Planning for before, during and after your trip
Studying abroad is a journey that goes far beyond boarding a plane—it’s a transformational experience that begins long before you leave and continues well after you return. Whether you’re preparing for departure, navigating life in another country, or transitioning back to life at home, Washburn provides the resources and guidance you need every step of the way. This page brings together everything you’ll need—before you travel, while you’re abroad, and when you return—to help you make the most of your international experience.Quick links
Most important info
Your Guide to a Safe, Smart, and Successful Experience Abroad
The Study Abroad Handbook is your go-to resource for navigating every stage of your international journey. It covers essential topics like health and safety, smart travel practices, local laws, and cultural adjustment, helping you prepare for life abroad and make the most of your experience.
STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.
Through the STEP Program you can:
- Enter information on your trip or overseas residence so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.
- Subscribe to receive updates on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and other information for a particular country.
Travel insurance
Students planning to participate in study abroad programs are encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage for any reason. This type of insurance will provide travelers with some financial support and flexibility to adjust travel as needed. There are many companies and organizations that offer travel insurance, including:
- International Student Insurance
- AIG Travel Insurance
- Generali Global Assistance
- Allianz Travel Insurance
- LewerMark Student Insurance
WU does not recommend any specific company.
Visit the Travel Insurance Reviews website for reviews, comparisons, and ratings of travel insurance providers.
More information
Credit transfer form, health consultation, medications and vaccinations.
Stay connected
Share your experiences while abroad! Consider taking pictures or videos and posting them on a blog. Follow us on Instagram at BodsAbroad, on Twitter @bodsabroad, and join Washburn University Study Abroad on Facebook.
While you're abroad be sure to use the hashtag #bodsabroad for a chance to be featured on our social media pages!
Keep in contact
If you are transferring credit back to Washburn and have enrolled in any courses not listed on your Study Abroad Credit Transfer Form, contact the Study Abroad Coordinator to complete a new form.
If you are studying abroad for a semester or year, you may need to contact your Academic Advisor and enroll in Washburn classes from abroad for the next semester.
Request transcripts
Before leaving your host university, be sure you know how to send your transcript to the Study Abroad Office. Please have an official transcript in English sent to:
Washburn University – Study Abroad Office
Attn: Tina Williams, Study Abroad Coordinator
Plass Learning and Resources Center Rm 217
1700 SW College Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66621 USA
When You Return
Apply Your Experience on Campus
Classroom Presentations
Spark study abroad interest in first year students by presenting on your international experiences in the Freshman Year Experience (FYE) and other University 101 courses. Many first-year students cite these presentations by study abroad returnees and exchange students as how they initially heard about studying abroad.
Win $100: Study Abroad Photo Essay Contest:
Do you have the perfect photos to describe your study abroad Experience? If so we want them, and we may be willing to pay you for them. The WU Study Abroad Photo Essay Contest was established to recognize the importance of WU students’ international experiences and promote studying abroad to other WU students and the community. Monetary awards of $100, $75, and $50 will be awarded to the top three entries received.
Study Abroad Volunteer Peer Advisors
Put your international experience to work by promoting study abroad to your peers! The Study Abroad Office hires volunteer returnees for approximately two hours per week to assist in the department with advising, programming, and promotion. Click Peer Advisor Program & Application to complete the Peer Advisor application and submit it to the Study Abroad Office located in Plass Learning and Resource Centrer.
Study Abroad Fair Fall & Spring
Welcome students and share your own global education and experience with prospective study abroad students.
Pre-departure Orientation Fall & Spring:
Share your experience or answer questions at the pre-departure orientation. Questions range from what host families are like to must-see attractions or destinations. You’ll have the opportunity to share your best pieces of advice!
International Club & other international student groups
Meet WU students from all different countries, including the U.S., by joining WU International Club and other cultural groups on campus.
GET IN TOUCH WITH Study Abroad
Study Abroad Office
Plass Learning and Resources Center, Room 217
Phone & Email
studyabroad@washburn.edu
785.670.2088
