While you're abroad

Challenge by Choice - We encourage you to make the most of your experience abroad and recommend trying new things. With that said, be mindful of your own limits as well as the health and safety of others.

Upon Arrival & During the Semester
1. Orientation

Learn about the program/university and register for classes
Students completing a semester or academic year program should be enrolled in a full-load of courses. (Minimum 12 U.S. credits for semester; minimum 24 U.S. credits for the academic year)

2. Accommodations

Inspect your housing situation for damages/issues upon arrival
Know who to contact if you have any trouble (i.e. plumbing, electric outage, etc.) and how to exit your home in the case of a fire or emergency

3. Register with local authorities

You should have registered with STEP prior to departure, but if you have not, now is the time to do so!
Familiarize yourself with where the local U.S. Embassy is located

4. Billing

Access your bill through WINGS. Follow UWL's Cashier's Office schedule. Failure to pay timely can result in finance charges, holds for future registration, and the account being turned over to a collection agency

5. Involvement

Get involved with a sports team, volunteer organization, club, language exchange or anything that can enhance your experience
Voting while abroad

Before Returning Home

1. Register for the next Semester

Check your registration time in WINGS (CST) and sign up for classes

2. Grades

Pass your classes. Failed courses will be transferred back!

3. Transcripts

Ask for an additional transcript for yourself if you plan to attend Graduate School
Ensure transcripts will be mailed to:

International Education & Engagement
1140 Centennial Hall
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601

International Education & Engagement
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1140 Centennial Hall
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601 (U.S.A.)
Tel: 608.785.8016
Email: international@uwlax.edu

Emergency Cell Phone
Cell: 608.386.6164
*This cell phone will be shared by an on-duty staff member outside of normal office hours of Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.

University Police
(24-Hour Emergency): 608.789.9999

Contact people

Cyber Security - During International Travel

This document is intended to be used as a guide for UWL faculty, staff, and students who are traveling to countries where there are concerns about keeping personal and university data protected. It contains links to both campus and external resources as well as a list of services that UWL can provide. It includes advice compiled from several sources (see Related Documents and Websites at the bottom of this page).

This is working document and guidelines may change. Review prior to departure.

There may be Universities of Wisconsin System restrictions for international logins, at UW-La Crosse please contact the Eagle Help Desk. Safety information provided courtesy of the University of Wisconsin–Madison International Safety & Security Office and Information Technology.