Study Abroad
Our programs and affiliated programs
How to obtain a letter of reference from a Professor?
How to transfer credits to William & Mary?
How to obtain a visa to go study abroad?
Our programs
William and Mary offers a very popular summer abroad program in Montpellier, France.
We are also sending students to a semester in Paris, Strasbourg or Bruxelles with the I.F.E. This program gives students the opportunity to do some research in Paris while completing an intership.
Currently the College does not offer a semester or junior-year program in any French-speaking country. Instead, the College awards credit for studies undertaken through study abroad programs at other universities.
Advice to Students: How to ask for a Letter of reference
Think through the application first
Before you approach anyone for a letter of reference, identify the number of people that you will need and the type of materials that you have to prepare. Doing so helps you figure out what each letter writer's role should be in relation to your application.
Use the application materials to help you choose letter writers
Application materials are your best ally in helping you choose the best letter writers. Some applications, for instance, encourage you to choose individuals who can speak to your teaching ability or character rather than those with highest stature. Take this advice seriously.
Seek a mix of letter writers, and identify their roles for them
Collectively, your letters should reflect a balanced picture of you. If the person recommending you is expected to comment from a certain angle, be sure he or she knows this.
Choose people who know you well and help them know you better
Avoid abruptly asking someone for a recommendation letter after class, in the hallway, or via email. Instead, make an appointment to discuss whatever you are applying for and the kind of help needed. If possible, give the letter writer any materials that might help him or her write a more detailed letter, such as your resume or a draft of an application essay that you prepared.
Ask your recommenders well in advance of the deadline
Ask for letters a minimum of three weeks before the deadline. You are asking them for a favor and you should respect their time.
Respect a "no"
If someone you ask for a letter seems to be saying no to you, seek someone else. The person may be inappropriate, too busy, or may not know you well enough to write you a good letter.
Allow the letter to be confidential
On an application form, you will usually be asked to waive your right to see the letter of reference. Do so. The letter writer will then be more comfortable and probably more genuine too, and the selection committee will respect this.
Provide the letter writer with a deadline and clear instructions on what to do with the letter
Be sure to tell the letter writer to whom the letter is to be addressed. If the letter is going off campus give him or her a stamped addressed envelope to mail it in. Provide an exact deadline for the letter's completion and gently remind the letter writer of it later if necessary (a thank you note works wonders). Note that for many of the awards administered by the Charles Center, the applicant is required to submit the letters in a sealed envelope along with the rest of the application. Follow the instructions provided.
Begin to recognize yourself as a professional
When you apply for a job, graduate school, or a scholarship, you are confidently stepping up a rung on a long academic or professional ladder. Act accordingly by taking yourself and your supporters seriously. Do not undermine what you are applying for or be self-deprecating. Articulate specific goals for yourself. Respect and consider any coaching that is offered. Help the letter writer get to know you as a student and as a person.
How to transfer French & Francophone credit obtained abroad to William & Mary? To obtain French & Francophone Studies credit at William and Mary for study abroad, you must choose a program affiliated with a French or Francophone university (non-university language programs such as Alliance Francaise are not acceptable.). Students are strongly advised to choose a program with an on-site director to help them with cultural adjustment, selection of courses, and any problems in daily life that may arise. French credit will be awarded only for courses taught in French (You are free to request credit from other WM departments for English-language courses, but Modern Languages and Literatures takes no responsibility for the outcome.) Students who are beyond the level of French 210 or 212 are strongly encouraged to limit the amount of language instruction taken abroad, choosing the majority of their courses in content subjects such as French literature, culture, society, and political institutions; normally a maximum of six credit hours per semester of advanced French language courses will be accepted for William and Mary credit. We strongly recommend immersion programs in which American students take course alongside their French / Francophone counterparts. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for obtaining pre-approval and post-approval forms (available from a kiosk in front of Washington 210) in order to have French credits transfer. Completed forms and supporting documentation must be turned in to the Modern Languages and Literatures office (Washington 210). Pre-approval forms allow you to begin to plan your study-abroad experience but are not binding. If you have questions or need advice about study abroad in a Francophone country, you should contact Professor Giulia Pacini. While you are abroad, be sure to collect the following materials to prepare the transfer process: You will also be required to present a copy of your William and Mary transcript (from Banner) and a copy of the transcript from the American and/or French/Francophone university The Reves Center helps with general information about the process of obtaining a visa to study abroad (e.g. info on deadlines, informational websites, etc.). It also provides students with a letter that verifies enrollment. The student can easily take care of the rest of the process on his/her own. Most of the work is completed on-line at campusfrance.org. Once an application has been approved, the student can schedule an interview with the French Consulate (usually in D.C. if s/he has a William & Mary address). American citizens planning to spend 90 days or less in France do not require a special visa."
Information to obtain a Visa to Study abroad