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Scroll to see the complete application process

Crucial Note – You must complete TWO (2) applications to study away with Wooster.

1. You must apply and be approved by Wooster (steps 1 – 4).
2. PLUS you will need to apply to your specific program on their website (step 5).

You MUST complete BOTH of these applications. If you don’t, you will have an incomplete application and will not be able to study abroad.

❑ Meet with a GEO Peer Advisor to go through the basics of studying abroad at Wooster. Click the button above to schedule an appointment or come for GEO Peer Advisor drop-in hours:

Drop-in Hours for Fall 2025

• Tuesday 10am – 12pm
• Wednesday 10am – 12pm
• Wednesday 1:30pm – 4pm
• Thursday from 10am – 12pm

❑ If possible, look around at geo.wooster.edu ahead of time and come prepared with some possible ideas for where you might study or what kinds of classes you might want to take. GEO 101 is a time for you to get the general information and begin to ask your questions.

❑ After you’ve participated in GEO 101, spend time researching various study abroad programs, universities, and countries.

❑ Consider your academic, personal, and professional goals, as well as any language requirements or other prerequisites.

❑ Review the classes offered on the programs you like to see if they match your interests, goals, and graduation requirements.

❑ Narrow it down to 1-3 of your favorite programs.

❑ Book an appointment with a professional staff member in the Global Engagement Office (link in the button above) to go over more specific questions and goals you have for your study abroad experience. You’ll share your goals and priorities, the programs you’ve narrowed it down to, and the classes you’re most interested in so the GEO advisor can help you nail down the best plan for you. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions and sketch out your next steps.

❑ In order to begin your application with Wooster, log in on geo.wooster.edu using your Wooster credentials. Go to the page of the specific program you’ve selected, click “Apply Now,” and fill out the application there.

❑ Click here to review the application components you’ll need to complete and/or read and sign before you can be approved by GEO to study abroad.

❑ Once you’re approved by Wooster, you’ll also need to do the Post-Decision Application Components found in your account at geo.wooster.edu. These do not have to be completed before you apply to your program provider, but they must be completed before you can study abroad.

Application Deadlines

For semester programs, apply by March 1, the school year before you want to go.

Examples:

• If you want to travel Fall of ’26, you’ll need to apply by March 1, 2026.
• If you want to travel Spring of ’27, you’ll need to apply by March 1, 2026.

For TREK programs, apply by December 1 the school year before.

Example:

• If you want to go on a TREK during the summer of 2026, you need to apply by Dec. 1, 2025.

For summer programs, apply by April 1 the school year before.

Example:

• If you want to go on a program with one of our providers during the summer of 2026, you need to apply by April 1, 2026.

Third-Party or Exchange application deadlines will vary. Please see your program’s website for the exact date.

Once approved by the Global Engagement Office, you must complete the provider’s application for your actual program

(SIT, IES, Arcadia, DIS, Carleton, ARCOS, etc.)

This is a crucial step; skipping it will prevent you from going on your selected program.

❑ Carefully review the admission requirements of your chosen program / university. Take special note of GPA, academic prerequisite, and language proficiency requirements, as well as the provider’s application deadline.

❑ Fill out the university or provider’s online application form or designated study abroad application.*

• Submit your application along with all required documents and any application fee by the specified deadline.
• Ensure that all materials are complete and accurate.
• Ask your Program Advisor any specific questions you have.
• Pay the program deposit, typically $500.

*Most providers accept applicants on a rolling basis, so if you apply early and meet admission requirements, you most likely will be accepted.

Once Accepted

❑ Go to this site for resources for preparing to go abroad.

❑ Follow the university/provider’s instructions to start the class selection.

❑ Apply for a student visa or residence permit for your host country. Follow your provider’s instruction to apply for your visa from the country’s embassy or consulate. Check here for additional helpful information.

❑ Attend GEO’s Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO). You will likely also do PDO with your study abroad provider, but both are required.

❑ Research tips for funding your trip, budgeting & packing for your time away, planning for possible emergencies, preparing to be healthy and safe, setting goals, and so many more things to reduce stress and maximize your time studying off-campus. Don’t forget to make sure you know what to do to ensure that credits & housing are set for when you come back to Wooster.

❑ Go! (and be sure to attend the university’s orientation for international students upon arrival.)