Study Abroad

Escape to South Africa

UW-L has a cooperative arrangement with the ESCAPE program, through which you can participate in their summer program and remain a UW-L student.  Financial Aid*, billing of program fees, registration and credit transfer are coordinated through the UW-L Office of International Education.

UW-L students should apply directly to the ESCAPE Program and submit an application fee of $200 along with your application to ESCAPE.  To apply, contact the ESCAPE office for an application: jterm@pacificchallenge.org.

In addition, UW-L students are required to submit a completed Study Abroad/International Exchange Application and a $50 application deposit to the Office of International Education.  This program is open to UWL students only.

Three weeks set amidst the unique culture and adventure of South Africa.  World-class attractions abound in this spectacular and complex country.  After spending time in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Capetown, we head west along the Garden Route taking in an array of adventure activities.  Once to Port Elizabeth, we head to Krueger Park, with possibly the finest wildlife viewing in Africa.

  • No prior experience necessary

  • Age range best suited 18-30

  • Trip departs beginning of August and returns mid to late August

Pacific Challenge has been operating safely and successfully since 1985, taking over 1000 students and faculty on our unique experiential travel programs.  During this period, it has earned the  respect and support of numerous university faculty and outdoor administrators from around the United States and other countries around the world.

ACADEMIC CREDIT
 During this program, you will be introduced to a wealth of information regarding the cultures, history and environments of South Africa.

For those students who would like to incorporate this superb educational opportunity with academic credit, Escape leaders will direct you in setting up an academic program for you on the trip.

COURSE EQUIVALENCIES
The course equivalencies spreadsheets have been compiled from past approved Academic Plan forms.  They show when the course was last approved and how it transferred back to La Crosse.  You may notice that some classes satisfied several UWL options.

This list is not comprehensive nor does it take the place of  meeting with your advisor for final approval!  They are meant to be a guide of what courses may be appropriate for your studies abroad. 

AIRFARE
Group flights are arranged departing from and returning to New York. Students must make their own arrangements to meet the group in New York.

PASSPORTS & VISAS
Before you travel abroad, you will need to obtain a passport, which will serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship. A passport may allow you to gain entry to (and exit from) other countries. Depending on the country to which you're traveling, a visa may be required as well. Entry requirements vary from one country to another. The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings specific to certain countries, and offers tips and publications relevant to travel abroad generally. Well in advance of your departure, you should also familiarize yourself with international travel health issues, and health recommendations specific to your destination.

ADMISSION CRITERIA
2.0 GPA minimum, 2.5+ GPA preferred
Sophomore standing (30 credits minimum)
No prior experience necessary
Students in all majors can participate
Open to UW-L students ONLY; students from other universities should contact ESCAPE directly at jterm@pacificchallenge.org
Apply early - limited space available

PROGRAM FEE AND PAYMENTS
UW participants add an OIE administrative fee.  These fees do not include tuition costs.

UW-L students are required to pay the ESCAPE $200 application fee, and UWL $50 application and $250 confirmation deposits for the program.  The remaining program fee will be billed to your student account.

The program fee consists of the following:

  1. Roundtrip airfare

  2. Land Costs

  3. Pre-departure orientation meetings

  4. UW-L Administrative Fee

The UW-L Administrative Fee includes the following:

  • Pre-payment of Airfare, Land Cost, and Tuition on your behalf
  • Preparation of Financial Aid budgets
  • Registration while abroad in INS 300: Foreign Study to maintain your registration at UW-L
  • Transfer of Credit Processing
  • Study Abroad Health Insurance (required by UW System)
  • International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
  • Study Abroad Graduation Sash

Contact the Escape Program Coordinator for the most current Airfare and Land Costs.

*Financial aid is not applicable unless this program is taken for credit.  Tuition must be added to the program price.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Escape Manual
jterm@pacificchallenge.org

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Office of International Education
116 Graff Main Hall
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601 USA

Telephone: 608-785-8016 Fax: 608-785-8923 E-Mail: studyabroad@uwlax.edu