Discover Global Opportunities: University of Virginia Study Abroad Programs

For students seeking transformative educational experiences, the University of Virginia (UVA) offers a diverse range of study abroad programs. These programs provide opportunities for academic enrichment, personal growth, and cross-cultural understanding. Whether you're interested in short-term trips or semester-long immersions, UVA has a program to suit your interests and goals.

Short-Term Faculty-Led Trips

UVA Wise offers a variety of short-term, faculty-led study abroad trips each academic year. These trips typically take place during spring break or in the summer, providing students with an intensive and immersive experience. Students are required to register for a foreign study course associated with the trip, with credit hours varying depending on the specific program. Beginning in fall 2024, participation in these short-term faculty-led trips fulfills the experiential learning activity (ELA) credit required for graduation.

Past trips have included destinations such as Austria, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Nepal, India, and the United Kingdom. However, locations vary from year to year, ensuring a diverse range of options for students.

Upcoming Trips for 2025-2026

Winter Break 2025
- Costa Rica, December 13-22, 2025
Spring Break 2026

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- Ireland, March 4 - 15, 2026
- Portugal, March 4 - 15, 2026 (View itineraries)
Summer 2026
- Japan, May 10 - 24, 2026
- Spain, May 11 - 22, 2026

Please note that all trips are subject to the study abroad short-term trip approval committee and trip enrollment. Applications for upcoming trips will open in August 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in UVA's study abroad programs, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements ensure that students are academically prepared and responsible enough to handle the challenges and responsibilities of studying in a foreign country.

GPA Requirements: Short-term study abroad trips (spring break and/or May) require a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Semester or year-long study abroad programs require a cumulative GPA of 2.75 with no grade lower than a C- in the previous two academic terms, or with the approval of the Director of International Programs and Services.
Academic and Disciplinary Standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. If a student's standing changes, they may be withdrawn from a program in which they are already enrolled. Past academic or disciplinary cases may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they have been resolved.
Health Insurance: Students are required to purchase recommended health insurance for the duration of the trip.
Pre-Departure Orientation: Attendance at all pre-departure orientation meetings and completion of all assigned work are mandatory.
Freshman Eligibility: Freshmen are first eligible for short-term trips in the second/spring semester of their first year.
Semester/Year-Long Study Abroad Eligibility: Only students who have completed three full-time semesters at UVA Wise are considered eligible for semester or year-long study abroad. Transfer students with an associate’s degree must have been full-time students for a semester to be eligible for semester or year study abroad. Students may be considered for participation earlier on a case-by-case basis.
Participation Agreement: Students must read and sign a participation agreement outlining their responsibilities and expectations.
Payment Deadlines: Students must make all payments by the specified deadlines.
Travel Documents: Students must obtain passports and any other required documents, such as visas, in a timely fashion.
STEP Program Enrollment: Students must enroll in the State Department’s STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program).

Application Process

The application process for UVA's study abroad programs involves submitting an application form and providing references.

Required Documents: A study abroad application and two references from UVA Wise faculty and/or staff are required.
Application Forms: Separate application forms are available for exchange programs (semester or year-long experience) and short-term faculty-led study abroad programs.
- [Study Abroad Application - Exchange Programs (Semester or Year-long Experience)](Insert Link Here)
- [Short-term Faculty-Led Study Abroad Application (Current Students)](Insert Link Here)
- [Short-term Faculty-Led Study Abroad Application (Community, Faculty/Staff, Alumni)](Insert Link Here)
- [Study Abroad Reference Form](Insert Link Here)

Personal Statement

Applicants for exchange programs are required to submit a personal statement (500-word maximum) addressing the following prompt:

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Please share your academic and professional goals. Why are you interested in studying abroad, and what do you hope to gain, learn, and experience in this particular location?

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UVA offers scholarships to support students participating in study abroad programs. Students must complete a separate scholarship application for consideration.

[Scholarship Application](Insert Link Here)

The Office of National Awards and Fellowships is also an excellent resource for private and national awards for study abroad, including the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

Partner Programs and Opportunities

UVA partners with several organizations to provide students with a wide array of study abroad options.

Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS)

UVA Wise is a member of the KIIS Study Abroad Consortium, a non-profit organization committed to offering high-quality, low-cost study abroad opportunities. KIIS offers a variety of summer programs in Europe, Africa, Asia, Canada, and Central & South America, with courses in Business & Economics, Humanities, Health Sciences, Language Study, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. All KIIS programs are faculty-led by faculty from consortium member institutions.

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The program cost typically includes six credit hours (summer), transfers between the airport abroad and the program site, on-site orientation, accommodations, some meals, local transportation for group excursions, comprehensive medical insurance, and security evacuation insurance.

KIIS Program Search
Application Deadlines: December 1 (apply early and save $100) or February 5 (regular application deadline)
Funding: Scholarships are available to assist in offsetting program expenses.
Contact: Candice Stadler, Director of International Programs and Services

ISEP Study Abroad

UVA Wise partners with ISEP Study Abroad, a non-profit organization with a mission to make studying, interning, and volunteering abroad accessible and affordable. ISEP offers semester-long, full-year, and summer programs in over 40 countries, covering various fields of study. Volunteer and internship programs are also available.

ISEP programs provide access to flexible and affordable housing and meal plans, optional excursions, student groups, campus amenities, and flexible application deadlines. ISEP also offers scholarships, with many focused on underserved student populations and students studying a language or in specific locations.

ISEP programs are immersive and aim to build cross-cultural understanding and self-confidence through authentic study abroad experiences.

Department-Specific Opportunities

Department of Media Studies

The Department of Media Studies does not have formal study abroad relationships with specific foreign institutions or programs. However, the faculty has a vast network of international colleagues from programs aligned with the department’s mission and academic standards. The department endorses the following institutions as potential sources of equivalent transfer credit and high-quality education:

American University of Paris (Offers courses towards degrees in Film Studies and Global Communications)
Goldsmiths University of London
Hebrew University
University of Amsterdam (UVA)
University of Leicester
University of Saint Andrews
University of Stockholm (The Department of Media Studies offers English-speaking graduate courses in journalism, media, communication, fashion, and cinema studies.)
University of Sydney

Students wishing to apply study abroad credit towards their Media Studies major must first receive departmental approval. No more than two study abroad courses will be accepted toward the major.

Process for Media Studies Majors:

Identify a recognized foreign institution where you can take classes.
Identify the media/communications classes that you wish to take.
Schedule an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, William Little, to discuss study abroad transfer credits.

Please note that course reviews are only conducted for current majors.

UVA Hispanic Studies in Spain Summer Program

This established study abroad program is sponsored by the Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

Additional Program Highlights

Beyond the structured programs, UVA students have access to a wide range of other study abroad experiences. These include opportunities for:

Sailing and Diving in the Caribbean: A 20-day journey aboard the schooner Ocean Star, beginning in the British Virgin Islands.
Immersive Spanish and European Studies in Madrid: A program ideal for students wishing to immerse themselves in Spanish and European Studies in one of the world's great capitals.
Liberal Arts Education in Beirut: Study at the American University of Beirut, known for its strong academic programs and commitment to a broad-based liberal arts education.
Global Exploration with Semester at Sea: A unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe.
Winter Break in Tokyo: Earn course credit while studying in the heart of Tokyo at Seisen University, focusing on Japanese language skills or Japanese pop culture.
Summer in London: Study and live at the University of Westminster, surrounded by London's most famous sites.
Cultural Immersion in Florence: Experience one of Italy's most enchanting cities.
Irish Culture and History in Dublin: Study in Ireland's capital city, a center of high-tech industry and learning with deep historical roots.
Language Acquisition in Japan: Study Japanese in class and practice it in real-world settings while exploring your host city.
Nursing and Pre-Nursing Internships: Gain skills amidst the real-world challenges of healthcare with International Medical Aid (IMA) internships.
Research in Switzerland: Spend a semester at the University of Geneva, participating in a professional academic research project and learning the language and culture of Switzerland.
Medical Shadowing in Italy: Shadow doctors in Italy for up to 20+ hours per week, observing patient care from start to finish.
Environmental Studies and Action: Immerse yourself in a master class in environmental science, communication, action, and leadership training.
Internships in China: Connect with guaranteed placements in Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, and innovative startups across China.
Study Abroad in Tokyo: Spend a semester or year studying abroad in vibrant Tokyo, Japan, at Toyo University.
Low Cost, Direct Study Programs: Study Programs in these top destinations Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, England, and France.
Cultural Studies in Greece: Combine studies and fun while exploring Greece.
Clinical Experience for Nursing Students: Acquire hands-on opportunities in international settings through Atlantis, a nursing study abroad organization.
Cultural Exploration in South Korea: Travel to South Korea to experience its temperate climate and distinct seasons.
Entrepreneurship in Barcelona: Study in Barcelona, a dynamic startup ecosystem, and learn about industry, life sciences, and mobile & software technologies.
Cultural Immersion in the Netherlands: Explore the Van Gogh Museum, try your first Stroopwafel, and bike around the city.
Pre-Med and Health Fellowships: Enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships.
Literature and History in England: Study Shakespeare's plays or Winston Churchill's policies in England.
French Language Immersion: Study and become fluent in French in an iconic city in France.
Spanish Cultural Heritage: Study at a university in Spain while immersing yourself in a rich cultural heritage.
Urban Exploration in London: Experience the nightlife, history, and culture of London.
Semester in Barcelona: Study culture and politics and discover the secrets of Barcelona.
Semester in Athens, Greece: Earn credits while studying at the American College of Greece (ACG).
Transatlantic Journey: Embark on a transatlantic journey spanning over 6,500 miles, offering the best of land and sea.
Study at the University of Cambridge: Experience historic teaching methods and cutting-edge research at Pembroke College.
Gelato Making in Florence: Learn how to make gelato and run a gelato shop as a business.
Semester in Grenoble, France: Study at the prestigious Grenoble École de Management (GEM).
Semester at Sea: Spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and continents.
Exploration of Barcelona: Gaze upon Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia church and enjoy tapas with new friends.
Summer in Tokyo: Study at J.F. Oberlin University in the suburbs of Tokyo.
Mediterranean Lifestyle in Valencia: Embrace outdoor living and recreation in Valencia.
Grand Tour Experience in Florence: Undertake a study abroad experience similar to the Grand Tour of the past.
Summer in Rome: Study various academic program options in Rome with credits awarded by Fairfield University.
Study in Australia: Experience the Sunshine State of Australia, with its outdoor lifestyle and sunny days.
Experience in Tokyo and Seoul: Experience two of the most dynamic, traditional, and modern industrial countries and cities of the world.

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