Exchange Programs

• Students must be actively enrolled at WPI at the time of application.
• Students must have completed at least one semester of college to apply to an exchange program. Some programs may have additional academic level requirements. Check the eProjects program page for specific eligibility details.
• Students who are currently on academic warning may apply to an exchange program and will be given a provisional placement if accepted. Students who receive provisional placement will undergo a review of their academic record at the next academic review period. Students who are back in good academic standing will be permitted placement in the exchange program, and students who are on academic probation will no longer be eligible to participate.
  • It is important to note that the application process for exchange programs is competitive and that the strength of a student’s academic record is an important consideration when reviewing applicants for any program.   
• Students on academic probation are ineligible to apply to an exchange program.

Consider Location & Cost

• You can browse program options on eProjects. We encourage all applicants to read the details of program opportunities carefully and watch videos when available to better understand the locations that interest you. On each program page you will find details regarding language requirements, housing, transportation, climate, and other unique factors specific to the location. It is important that you read these details carefully, consulting with family members when necessary, to determine whether or not a location will be a good fit. After placement, the GEO offers a robust pre-departure orientation program, starting as soon as two terms prior to departure, in order to help you prepare for your time off-campus.
• Some factors to consider as you browse programs include (hint: these answers can be found on the program pages!):
  • Do you have any personal health concerns (allergies, chronic conditions) that could impact where you travel based on climate and/or environmental factors?
  • What terms can you feasibly go away?
  • What price range are you looking at for this experience? Have you discussed cost with your family?
  • The Global Experience Office recognizes that different aspects of your identity may impact your off-campus experience. We encourage you to consider this when reviewing exchange opportunities. For more resources visit the Supporting Diversity Off Campus section at the bottom of GEO's Preparing to Go Off Campus page. 

Preview Application Materials

The application process for exchange programs is competitive. Meeting deadlines and completing all components of the application on time all contribute to a successful application. Every application is carefully reviewed and considered. However, no student is guaranteed placement in an exchange program. Please pay careful attention to the application page for your program as application components may vary. 

• Profile: Before beginning an application on eProjects, you will be prompted to complete your profile, which includes basic information, including your phone number and an emergency contact.
• Language Ability: You will be asked to describe your language proficiency in languages other than English, including years of study, if applicable.
• Essay: You will be asked to complete an essay in support of your application.
• Resume: Upload a recent copy of your updated resume or CV. Your resume should reflect your work experience, volunteer experience and any extracurricular activities in which you have participated or currently participate.
• Two References: You will only be asked to provide the names and contact info for two references. You do not need to submit a letter of reference. One reference should be a WPI faculty member. Your second reference can be a WPI faculty or staff member, or a coach, supervisor, or faculty member from another institution who would be willing to serve as a reference for you.
• Waiver to Access Records: You will be asked to sign off on a few application statements including an understanding of the application process and a release of your transcript and judicial records.

Complete & Submit the Application

The application for an Exchange Program can be found on eProjects in the Forms Library, or may be accessed through the "Apply Now" button on the program page for each exchange program.

• Student Conduct History Response: If a student has had a judicial incident, we will ask you to complete a reflection essay after you have submitted your application. You may also need to meet with the Conduct Review Committee prior to being accepted to the program.
• Academic Transcript: We will review transcripts at the close of A term, and may contact students to discuss academic standing.

You will be notified of your placement by email from the GEO, and then must commit or decline the placement by completing the Participant Statement of Agreement form by the stated deadline. Carefully consider GEO's withdrawal policy prior to commitment.

After committing to the program, WPI will then nominate you to the exchange university. The exchange university must also accept your application. Additional information about the nomination and exchange university application process will be communicated by GEO after your commitment.

Program cost estimates may be found on the eProjects program page for each exchange program.

Please visit the GEO Policies and Procedures page for additional information on placement and post-commitment preparation.

Students applying to an exchange program will need to consider entry requirements and potential travel restrictions associated with international travel. The GEO strongly encourages all students to do their due diligence before beginning an application. 

Students participating in an exchange program typically travel to program locations on a student visa, for a visit longer than 90 days. Check to see if you need a visa to travel to your exchange location.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that students will be able to obtain a visa. While the GEO can advise on the process and guide you to the best of our ability, ultimately your visa is your responsibility. The more proactive you can be in planning, beginning at the point of application, the better.