Overview
This page outlines the procedures for completing Study Abroad Pre-Departure Requirements for students preparing to study abroad.
Instructions
Step 1 Complete Study Abroad Enrollment Forms
Upon receiving email notification of Study Abroad Approval, students will find a new list of forms on their account in the UWF Study Abroad Database at uwf.abroadoffice.net. Enrollment forms are listed here with information on completing each form.
Enrollment Forms required of all students studying abroad with UWF.
- Study Abroad Agreement, Waiver and Release Form - Details the student's role as a study abroad program participant and UWF's role in offering a program abroad.
- Financial Aid Advising Form - requires students to verify they understand if they will be able to use FInancial Aid for their study abroad program AND how the aid may be applied based on the type of study abroad program.
- Medical History - Students self-identify any health concerns or diagnoses. They also identify any medications they may be taking while on the program. This information cannot be used to deny a student participation on a study abroad program. Study Abroad Services may request medical clearance if a student identifies an existing condition which may make full participation in program activities difficult for the student or cause disturbance to the program schedule. For example, a student with Rheumatoid Arthritis may be asked to provide medical clearance for a program which requires several hours of walking daily on a short-term program. OR A student with respiratory illness such as Asthma may be asked to provide a physician's clearance for travel to a location with significant air pollution.
- Passport Form - Students must input information from their passport photo page and to upload a copy of the passport to the online form.
- Study Abroad Health and Accident Insurance -
- Independent Students, i.e., students going to a location abroad without a UWF or other study abroad group program.
- Faculty-Led Program Students will be enrolled in the UWF Study Abroad Health and Accident Insurance Plan. The fee for this insurance is included in your program deposit for study abroad. To complete the Study Abroad Health and Accident Insurance Form, Faculty-Led Program Students will upload a copy of their insurance ID card which is sent by email before the program departure.
- Group Program Students on programs such as the Catalyst and Village will be enrolled in the UWF Study Abroad Health and Accident Insurance Plan. The fee for this insurance will be billed to each student's account at UWF and is due with tuition for the program abroad. Group Program Students will upload a copy of their insurance ID card which is sent by email before the program departure.
- Students on Programs through other universities or study abroad provider programs may have insurance included in the program fees for their term abroad. Students with insurance included in their non-UWF program fees should work with their program provider or host university to complete the Study Abroad Health and Accident Insurance Verification Form.
Additional Enrollment Forms required for most programs.
- Pre-Departure Checklist - The Checklist encourages students to think ahead about their program abroad. The list includes questions students may have about their study abroad location as well as questions students may not have considered before review of the Pre-Departure Checklist.
- Copy of Participation Request Form will be uploaded by UWF Study Abroad Services for students on exchange and transfer credit programs. The original is sent to the UWF Registrar.
- Course Approval will show for students studying abroad on Exchange or transfer credit programs. The Course approval process will differ based on the type of program. Each student will only see the one placeholder course approval process specific to their program abroad. The Online Enrollment Form for Course Approval will include instructions on completed each of these forms which require action outside of the Study Abroad Database and may require printing forms for signature.
i) International Exchange Advising Agreement is required for students studying with one of UWF's partner institutions for exchange credit.
ii) Transient Student Form through Florida Shines for programs offered by Florida Public Universities and State/Community Colleges.
iii) Study Abroad Enrollment Authorization Form is required for students on approved transfer credit programs not offered by Florida Public Universities and State/Community Colleges.
Step 2 - Attend Mandatory Study Abroad Orientation Presented by Study Abroad Services
While faculty-led program directors and transfer credit programs will offer orientation specific to each program abroad, all students complete Mandatory Study Abroad Orientation with Study Abroad Services. Each term, Study Abroad Services offers multiple options for students to complete orientation. Students will be offered in-person and webinar options with scheduled dates and times. If students do not attend one of these scheduled sessions, Study Abroad Services will provide makeup materials and a recorded orientation session. A deadline given for students to complete the orientation and accompanying quiz. Students who do not complete Study Abroad Orientation with Study Abroad Services will have a HOLD placed on their UWF record which will prevent registration changes and access to transcripts. Dates for Study Abroad Orientation are available at
Step 3 - Apply for Visa and or Residence Permit as required by the host country
Most Students on semester-long programs abroad will need to apply for an entry visa to their host country. The Visa Application Process varies by country and may require an in-person interview at the Consulate or Embassy office. Students requiring a visa for study abroad should apply 60-90 days before the start date of the program to allow adequate processing time for the visa. Visas are entry permits which may expire before the end of your study program. If you are not sure if you need to apply for a visa for study abroad, contact Study Abroad Services for visa guidance.
Some countries require students to register with the local government while studying abroad. Local Registration may require application for a residence permit which allows students to stay for the duration of their study program.
Ongoing Steps
Students should maintain contact with the Study Abroad Services as well as the faculty program director, host institution or study abroad provider for their program. Students may receive updates and information for their program from these contacts in addition to communication from UWF Study Abroad Services.