Program search & applications

UWL Exchange Programs are programs in which UWL has an agreement with specific universities abroad. These programs are based on a reciprocal exchange, which allows UWL to send students to these universities for a semester or academic year, and these universities to send students to UWL. Exchange programs are cost effective as UWL students, even students paying out of stay tuition, will pay UWL resident tuition during their semester(s) abroad. However, exchange placements can be competitive depending on the program. The competitiveness of a program depends on the number of placements available, which is determined by the number of exchange students who come to UWL from a partner university, and the number of UWL students we send to the same partner university. For example, if there is a partner university where we send many UWL students, but we do not receive many students from that partner, then placements are limited for UWL students. On the other hand, if we receive many students from a partner university, then there are many placements available for UWL students. That is what makes this a student exchange!

How competitive a program is can be determined by the chance of placement:

Limited: Competitive-Only 1 or 2 students will receive an exchange placement.

Good: Likely to be placed-Most students will receive an exchange placement if they meet the requirements.

Excellent: Highly likely to be placed if they meet the requirements.

If the chance of placement in the exchange program you are applying for is “Limited,” then we advise you to plan for what would happen if you were not placed as an exchange student. These are some options to considered:

Have a plan B!

Direct Enroll. Some, but not all exchange programs offer a direct enroll option. Direct enrollment means you are guaranteed placement at that university if you meet the requirements but will pay their tuition cost. The program will be the same, but as you would be paying their tuition the cost may be higher.

Another Program. Your plan B can also be another program. When considering another program, the deadline of your plan B program CANNOT be before the deadline of your first choice.

Another Term

You can also move your application to another term. If you do this, then you will be considered for an exchange placement along with all other students who apply for that program during that application cycle.

To search for UWL Exchange Programs go to this page and filter your search on the menu on the left as follow:

• Program Type: Choose "Exchange" from the drop-down menu.
• Internal/Authorized: Choose "Internal" from the drop-down menu.

UWL has direct enroll partnerships with several universities around the world. Most of them will call this option just "Study Abroad." Just like exchange programs, direct enroll programs are programs in which UWL has an agreement with specific universities abroad. However, while UWL send students to these institutions for a semester or academic year, we do not receive students from them. The main difference is that UWL students will pay the host institution's tuition, which will be higher than UWL’s tuition. However, some direct enroll programs are still affordable as UWL gets discounted tuition due to the direct enroll agreement. Placements in these programs are guaranteed as long as students meet the requirements. 

To search for UWL Direct Enroll (Study Abroad) programs go to this page and filter your search on the menu on the left as follow:

• Program Type: Choose "Study Abroad" from the drop-down menu.
• Internal/Authorized: Choose "Internal" from the drop-down menu.

Faculty-led programs provide a unique opportunity for students to take UWL courses in an international location with UWL faculty. They are perfect for students wanting to study abroad for shorter periods of time and take courses in a specific area of study.  Most programs take a group of 12 or more students, include 1-2 courses (2-6 credits), and last 2-4 weeks.

Faculty-led programs change on a regular basis, so the same program may not be offered from year to year. Housing, in-country transportation, cultural excursions, and international insurance are included in the program cost.

To search for UWL faculty-led programs, go to this page and filter your search on the menu on the left as follow:

• Program Type: Choose “Faculty/Teacher Led” from the drop-down menu.
• Internal/Authorized: Choose “Internal” from the drop-down menu.

Most Universities in the UW System are members of the Hessen-WI Exchange Program. This is a unique exchange agreement between the UW system and 14 Universities in Germany in the state of Hessen. Any student from any of the UW schools participating in this exchange can spend a summer, winter, fall (limited options), spring, or academic year at any of the schools in Hessen also participating in this exchange and vice versa! In the WI side, this program is managed by UW-Oshkosh and in Hessen it is managed by Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen.

NOTE: In addition to being part of the Hessen-WI Exchange, UWL also has two bilateral agreements with two schools in Hessen, which are listed below. Students interested in attending any of the schools below are encouraged to apply to that UWL exchange directly, and not through the Hessen-WI exchange.

Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Frankfurt University of Applied Science-Dual Degree

Goethe University

To search for UWL Exchange Programs go to this page and filter your search on the menu on the left as follow:

• Program Type: Choose "Exchange" from the drop-down menu.
• Internal/Authorized: Choose "Internal" from the drop-down menu.
• Country: Choose "Germany"

SPANISH-AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (SAIIE)

SAIIE hosts American students studying abroad through UW-La Crosse International Education & Engagement and offers an intercultural learning experience through academics, excursions, conversation partnerships with native Spanish speakers, volunteer opportunities, internships, and athletics programs.

Occupying a single, self-contained building, SAIIE is just minutes from many of Seville’s famous sights. The surrounding neighborhood offers a range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs, and Seville’s museums, galleries, monuments, and nightlife are easily accessed by public transportation or are within walking distance. With a population of 750,000, Seville has all of the advantages of a big city while still maintaining Spanish charm and culture.

SAIIE's athletic programs are unique because they offer student-athletes the chance to add a sports element to their academic studies at SAIIE and allow them to continue to train and practice in their chosen sport while abroad. The athletic programs that are hosted in spring and fall include soccer, volleyball, rugby, and water polo. The summer program hosts basketball, swimming, rowing, and rugby.

ELIGIBILITY

Each applicant to the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE) through UW-La Crosse International Education & Engagement must: 

• Be a degree-seeking undergraduate student currently enrolled at a U.S.-based college or university.
• Have completed at least one full-time semester of college at the time of application and have at least sophomore standing at the time of participation.
• Have a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA (semester applicants) or 2.0 GPA (Winterim or summer applicants)
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application and participation.

Applicants are not required to have a minimum language proficiency for any program, but courses taught in languages other than English will have specific language proficiency requirements.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to any application procedures required by the student's home institutions, the following must be submitted via the UW-La Crosse International Education & Engagement online application system (Via):

• $50 application fee
• Copy of U.S. passport: If you do not currently hold a U.S. passport, you must apply for one and submit proof of application before the program application deadline.
• Education Abroad Statement of Purpose
• International Academic Plan Approval Form (UW-La Crosse students)
• Official academic transcript
• SAIIE Course Advisement Form
• SAIIE Extracurricular Activities Questionnaire
• Signed statements of responsibility and understanding
• Two letters of recommendation
• UW-La Crosse Via Application

You will also have access to information that will assist you throughout the application process. Upon acceptance, additional pre-departure information and requirements will be provided.

SCHOLARSHIPS

SAIIE offers scholarship opportunities to students from any institution and to UW-La Crosse students. Review the SAIIE scholarships available.

ACADEMICS

SAIIE has partnered with the Universidad de Sevilla and EUSA (la Escuela Universitaria de Sevilla) to offer more course options to students attending SAIIE. Classes will take place at both SAIIE and the relevant partner institution.

At EUSA, the students will be able to share classes with both Spanish students and students from other European countries, which will help them to achieve an even deeper level of cultural immersion.

You may participate for one semester or an academic year, enrolling in at least 12 U.S. credits per semester and may take up to 18 credits.

SCHOOL OF RECORD

Effective Fall 2024, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) will act as SAIIE’s official School of Record. The School of Record agreement follows the highest standards of good practice in education abroad and fulfills the HLC's School of Record Guidelines. 

UWL and SAIIE have developed academic protocols that guide School of Record operations.

Under this comprehensive agreement, UWL:

• Reviews and approves SAIIE Study Center courses, academic appointments, staff, and faculty
• Issues course transcripts
• Conducts regular site visits to SAIIE Study Center;
• Supervises all SAIIE Faculty members and their academic qualifications

Courses are designed and taught by qualified instructors consistent with the level of education at U.S. universities; all SAIIE instructors hold a university degree, and more than 50% have a Master’s degree. Consistency in academic standards and transcripts from an accredited U.S. institution helps ease the credit approval and transfer process when students return home from their study abroad experience.

SAIIE ONLY CREDIT TRANSFER

SAIIE credits are certified by UW-La Crosse and will be validated on an official UW-La Crosse transcript at the end of the term. Credits earned also become part of your official academic record at UW-La Crosse.

The credit hours awarded at the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE) are equivalent to U.S. credits (e.g. three credits at SAIIE are equivalent to three U.S. credits). Likewise, SAIIE uses the American grading system, so an A awarded at SAIIE will be an A on your transcript at the end of the term.

While all credits should be transferable, work with your academic advisor at your home institution to choose appropriate and beneficial courses from the SAIIE curriculum before your term abroad. Courses that may fulfill specific requirements for major, minor, general education, or elective requirements towards an American degree must be approved by the appropriate person(s) at the home institution.

Universidad de Sevilla and EUSA (la Escuela Universitaria de Sevilla) courses will be transcribed by those institutions and submitted to UW-La Crosse once transcripts are released.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-La CROSSE (UWL)

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public institution that was founded in 1909.

Since 1965, thousands of students have chosen to study abroad through UW-La Crosse International Education & Engagement because of our affordable, distinctive, and exceptional programs.

ACCREDITATION & RECOGNITION

UWL is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).  University of Wisconsin—La Crosse's ranking in the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report ranked UWL #124 among public "national universities" and # 2 in Wisconsin.   

The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) is an organization that partners with universities in over 50 countries. Since UWL is a member of this organization, UWL students can pursue education abroad opportunities in about 300 colleges around the world. Through ISEP, students can apply to exchange and direct opportunities, but in this case UWL doesn’t have an agreement with the universities abroad, but with ISEP.
 
ISEP Exchange works very similar to UWL exchange programs. However, in this case students will pay UWL resident tuition, housing and meals. Placements can be very competitive as this is a cost effective option and depends on an even balance of student exchange.
 
ISEP Direct works very similar to UWL Direct Enroll option, except that students will pay a flat fee. This fee will vary depending on the location and what is included. Some ISEP Direct programs will include tuition, housing, and meals, while others could only include tuition and housing.
 
IMPORTANT: Students applying to an ISEP program must complete TWO applications: One with ISEP and one with UWL.

To search for ISEP Exchange and Direct programs go to this page and filter your search on the menu on the left as follow:

• Organization Name: Choose "ISEP" from the drop-down menu. 

Providers are third party organizations or affiliates who have their own partnerships overseas and/or study centers. Providers offer study abroad opportunities where students will pay a fee that most time includes tuition and housing. This fee will vary depending on the location and what else is included. These programs seem more expensive at first, but they also include more. In most cases, they will have on-site staff available to help students, they will organize excursions and cultural activities, pick students up at the airport, online support, and more!

UWL works with the following providers:

IMPORTANT: Students applying to a provider program must complete TWO applications: One with the provider and one with UWL.

To search for providers programs, go to this page and filter your search on the menu on the left as follow:

• Organization Name: Choose the name of the provider from the drop-down list.

UWL also has agreements with other universities in the U.S. Even though these programs are run by a U.S.  University, they work as providers. Providers are third party organizations or affiliates who have their own partnerships overseas and/or study centers. These programs offer study abroad opportunities where students will pay a fee that includes at least a direct enroll tuition. This fee will vary depending on the location and very often will also include housing and meals. Like providers, these programs seem more expensive at first, but they also include more. In most cases, they will have on site staff available to help students, they will organize excursions and cultural activities, pick students up at the airport, online support, and more.

UWL works with the following U.S. Universities:

IMPORTANT: Students applying to programs through one of the UWL approved U.S. institutions must complete TWO applications: One with the other institution and one with UWL.

UWL is member of the National Student Exchange (NSE) organization. Through NSE UWL students can spend one semester or academic year at another institution in the U.S. including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, or in Canada at institutions that are also NSE members. Students can be placed as Home Pay (UWL resident tuition) or Host Pay (Host institution’s resident tuition). The process for this program is lengthy and has an early deadline. Students interested in participating in NSE must meet with their Education Abroad Advisor ASAP in order to start the process.  

UWL offers the opportunity to education students to do student teaching abroad through the partnership with Educators Abroad (EA). EA provides an infrastructure through which interaction among educators in different cultural settings is nurtured so that a global perspective is integrated into educational policy and practice. EA faculty (a global network of professional educators) work together to foster cross-cultural understanding and develop the professional abilities of educators. They achieve this goal through close working relationships with accredited universities and host schools worldwide and active participation in international education organizations such as the International Society for Teacher Education (ISTE) and International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET). 

Students interested in participating in this program need to be approved by the UWL School of Education first. Please contact the SOE Field Experience Coordinator first to get their approval.

IMPORTANT: This program works as a provider; therefore, after getting approval students applying to do student teaching abroad must complete TWO applications: One with EA and one with UWL.

To search for EA program, go to this page and filter your search on the menu on the left as follow:

• TBD

UWL also offers archaeological and anthropological international field studies options. Students will find their own opportunities abroad based on their academic and personal goals. But before they complete the process with our office, these options must be first approved by the Archaeology/Anthropology department. Once they have been approved, students are directed to our office to complete a travel registration. Students participating in international field studies have the option of using financial aid but must discuss this with their education abroad and financial aid advisors during the application process.

UWL students participating in international field studies will be subject to UWL administrative fees and will be enrolled in international health insurance by our office.

International Internships & Undergraduate Research