FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.O1. Can I use my financial aid toward my study abroad experience?
A. If you already receive financial aid at Westfield State College, you can use your financial aid for your study abroad experience. Questions regarding financial aid should be directed to the financial aid office.
Q.02. What semesters are the usual ones for studying abroad?
A. The usual choices for semesters abroad are either Fall or Spring for juniors and the Fall term
for seniors. Occasionally, sophomores do apply and are accepted. Most seniors want to be on campus during the semester that they graduate.
Q.03. What is the minimum GPA required for the study abroad program?
A. The requirement is a 2.75. Some colleges and universities abroad require a 3.0.
The study abroad office will review the records of applicants with GPA’s that fall below the minimum requirement.
Q.04. May I participate in programs that are sponsored by colleges other than Westfield State College?
A. If you meet their requirements and receive departmental pre-approval, you may go on appropriate study abroad programs. To assure that credits are transferable to Westfield State College, the green pre-approval form must be completed and signed by all appropriate department chairs.
Q.05. When should I apply?
A. Application deadlines are published each semester for the following term. Generally, the application process should begin a year in advance.
Q.06. Do I pay Westfield State College tuition and fees when I am studying abroad?
A. No. When you attend a Study Abroad program sponsored by Westfield State College, you only need to pay the cost of that program. Students must complete their application with the International Programs Office (IPO) and receive approval in advance; the IPO will notify the Office of the Registrar and Student Accounts so that the student’s WSC accounts remain active. When you attend a WSC Exchange Program (Capital Normal University, Beijing, China and United International College, Jhuhai, China) you continue to pay WSC tuition and fees, and pay room and board costs to the host institution.
Q.07. Do my Study abroad credits get transferred and are the grades averaged into my cumulative grade-point average?
A. Credits you receive while studying abroad are transferred back to Westfield State
College. Grades are averaged into your GPA.
Q.08. How do I arrange for housing at Westfield for the semester following my term abroad?
A. Regulations guiding on campus housing are same as they are for students returning in a successor term. Arrangements must be made with the housing office prior to leaving for the study abroad program and the usual deposits must be prepaid to the housing office.