Many parents assume studying abroad is too expensive or will delay graduation. At UW-Stout Polytechnic, neither is necessarily true. Study abroad is designed to fit students' academic plans, graduation timelines and budgets. It can also provide a strong return on investment. According to research by The Forum on Education Abroad, international experiences are a career asset, and students who study abroad earn an average of $4,160 more in their first job after graduation, which can add up to $166,400 over a 40-year career.
UW-Stout Polytechnic's Office of International Education offers more than 300 programs in over 40 countries, with advisors who help students find programs that align with their academic, personal and financial goals.
Families are often surprised to learn that many exchange programs are surprisingly close in cost to a semester on campus. Students continue paying UW-Stout Polytechnic tuition and fees, and because the cost of living is often lower in many host countries, overall expenses can be very comparable. While the estimated cost of attendance at UW-Stout Polytechnic is approximately $12,950 per semester, estimated costs at partner universities — including tuition, housing, airfare, meals, personal expenses and program fees — are about $10,000 at Sejong University in South Korea, $12,000 at the University of Pécs in Hungary, $13,000 at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan and ULACIT in Costa Rica, and $14,000 at the University of Alicante in Spain.
Students also don't have to worry about falling behind academically. Before departure, all courses are approved through a formal transfer process to ensure they count toward degree requirements. Students who study abroad during WinTerm or summer can even earn additional credits without extending their time to graduation. For example, the American College of Greece offers two summer sessions where students can earn up to 12 credits while gaining international experience.
Scholarships make study abroad even more affordable. Pell Grant-eligible students may qualify for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 per semester. The Office of International Education helps students navigate both program and scholarship applications to maximize available funding.
Students are supported every step of the way. Partner universities provide orientation, academic advising, housing assistance, and other services for international students, while the Office of International Education remains a resource before, during and after the experience.
Beyond travel, studying abroad helps students develop intercultural communication, adaptability, independence and global perspectives — skills that employers increasingly value. With affordable programs, transferable credits, scholarship opportunities, and personalized advising, study abroad is an investment in both a student's education and future career.
Students interested in learning more can schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor through the online appointment scheduler. Appointments are available virtually or in person in Harvey Hall room 70 (lower level), and walk-in advising is offered 1 to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Students are also encouraged to attend the Study Abroad Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the Memorial Student Center ballrooms to meet study abroad advisors, talk with students who have studied abroad, connect with representatives from partner universities and explore the many international opportunities available through UW-Stout Polytechnic.
