Study Abroad

Overview

The University of Washington is a global community, and economics is a universal academic subject. Our partnerships with renowned institutions across the globe allow Economics undergraduate students with unique opportunities for personal and academic growth. For students, the Department of Economics Study Abroad exchanges provide pathways to explore the many diverse areas, cultures, people, and ideas of our world. 

On this page

• Information for Outbound Exchange Students
• Information for Inbound Exchange Students
• Information for UW students who plan to take courses from UW General Exchange or other study abroad program

Information for outbound exchange students

Available exchange programs

• Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France
• Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
• Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Japan
• Ludwig-Maximililans University in Munich, Germany
• Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand
• Tilburg University in Tilburg in Tilburg, The Netherlands

Some important details

• Primarily open to declared Economics majors. Students in other majors can apply, but will be considered on a space-available basis.
• Completion of ECON 300 and ECON 301 prior to departure is required. Extensive MATH coursework is also recommended.
• As these exchanges are with economics programs at peer institutions, most coursework will be taken in the exchange university’s equivalent of the UW Department of Economics. Students may take coursework in other areas, as allowed by the exchange university.
• All exchange destinations operate on a semester-system. UW Students will typically earn around 20-25 UW credits for one semester (1.5 quarters) abroad, and around 40-50 UW credits for one year (3 quarters) abroad.
• Conversions of grades and credits are made by the UW Study Abroad Office. Determination of course levels are determined by UW academic departments.
• UW students will pay UW tuition while studying abroad. Additional costs include UW Study Abroad fees, airfare, visas, and healthcare costs. 
• Other requirements and details for Department Exchanges can be found on the UW Study Abroad page.

 

How to Apply

• Application deadlines:
  • January 31st, to be considered for the programs that start in August/September (e.g., Autumn Semester or entire Academic Year)
  • May 15th, to be considered for the programs that start in January/February (e.g., Winter/Spring Semesters)
• The application will be available on the UW Study Abroad Website.
• Students may apply for more than one semester and may be considered for more than one program.
• Each application will require a simple recommendation from a UW faculty member.
• See below for application information:
  • Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France
  • Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
  • Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Japan
  • Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, Germany
  • Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand
  • Tilburg University in Tilburg in Tilburg, The Netherlands

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I go?

Since the destination schools each operate on a semester-system (about 15 weeks), it is likely that you will have to plan ahead, as the UW is on a quarter-system (about 10 weeks). Below is a rough estimate of the calendars. Depending on which semester, you may be missing one or two UW quarters.

• Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand
  • Autumn Semester (Early August to mid-December)
  • Spring Semester (Mid-January to mid-May)
• Tilburg University in Tilburg in Tilburg, The Netherlands
  • Autumn Semester (Late August to late December)
  • Spring Semester (Late January to mid-July)
• Free University of Bozen Bolzano in Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
  • 1st Semester (Late-September to late-February)
  • 2nd Semester (Late February to mid-July)
• Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, Germany
  • Winter Semester (Mid-October to mid-February)
  • Summer Semester (Mid-April to mid-July)
• Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France
  • Autumn Semester (Early September to early January)
  • Spring Semester (Mid-January to early May)
• Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Japan
  • Summer Semester (Late March to Late September)
  • Winter Semester (Late September to Late March)

Can I go for more than one semester?

It’s possible, but the number of semesters/spaces available will depend on a balance kept between the number of inbound students and the number of outbound students.

I need some firsthand information and perspectives. Can I meet someone who has participated in the past?

Students may also opt-in and request access to a Facebook Group dedicated to each exchange. Each group will have some experienced students and alumni, who can help interested students get acclimated on what to expect from each opportunity! See each link below:

• Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France
• Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
• Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Japan
• Ludwig-Maximililans University in Munich, Germany
• Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand
• Tilburg University in Tilburg in Tilburg, The Netherlands

Also, you can check out some of the blogs and posts from students who have recently studied abroad with the Department of Economics!

• • • Kenneth Lam, '17, Thammasat University - 2016 Autumn Semester
    • Wesley Warriner, '18, Hitotsubashi University - 2017 Autumn Semester
    • Emily Hengstler, Tilburg University - 2018 Autumn Semester

What kinds of classes can I take?

There are many unique courses that can be taken while abroad. There are also very similar courses to what may be available at UW. The selection of courses available will be limited to those that exchange institution plans/courses during the time of your exchange. Click the links of the schools below to get an idea of the types of classes that may be available, and their UW ECON equivalencies.

• Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France
• Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
• Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Japan
• Ludwig-Maximililans University in Munich, Germany
• Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand
• Tilburg University in Tilburg in Tilburg, The Netherlands

Depending on the institution, you may also be able to take courses other than economics courses, if desired. Many of these institutions will allow for a wide variety of course choices. For more details, make an appointment with Patrick at econadv@uw.edu.

Are there scholarships available? Can I use financial aid to cover the costs?

Unfortunately, there are no scholarships available from the Department of Economics for studying abroad. However, there are several that you may apply for through UW Study Abroad.

Since these are exchanges through UW Study Abroad, most scholarships and/or financial aid you may already be receiving can be applied to the costs of these opportunities. You can always verify this with the UW Office of Student Financial Aid.

UW Study Abroad has a helpful guide for calculating finances.

For more information, please contact Patrick Pineda at econadv@uw.edu for an appointment.

Information for inbound exchange students

Who can participate?

The Department of Economics currently welcomes exchange students from six universities across the globe!

• Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand
• Tilburg University in Tilburg in Tilburg, The Netherlands
• Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Bozen-Bolzano, Italy
• Ludwig-Maximililans University in Munich, Germany
• Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France
• Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Japan

Eligible students are nominated by their home universities. Available spaces are highly dependent on the exchange balance between the UW and the partner institution. For more information, please inquire with your Exchange Coordinator at your university regarding any application requirements or deadlines for the nomination process. It is recommended to prepare for your exchange at least six months in advance.

Important details regarding the International Exchange Program with the UW Department of Economics can be found here: Study Abroad Fact Sheet

UW Study Abroad Office: Departmental Undergraduate Exchanges

 

I am nominated by my university, and I’m excited to study at the UW! What should I do next?

Any questions, please email coordinator Patrick Pineda at econadv@uw.edu.

Check out some quick videos about the University of Washington and Seattle!

Information for Department of Economics students who plan to take courses from another college or university

Students may plan to complete economics-related coursework from any UW General Exchange, or other UW study abroad program. However, the Department of Economics has a restriction on how many credits can be counted toward the Economics Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science program requirements.

If you plan to take any economics course(s) outside of the UW Department of Economics, please be sure to have the courses “pre-approved” by the Department of Economics to ensure course equivalency upon your return.

Please remember that ECON students must complete ECON 300, ECON 301, and ECON 382 at the UW.

ECON 4XX-level coursework may be completed through a general exchange program (or other UW Study Abroad program). However, for ECON students, a limit of 10 credits of ECON 4XX-level coursework may be counted toward ECON major requirements. Any additional pre-approved courses/credits will be granted "ECON 299: Economics Study Abroad" equivalency, which does not count toward ECON major requirements, but the credits can be counted toward your general UW credit total.

You may request a course pre-approval by sending an email to econadv@uw.edu with:

• Your name
• Your student number
• The course(s) you plan to take
• The university you plan to attend
• Attachment and/or link to the course syllabus

This information will be presented to the Undergraduate Committee, and an adviser will reply to your email with the approved course equivalency(ies), generally in about one week.