Why Study Abroad?
The study of humans is inherently a global phenomenon and takes place wherever people are today or have been in the past. Studying and researching abroad through the WU Overseas Studies Program, with WU faculty, or alternative programs will provide you with the opportunity to explore new environments, grow your personal and professional networks, navigate and appreciate different ways of life. Learning and working outside the United States can be a transformative experience that will impact your academic path and personal life at WU and beyond. This page provides information about study/research abroad for Anthropology/GHE majors and minors.
Majors and minors in Anthropology and GHE can petition to have study abroad credits transfer to count towards their degree. The number of credits allowed varies for each degree. The transfer limits are as follows:
Anthropology Major: up to 9 credits
Anthropology Minor: up to 6 credits
Anthropology/GHE Major: up to 6 credits
Anthropology/GHE Minor: up to 3 credits
Your time abroad may also start you off on the road to research and you may find yourself wanting to shape your ideas and data into a more formal product (Capstone project, Senior Honors Thesis, conference presentations, publications). If you plan to conduct research through an Overseas Study Abroad program (e.g., SIT) or under the guidance of WU Anthropology faculty, please consult our departmental policies below, the Anthropology study Abroad coordinator, or your Anthropology major advisor/Anthropology faculty before leaving for the field.
The Anthropology Department accepts courses from over 20 pre-approved WUSTL Overseas Program semester, year, or summer. After opening an application through the Study Abroad Portal for the program you have selected, you will need to meet with the Department Study Abroad Coordinator to fill out a study plan. Please do this at least two weeks before the application deadline. The Study Abroad Coordinator will work with you to identify courses offered through the study abroad program that will transfer to your Anthropology/GHE major/minor.
Below is a list of the approved Anthropology/GHE courses through the Overseas Study Program but we recommend you check out the most up-to-date offerings through their website: Guided Program Search
Drimolen Cave Field School Summer Program in Krugersdorp, South Africa
Prof David Strait
The Drimolen Cave Field School will provide students with a hands-on introduction to methods of paleontology, geology and survey in a setting provided by one of the more important paleoanthropological sites in Africa.
Coursework:
- L48 467 Field Methods in Paleoanthropology (NSM), 3 credits, Environment elective
WU Sama-Peru Archaeological Field School
Professor Sarah Baitzel
Members of the Sama-Peru Archaeological Field School will participate in a multidisciplinary archaeological research project in southern Peru. Experience Andean culture and prehistory through excavations, lab work, lectures, and excursions. See Study Abroad Policies for specific information on how to enroll in a study abroad program.
- L48 3096 “SAMA-PERU ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SCHOOL”, 6 credits, Environment elective
Study abroad programs that are not on the Anthropology Study Abroad Approved Program list but are approved by WU through another department are still viable options for Anthropology students. If you are applying to these programs through a second major or minor where the program is approved, the Anthropology Study Abroad Coordinator will work with you to identify appropriate courses to take for anthropology credit. If you wish to petition for Anthropology to support your application for these alternative programs, please meet with the Anthropology Study Abroad Coordinator as early in the application window as possible as additional paperwork is required.
Programs that are not approved by WU require an additional petition and support by an academic department. Please meet with the Anthropology Study Abroad Coordinator as early in the application window as possible and be prepared to bring a list of proposed courses, a separate statement from you explaining why the specific alternative program assists in your academic and career goals.
Departmental Policies
Study Abroad Policies for Anthropology Majors & Minors.
University regulations require all students expecting to enroll in any Study Abroad Program for credit during the spring or fall terms to contact their departmental Study Abroad Coordinator at least two semesters prior to the proposed date of entry into such a program; or one semester for summer programs. Many anthropology majors opt for semester abroad opportunities that are not yet on the WU 'previously-approved' list. You are encouraged to locate the program most appropriate for your own career needs.
When you seek advice and departmental permission for application to these programs, you should bring the following materials with you:
- A copy of the correct form [Approved or Alternate] required by the Washington University International Studies Overseas Programs Office.
- A copy of your student record printout (the long version, with advisor, GPA, etc.) printed from Workday.
- Copies of course descriptions from the program(s) you wish to apply to overseas.
- A written first draft of the academic rationale for your selection, and the career benefits you expect to derive from your proposed program. This is of particular importance if you are want to enroll in an 'alternative' program not already on the general pre-approved list of WU overseas programs.
- An explanation detailing how you expect to comply with the requirement for the portfolio.
If you find that you want to make changes in course selections once abroad, e-mail the department Study Abroad Coordinator to secure the necessary approvals for these changes. It happens with every student, and we expect to make adjustments.
Your transcript will be forwarded to the department Study Abroad Coordinator for evaluation by the Overseas Office, along with the official forms to approve a credit transfer. The Study Abroad Coordinator will send an email requesting your portfolio once they have received your transcript from Overseas Office. This typically occurs between the beginning to middle of the semester you return to Washington University.
Anthropology requires a portfolio of work from each and every student. For a summer field work training course, the requirement might entail a daily log or journal, including samples of your field notes. For a fall or spring series of regular academic courses, the requirement might involve providing copies of your course papers, laboratory notes, or internship reports. For SIT programs, the portfolio is a copy of your final ISPR report.
The university and federal government require that all students carrying out research involving interactions with human communities or individuals must go through the Human Subjects Research Protection review process, which is designed to protect research participants from risk.
Departmental Coordinator: Erin Coleman