Changing the Length of Stay

Before or after you arrive at your study abroad site you may decide that you want to change the length of your stay. You may feel that you need a longer study abroad experience and consider stretching your semester program into an academic year-long program. Or, you may decide to shorten your stay. Sometimes, students have to return to the U.S. earlier than they had expected due to uncontrollable circumstances. Other times, the program may not be the right match for your academic and personal goals.

You must notify the Office of International Academic Programs in writing of your intention to prolong or shorten your stay and state the reasons. (Please note: an extension is possible on a space-available basis and priority will be given to students who have been wait-listed for programs.) Fax or e-mail messages are acceptable. Send your request to your Student Services Coordinator (abroad@bascom.wisc.edu).

1. Shortening your Stay -
   Consider the Implications
   • Financial: By having accepted a place in the program, you committed yourself to a schedule of payments. Monetary commitments to others have been made on your behalf by IAP. You will continue to be responsible for these payments even if you choose to withdraw from the program. If you shorten your stay abroad, only recoverable living costs may be refunded. This process will take time and we cannot always inform you how much money (if any) you will get back immediately. Sometimes we will not be able to finalize the calculations until after you return home.

     Contact IAP's accounts receivable department if you have additional questions:
     Telephone: (608) 262-6785
     Fax (608) 262-6998
     E-mail: payments@bascom.wisc.edu

     Your financial aid package may be affected and you will need to contact Cheng Her in the Financial Aid Office.
     Tel: (608) 262-3060
     E-mail: cheng.her@finaid.wisc.edu

   • Academic: If you shorten your stay you may or may not receive credit for work that you have completed up to that point. The structure of the local program will determine if partial credit is possible.

     In addition, it might be necessary for you to re-apply for admission to the university if you extended your stay to travel or dropped out for a term.

   • Travel: You must make sure that your airline ticket will be valid for an earlier departure date. Be aware that the most affordable airfares often carry a significant penalty for change of travel date. Some fares are valid only on the dates for which you originally purchased the ticket, which could mean that you have to purchase a new ticket. Know the conditions of your airfare before you purchase a ticket; if you think you might want to change your travel dates, consider a more flexible airfare.

     Check with your travel agent or airline if you have any questions.

2. Lengthening your Stay -
   Consider the Implications

   An extension is possible on a space-available basis and priority will be given to students who have been wait-listed for programs.

   • Financial: You will be responsible for additional fees and you must catch-up on the payments schedule for your new duration. Students who have not paid the original fees in full will NOT be allowed to extend their stay.

     If you receive Financial Aid, contact the Financial Aid Office to notify them of your change in plans so that they can adjust your award based on the costs of a longer study abroad program (if possible).

   • Academic: If you choose to prolong your study abroad program, you should contact your academic advisor to see how your prolonged stay will fit into your general undergraduate program(s). Also make sure that you consider what courses you will be able to take while abroad and how they may count toward your degree program. If you have registered at the UW-Madison for the additional term you intend to spend abroad, you will need to withdraw from your UW-Madison courses (via My UW) before IAP is able to enroll you in the study abroad program courses, thereby officially extending your stay. Always refer to your IAP General Information Handbook.
   • Visa, Travel: Is your visa valid for the new length of time? In some countries, you might need to leave the country and re-enter it in order to extend your visa. Can you airline ticket be changed without additional fees/cost?

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