International Programs Office

GO GLOBAL WITH WESTFIELD STATE!

 

Experience a World Outside Westfield!

Here at Westfield State University, students have the opportunity to travel to many places in the world and earn academic credit!  The International Programs Office is here to help students make it happen.  Our staff will assist you in deciding where to go, which travel option is the best fit for you, and assist you with all the procedures that accompany studying away.  Stop by our office to speak with us.

STUDY ABROAD

The Study Abroad program offers students in all majors the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or a year in over 36 countries.  Among the study abroad opportunities available at pre-approved locations are those in England, Ireland, Poland, Scotland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Egypt, the Canadian province of Quebec, and Australia.  Students are also eligible to apply to colleges in Asia and Latin America.

To be qualified to participate, students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75 as well as the approval of their major department chairs and the director of the program.  General information meetings are held at the beginning of each semester.  The application deadline for fall term candidates is March 1; the spring deadline is October 1.

IPO 101

What programs does the International Programs Office offer to students and faculty? What are the differences between types of programs? Welcome to your crash course in IPO 101, an introduction to the IPO at Westfield State.

Let’s start with GoGlobal-STSA programs; STSA means Short Term Study Abroad programs that are three or four credit courses that last between seven and fourteen days. WSU faculty create these experiences as part of another course or as a standalone experience. Travel can take place during the Winter J-Term in January, over spring break, or even in May after regular classes have concluded. STSA courses can be held virtually anywhere in the world the US State Department deems is safe and past experiences have been held in Italy, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Vietnam.      Faculty are key to the success of these programs, and they have the opportunity to make a strong impression on our students.

We also have several partner institutions around the world including Edge Hill University in England, Florence University of the Arts in Italy, and Jade University in Germany offer full semester or year study abroad opportunities. Study abroad opportunities are open to all majors and students can apply directly on myWestfield. There are two types of study abroad experiences through the IPO, Direct Enrollment and Exchange. For Direct Enrollment programs, students pay their tuition and fees (including room and board) directly to the host institution. For Exchange programs, students pay tuition and fees to Westfield State and pay only room and board to the host institution. Students are permitted to use financial aid for study abroad experiences. Currently, students may choose to study in China at Capital Normal University in Beijing or at United International College in Zhuhai outside of Hong Kong, at the Institute of Technology, in Sligo, Ireland, Krosno State College in Krosno, Poland, and at Jade University in Wilhelmshaven, Germany.  The university intends to enter into exchange agreements with other institutions around the world.

We also work with a number of commercial study abroad partners that offer our students even MORE options. For example CIS Abroad is one of our commercial partners that can offer students opportunities in nations in which we don’t have partners yet. Typically, students apply for these programs through the partner’s website.

National Student Exchange is a domestic program in which our students can choose to study at a partner institution across the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students select from a participating institution in the location of their choice and apply through the International Programs Office. Locations like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Florida are especially popular during the spring semester!
Nearly 200 member universities:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Guam
  • Puerto Rico
  • U.S. Virgin Islands

Students participate in NSE to:

  • Broaden personal and educational perspectives
  • Experience new cultures
  • Explore new areas of study
  • Learn from different professors
  • Access new courses
  • Experience personal growth
  • Meet new people
  • Make new friends
  • Acquire life skills
  • Live in a different area
  • Investigate graduate schools
  • Seek future employment
  • Become more independent and resourceful

INTERNATIONAL/INTERCULTURAL CLUB
ipo@westfield.ma.edu
The purpose of the International/Intercultural club is to provide students who have been on an international study experience or who are from another country studying at Westfield, the opportunity to share experiences and maintain a network once back on campus.  This group also mentor each other, and have an instrumental part in recruiting and preparing other students both for a study abroad/exchange experience and in returning home.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISING
The International Student Adviser counsels and advises international students, serves as a liaison with the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, oversees programming of international student activities, prepares the international student newsletter and directs the international student health insurance program, among other responsibilities.  International Students should contact the Advisor regarding any questions or problems encountered while at Westfield State University, and the Advisor will coordinate answers and solutions.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE AND  I.D. CARDS
The International Programs Office at Westfield State University is an issuing office for iNEXT International travel insurance and Identification cards. The card covers a variety of protections and discounts including travel protection, medical protection, baggage protection, travel accident protection, and worldwide emergency services.  The card is recommended for students traveling abroad as well as faculty planning trips or courses abroad.  You do not have to be a Westfield State University student to purchase this card.  For more information, please stop by the office in Parenzo Hall.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT WESTFIELD STATE
Looking for information about being an international student at Westfield state?