UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
We encourage all prospective students to begin an online application as early as possible. Beginning an application does not commit you to participating in the program. Rather, it is designed to provide a framework to assist in completing necessary program requirements while also prompting you to begin working on/exploring other areas that may be necessary for study abroad (applying for a passport, financial aid, etc.).
The online application process does not have to be completed in one sitting. The application allows you to save your work, and come back later to submit it so you can work on application materials at your own pace (within the parameters of our posted deadline, of course). Applications are considered complete, and will be reviewed for acceptance once all items have been submitted and marked as complete (i.e. they have a check mark next to them). You will be notified of the outcome of your application review via e-mail within two weeks of completion. The application process involves various components, including:
Every application component contains detailed completion instructions. You will need to complete each item listed in the online application. For those items you are able to complete or sign digitally, you will see the item immediately checked off as received. Items mailed to our office typically arrive within 5-7 days, and may take an additional 3-5 days to be processed before appearing as received in your application. Previous students have found that the bulk of the application (components that can be completed immediately by you) takes approximately two hours to complete. You will want to allow yourself enough time to also complete the items requiring outside input.
We understand life gets busy so you'll get automatic reminders of items you still need to complete within your application up to the application deadline as we want to make sure you don't miss out on this unique opportunity for an unforgettable international experience.
The online application will continue to be a resource for you throughout your education abroad journey. There are components that will need to be completed after acceptance, and additional resources that will be made available to you through the online application platform once you are away, and upon your return from study abroad.
Complete student applications are due in the Experience China administrative office by the following deadlines. The earlier you submit your complete application, the more certain it is you will be guaranteed a spot.
Spring 2017: November 1, 2016
Spring 2018: November 1, 2017
In certain circumstances, applications may be considered after the above posted deadlines. Check with the Experience China administrative office about this possibility.
Participants in the Experience China program must be at least 18 years old at the time of their participation, have a high school diploma or GED and be a matriculated, degree-seeking student at a post-secondary institution of higher education. You must also be in good academic standing with a minimum 2.25 GPA.
Your disciplinary record, on-campus or otherwise, may also impact eligibility. The Experience China program reserves the right to conduct criminal background checks and make a determination on your eligibility based on the result of that check.
If you determine you are unable to participate in the program prior to being accepted to the program, your application already paid program deposits can be rolled to a future term. Any application materials that are the same between the two applications will transfer and appear as complete in your new term.
If you are unable to participate in a future term, and have not yet been accepted, your application can be withdrawn at no cost to you. Any already paid program deposits or application fees will be refunded to you.
If you determine you are unable to participate after being accepted you will forfeit your application fee and program deposit. You may be responsible for additional costs per the Experience China Fee, Deposit, Payment, Cancellation and Refund Policy contained in your online application.
All students must reside in the Zhejiang International Studies University (ZISU) International Student Residence Hall. As such, the program is unable to accommodate the needs of students with dependents. The program does not have adequate facilities nor does it offer a support system for students with children.
The Experience China is first and foremost an academic program. As such, you will be required to display a level of academic preparedness indicative of an ability to be successful as a student abroad. The program is aware that, for a variety of reasons, your GPA may fail to meet the 2.25 requirement while not necessarily indicating an inability to be successful as a student. If your GPA does not meet this minimum, but you still wish to participate in the program, you will need to display a commitment to, and potential for, academic success by providing the program with the following additional application materials:
Additional recommendation: Submit an additional recommendation form, completed by a University faculty member or academic advisor attesting directly to your low GPA and preparedness for an education abroad experience.
Student explanation: Provide an explanation of why your GPA fails to meet the minimum requirement and how you plan to be successful as a student in China.
Proof of GPA improvement: Demonstrate you are in good academic standing (2.0 cumulative GPA) by the end of the academic term immediately preceding your experience in China.
If you wish to participate in the program a second time, priority will be given to applicants who have not had a previous experience with the program. If space is available after all first-time applicants have been accepted, you will be allowed to participate barring any previous record of disciplinary action while participating in the program. If you have a previous disciplinary record with the program, your participation will be granted solely at the discretion of the Experience China administrative team. As a returning participant, you will be required to participate in an internship, or independent study experience to deeper your experience and engagement with the local culture.
If you will be at least 18 years old at the time of your participation, it may be possible for you to participate as a first-semester first-year student. You will need to work closely with the Experience China administrative office, and various offices on your home campus to determine eligibility and ensure you have the resources and guidance need to be successful in China.
Experience China
Global Connections Office
715-425-3238
102 Hagestad Hall
