Frequently Asked Questions W&L Spring Term Abroad

How do I get credit?

Students participating in Washington and Lee University's Spring Term Abroad courses apply and register for a program directly at W&L. Students receive credit for these courses as they would any other W&L course.

When do I need to apply?

Programs are listed on the Spring Term Abroad website in the fall. The Spring Term General Information session is October 3, 2024 at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Applications open on October 4, 2024. Submit your application and financial aid paperwork by October 21, 2024 at 5pm. After you are accepted into the program by the program director, you must confirm your participation by electronically signing the Agreement of Responsible Travel in your application in the offcampus.wlu.edu portal and by making the $250 non-refundable deposit by the December 2, 2024 deadline.

You can apply through the Spring Term Abroad website

How much does it cost?

While students do not pay a separate tuition to W&L for Spring Term Abroad, separate fees are required to cover the travel, accommodations, facilities and other educational costs. W&L does everything to keep these costs as low as possible, however they can be substantial and are borne by the participants. The cost will differ for each program. Prices will be posted on the website in early October.

Does my current financial aid package apply to my spring term abroad program?

Need-based financial aid is available for spring term abroad programs.  This aid is completely separate from the financial aid you may be receiving for the fall and winter terms.  Students with demonstrated financial need will receive grant assistance.  To be considered, you must have a complete W&L need-based aid application on file for 2024-25.  Loan assistance is almost always available and requires the submission of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Please contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions regarding your application and eligibility.

Since I am not on campus for Spring Term, will I receive any money back for expenses already paid to W&L?

When a student participates in a Spring Term Abroad program, the student can request a refund on their meal plan for the weeks they are not on campus from Dining Services.  If this refund results in a credit on the student's account, the student is responsible for requesting the refund from the Business Office. There is no credit given on tuition, fees, or room charges.

What is the withdrawal policy?

The $250 deposit is due on December 2, 2024, and is refunded only if the University cancels the program.

Prior to January 15, 2025, you may withdraw from a course and forfeit only your deposit.

Students are responsible for the full course fee as of January 15th, 2025. After January 15, 2025, recoverable and uncommitted costs will be refunded only in documented cases of illness or emergency that prevents participation. If the University cancels the program, the program fee will be refunded. 

The program fee will be charged to your student account in the winter term prior and is due in March of 2025. Please see additional information on the Spring Term Abroad timeline. 

The program dates listed in your portal are the general academic dates for the Spring Term. Please do not buy airline tickets until consulting with your Program Director. Spring Term Abroad programs have very specific arrival times that may differ from the term start dates. 

Do I need to buy additional health insurance?

All participants will be provided supplemental global health insurance through the university and will have access to services provided by International SOS. 

What if I don't have a passport?

Get one! You must have a valid passport for your country of citizenship. It takes up to a couple of months to obtain a passport, so start as soon as possible. Your passport should be valid for not less than 6 months from the date of your expected return from overseas. Whether you are renewing a U.S. passport or applying for one for the first time, you should start by clicking on this U.S. Department of State link: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html.

Do I need a visa?

Each country has it its own entry requirements. You must check to see what the requirements are for your nationality. Allow a couple of months to obtain a visa. If you do not have the appropriate entry visa, you will not be allowed to participate in the program. Failure to obtain proper travel documents will not be grounds for refunds.

Am I responsible for adhering to W&L policies while overseas?

Yes. You must comply with the University's academic policies and standards for student conduct. Should you violate any of these, you will be subject to any relevant disciplinary action.

What if I am a citizen of a country other than the United States?

You must make sure to have the appropriate paperwork required for citizens of your country. This includes a valid visa for entry into the country to which you are traveling. Be aware of the time you will need to obtain this visa. Have your I-20 signed before you leave on the program. Please consider the immigration and visa implications/risks of travel on any particular Spring Term Abroad program and confirm there are no impediments to traveling out of the United States at that time.

Do I need to vacate on-campus housing prior to STA?

If your STA course spends the full four weeks abroad, then you must completely vacate housing at the end of the winter term. See more information on the Office of Residential Life University Housing website.If your STA course is hybrid (partially on campus and partially abroad), please complete the extended stay request via go.wlu.edu/erezlife detailing your need to remain on campus during Spring Term.

If your course spends the first week(s) on campus and the remaining weeks abroad:
-Vacate your room prior to departure for STA (ideally before spring break)

If your course spends the first week(s) abroad and the remaining time on campus:
-Vacate your room prior to summer break (adhering to the university closing dates on the housing website).

How do I book a flight?

If it is your first time booking an international flight or you'd like to brush up on some tips and tricks, please check out this video made by Veronika Kolosova '25: https://wlu.box.com/s/or6ho6x1lbo1g8dhx2pwly5m6lvof3qa