Application Steps
Application Process
Congratulations! By visiting the Lewis Study Abroad website, you have taken the first steps to incorporating an international experience into your Lewis degree. Below are some basic steps to help you choose and apply for a study abroad program.
1. Evaluate yourself and your reasons for studying abroad
When considering what type of program is appropriate for you, you will need to think about where you want to study and how you plan to incorporate your international experience into your studies. The following questions are a good place to start in asking about yourself and what kind of study abroad experience you want, and how the program will fit into your academic plan.
Academic
- How will studying abroad fit into your academic plan?
- How much time do you want to spend abroad? One week? A summer? A semester?
- Does your major or minor have requirements that might be best met through study abroad, such as language, internships or coursework?
- Does the program in which you plan to participate have language requirements or other prerequisites?
- Are you interested in a program taught entirely in another language, or are you interested in a program that focuses on a specific academic discipline?
- How much time do you want to spend abroad? One week? A summer? A semester?
- Does your major or minor have requirements that might be best met through study abroad, such as language, internships or coursework?
- Does the program in which you plan to participate have language requirements or other prerequisites?
- Are you interested in a program taught entirely in another language, or are you interested in a program that focuses on a specific academic discipline?
Program
- What countries, cultures and/or languages interest you?
- How immersed in the culture do you want to be?
- Are you looking for a program that requires a great deal of independence, or would you prefer a program in which many of the arrangements are made for you?
- Are you able to adapt to different styles of learning?
- Do you want to explore your family's heritage?
- Is there something happening in the world today about which you want to learn more?
Financial
- What is your budget? How much can you afford to spend?
- Do you need to retain financial aid eligibility to finance your program?
2. Start your search and talk to the Study Abroad Office
The search tools on this website are the easiest way to learn about the programs that Lewis University offers. They allow you to do a Simple Search by term (fall, spring, summer, Travel Study) or by location (city, country or region). An Advanced Search allows you to refine your search even further, such as by areas of study, language prerequisites, housing options, and target language.
You should also request an advising appointment with the Study Abroad Office. The director would be happy to meet with you to answer your questions and help you find the program that is right for you and your academic plan.
3. Meet with your academic advisor
Your major advisor can help you figure out how to fit study abroad into your academic plans and what types of classes to take while abroad. Additionally, the Study Abroad office can help explain what types of courses are offered on each program. Some course equivalencies for programs have already been ascertained and can be found on this website. For courses that do not yet have Lewis equivalencies, the Study Abroad office can coordinate with you and the relevant departments to ascertain how they will count here at Lewis.For Travel Study programs, please check each specific program page for the courses offered on the program.
4. Figure out your budget
Lewis University Study Abroad programs are structured to be within the financial reach of most Lewis students. Total costs are comparable to what might be spent for Lewis tuition and living in the residence halls on campus. The program charges vary on the program length, transportation costs and the cost of living in the host country.
Program charges, and what those include, are posted on the individual program pages or may be obtained from the Study Abroad Office. In general, the program charges for the semester and summer programs include tuition, housing, some kind of a meal plan, and any excursions that might be included in the program. In addition to the program charge, you will also be charged a $350 Study Abroad fee by Lewis University. This fee, as well as the program charges, will be placed on to your student account during the term in which you are studying abroad. In most cases, airfare is not included in the program fees for these programs.
For Lewis Study Travel programs, the program charge normally includes airfare, accommodation, museum entrance fees, local transportation, medical insurance, and some group meals. For most Travel Study programs, the program charge will be placed onto your student account during the Spring semester.
A student who enrolls in a Lewis University sponsored Study Abroad program will be considered for financial aid as if they were enrolled at Lewis. A student who enrolls in a non-sponsored Study Abroad program approved for Credit by the Academic Department will be considered for all financial aid with the exception of any Lewis Institutional financial aid. You should visit the Financial Aid office to enquire how a study abroad program will affect your financial aid package and if you may qualify for any additional aid. For Lewis University sponsored programs, the program fees are placed onto your student account and you will be registered for Lewis courses.
5. Apply
When you identify a program to which you wish to apply, click the "Apply Now" button on the program page and sign in using your MyLewis login information. You will need to complete an online application and . Most application deadlines are about a semester prior to departure, so start planning early.
To apply to a Lewis program, you will need to submit the following:
• Statement of purpose (explain why you want to study abroad, as well as what you hope to accomplish academically and personally in the program)
• Copy of your Lewis University transcripts (official ones for semester and summer programs; unofficial ones for Travel Study)
• Two (2) Academic Recommendations (these should be from professors who are familiar with your academic work)
• Statement of purpose (explain why you want to study abroad, as well as what you hope to accomplish academically and personally in the program)
• Copy of your Lewis University transcripts (official ones for semester and summer programs; unofficial ones for Travel Study)
• Two (2) Academic Recommendations (these should be from professors who are familiar with your academic work)
That's it! Once you have submitted the materials mentioned above, the Study Abroad Office will review your application and make a decision about your acceptance into semester or summer program. You will be promptly notified in writing of the decision. Decisions concerning acceptance into a Lewis Travel Study program will made by the faculty leading the program to which you have applied.
6. After Applying
Wait to hear from the Study Abroad office via e-mail following the review of your application materials. You can also go the Study Abroad Program Web site and log-in to view your application status. Through this site, you can confirm that documents, recommendations, and other important pieces of the application process have been completed and received.
ALL students who apply will receive electronic notification about whether or not they have been accepted into the program, generally within 2-4 weeks after the application deadline.