Roger Williams University offers several study abroad programs that are either run by Roger Williams University, or Affiliated Programs. 

RWU has developed formal affiliations with a carefully selected list of quality program providers that are recognized nationally for their proven academic integrity, strong focus on experiential learning and excellent reputation for providing quality support services to students abroad.   In order to make the study abroad process as seamless as possible, RWU students who participate on these affiliated programs will, in most cases, continue to pay RWU tuition and fees, and room and board.  Moreover, this arrangement allows RWU students to remain eligible to receive federal and state financial aid, as well as institutional aid.

RWU students have a choice between classic lecture-based programs abroad, field based programs and discipline-specific programs.

University Based programs provide a well-structured opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of the host culture and to develop a well-grounded perceptual understanding of their new environment.  Academic credit is primarily acquired through classroom instruction, although certain courses (e.g., art, history, civilization) will complement classroom instruction with field trips and cultural excursions.

Language and Culture Based programs are designed to encourage and motivate students to immerse themselves as much as possible into the local culture.  Although classroom lectures are an important dimension of the program, a major focus of these kinds of programs is experiential learning, i.e., the development of opportunities for students to have direct contact with the host culture, be it through a field research project, involvement with community service projects or student teaching.  Students who are particularly motivated to undertake the rigors of direct cultural immersion and who are accustomed to working independently might find field based programs to be particularly rewarding.  

Discipline-specific programs allow natural science, business, mathematics, engineering and education majors to incorporate an international dimension into their studies.  RWU is aware that students outside the humanities and social sciences have traditionally had few options for study abroad, short of extending their studies an additional semester.  We have consequently identified a number of quality discipline-specific programs that will allow such students to study abroad, confident that they are continuing to make progress towards graduation.  Careful planning well in advance of the semester abroad is important, so students from these disciplines are particularly encouraged to work closely with both the CGIP and their faculty advisors to identify the program that is right for them.

For more detailed information on the many programs offered and the process required to apply you can visit the new online application system:

Application forms and more extensive program information