Application Requirement
University regulations require all students expecting to enroll in any Study Abroad Program for credit during the spring or fall terms to contact their departmental Study Abroad Coordinator at least two semesters prior to the proposed date of entry into such a program; or one semester for summer programs. Many anthropology majors opt for semester abroad opportunities that are not yet on the WU 'previously-approved' list. You are encouraged to locate the program most appropriate for your own career needs.
When you seek advice and departmental permission for application to these programs, you should bring the following materials with you:
- A copy of the correct form [Approved or Alternate] required by the Washington University International Studies Overseas Programs Office.
- A copy of your student record printout (the long version, with advisor, GPA, etc.) printed from WebSTAC.
- Copies of course descriptions from the program(s) you wish to apply to overseas.
- A written first draft of the academic rationale for your selection, and the career benefits you expect to derive from your proposed program. This is of particular importance if you are want to enroll in an 'alternative' program not already on the general pre-approved list of WU overseas programs.
- An explanation detailing how you expect to comply with the requirement for the portfolio.
Standard Approved W.U. Overseas Programs
Pick up the forms for 'approved' programs from the Overseas Office, or print them from their website. Note that for some programs you will also need to consult with a WU faculty member who has volunteered to serve as a contact for that specific overseas program.
Copy the courses you are interested in from a course catalog from the Overseas Office (if available) or visit the institution's website to identify possible courses.
After you have consulted the appropriate campus contact, if required, make an appointment with Dr. Browman, the Anthropology Study Abroad Coordinator, to discuss your list of proposed courses and ideas for your portfolio, and to secure necessary written approval and course equivalencies.
'Alternative' Programs
If an 'alternative' program fulfills your needs better, pick up that set of forms from the Study Abroad office, or download them from the website. As with the 'approved' programs, you will need to bring a list of proposed courses and ideas for your portfolio. For these 'alternative' programs, the Overseas Office also requires a separate statement from you, explaining why the specific alternative program assists in your career goals. You must bring a draft of this statement, along with the other documentation mentioned in Item 1 above, in order to receive approval at the department level.
Changes in Programs while Overseas
Inevitably, you will find that you want to make changes in course selections once you actually are at an overseas location. E-mail the department Study Abroad Coordinator to secure the necessary approvals for these changes. It happens with every student, and we expect to make adjustments.
Required Portfolio
Your transcript will be forwarded to the department Study Abroad Coordinator for evaluation by the Overseas Office, once they receive it from your program. Anthropology requires a portfolio of work from each and every student. In some cases, your overseas course work will be more in the nature of securing special training or skills. In other cases, you may be able to obtain original research materials. Expectations of the portfolio that you need to provide the department will vary according to the exact series of courses and training involved in your specific case. Work out the details with the departmental Study Abroad Coordinator prior to enrolling in the particular program.
Typical examples of the kinds of documentation which might be expected are as follows: (i) For a summer field work training course, the requirement might entail a daily log or journal, including samples of your field notes. (ii) For a fall or spring series of regular academic courses, the requirement might involve providing a portfolio of copies of your course papers, laboratory notes, or internship reports. For SIT programs, it will involve a copy of your daily log and your final ISPR report.
The portfolio will be due no later than the end of the second week of the fall or spring semester after you return from your overseas experience. No transcript can be approved until the portfolio has been received and accepted.
Human Subjects Approval
The university and federal government require that all students carrying out research involving interactions with human communities or individuals must go through the Human Subjects Research Protection review process, which is designed to protect research participants from risk. See the departmental guidelines: Human Subjects Research Policy
Departmental Coordinator:
Dr. David L. Browman, dlbrowma@artsci.wustl.edu
McMillan 118
Tel: (314) 935-5231; Fax: (314) 935-8535