are reviewed on a case-by-case basis for independent projects abroad.
• Complete the UWRF Office of International Education application so that UWRF has record that you will be abroad and to enroll you in the university’s mandatory international insurance coverage. An administrative fee and the cost of the international insurance coverage for the dates of your overseas stay will be billed to your UWRF student account. Contact the Office of International Education for information on this process.
• If you are receiving independent study credit, credit is awarded based on the academic work that you complete, as stipulated by the faculty advisor responsible for your independent project.
• Keep in mind that the Office of International Education is not responsible for the quality or safety of independent projects abroad.
• You are responsible for all administrative and financial processes, payments, and financial commitments related to independent projects abroad.

Additional Considerations

• Ensure you have a U.S. passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the end date of your planned time abroad. Consult the embassy web site for the country where you plan to study for exact details.
• Confirm visa requirements to spend time in that country as a tourist.  Since you will not be attending an overseas university nor sponsored by a study abroad program, you can only remain abroad for the time period allowed for tourists.  Visit the embassy web site for the country you plan to visit.  If you need to apply for a tourist visa, which is required for some countries, you have the option to consult with a visa agency, such as www.cibtvisas.com/wisconsin or www.perryvisa.com.
• If the country where you are planning to study has a U.S. Department of State Level 3 travel advisory, you must contact the UWRF Office of International Education and submit the required appeal paperwork. Your submission will be reviewed by the UWRF international Education Risk Management Advisory Group and can take up to three weeks to review. Contact the UWRF Office of International Education for more information.
• If the country where you wish to study has a U.S. Department of State Level 4 travel advisory, you are not allowed to study or travel to that location.
• Review the CDC information and required vaccinations for that country.
• Register with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State so that the U.S. Embassy abroad is aware of your presence abroad.
• You are required to purchase CISI insurance through the Office of International Education for your time away so that you have international emergency health insurance coverage. More information on CISI insurance is available here.