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. Please see the timeline and deadlines page for application due dates.

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 2025-26.  Loan assistance is almost always available and requires the submission of the 2025-26 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?

Students will receive a meal plan refund based on the number of weeks the program is scheduled to be abroad. This will be issued separately from financial aid and typically disburses at the beginning of the Spring Term from dining services.There is no credit given on tuition, fees, or room charges.

What is the withdrawal policy?

The $250 deposit is due on December 1, 2025, and is refunded only if the University cancels the program.

Prior to January 15, 2026, you may withdraw from a course and forfeit only your deposit.

Students are responsible for the full course fee as of January 15th, 2026. After January 15, 2026, 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 2026. 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 a refund.

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 Spring Term Abroad course is abroad for the full four weeks of the term, you are required to vacate your room no later than Sunday, April 19th, 2026 (the Sunday before Spring break). Please begin making plans now for departing campus housing, storing belongings, etc. This deadline is important as Housing & Residence Life needs the following week to clean/turnover rooms for any students arriving on campus for spring term.

Starting for STA 2026: If your course spends ANY week on campus, you and your belongings can remain in the room until May 24th, 2026. 
Seniors are permitted to stay in on-campus housing through 1 June, 2026. 

If you are working on commencement-related events, you may submit a request for an extended stay approval. The extended stay request will open on April 17 and close on May 15, 2026 and can be found in eRezLife. http://go.wlu.edu/erezlife. Students are ineligible to place a request if they do not have an on-campus assignment during Spring Term and should make alternative arrangements off-campus. Housing questions should be directed to house@wlu.edu (please do not email CIE; we cannot assist with housing inquiries).

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