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Inbound Exchange Students

Undergraduate business students from any of the Foster partner universities are eligible to participate in the University of Washington Foster School of Business Inbound Exchange program.

This website is designed to provide you a thorough overview of the Foster School Inbound Exchange student acceptance and arrival process; however, it is not an exhaustive explanation of the Undergraduate Business Program at the Foster School. Read the Factsheet.

Partner Universities

Asia Partners

  • Peking University, Guanghua School of Management (PKU) | China (Beijing)
  • University of Hong Kong, School of Business (HKU) | Hong Kong
  • Kobe University, School of Business Administration | Japan (Kobe)
  • National University of Singapore, Business School (NUS) | Singapore
  • Yonsei University, School of Business | South Korea (Seoul)
  • National Chengchi University, College of Commerce (NCCU) |Taiwan (Taipei)
  • Chulalongkorn University, Business School | Thailand (Bangkok)

Europe Partners

  • University of Economics, Prague (VSE) | Czech Republic (Prague)
  • Copenhagen Business School (CBS) | Denmark (Copenhagen)
  • Paris School of Business (PSB) | France (Paris)
  • University of Mannheim, Business School | Germany (Mannheim)
  • WHU, Otto Beisheim School of Management | Germany (Vallendar)
  • Bocconi University | Italy (Milan)
  • Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University | The Netherlands (Rotterdam)
  • Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) | Norway (Bergen)
  • IE University, Business School | Spain (Madrid)
  • University of Navarra, School of Economics & Business Administration | Spain (Pamplona)
  • University of Manchester, Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) | United Kingdom (Manchester)

Southern Hemisphere Partners

  • University of Auckland, Business School | New Zealand (Auckland)
  • University of Sydney, Business School | Australia (Sydney)
  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) | Chile (Santiago)

Why Select the UW Foster School of Business for Exchange?

The University of Washington is located in Seattle, Washington, USA. Seattle lies in the Northwest corner of the continental United States on a narrow strip of land between the salt waters of Puget Sound and the fresh waters of Lake Washington. Beyond the waters lie two rugged mountain ranges, the Olympics to the west and the Cascades to the east. It is a city built on hills and around water, in a mild marine climate that encourages prolific vegetation and abundant natural resources.

This interactive map can help you get acquainted with campus, and the greater Seattle area.

I hear it rains a lot in Seattle…

It is true that the weather in Seattle can be unpredictable; however our reputation for continual rain is misleading. Summers are warm and relatively dry; winters are typically wet and gray, but mild enough to allow for year-round outdoor activities. You are encouraged to bring a waterproof coat, umbrella, and comfortable, waterproof walking shoes.

Visit UW’s Office of Admissions for a list of resources that will introduce you to Seattle life, culture, and climate.

The University of Washington is one of the world’s preeminent public universities. Our impact on individuals, on our region, and on the world is profound — whether we are launching young people into a boundless future or confronting the grand challenges of our time through undaunted research and scholarship. Continually ranked as one of the world’s top universities, UW educates more than 60,000 students annually, University of Washington students and faculty work together to turn ideas into impact and in the process transform lives and our world. The University of Washington Academic Calendar lists significant events such as beginning and end dates for each quarter, final exam week, holidays and observances. Learn more about the University of Washington.

Mission

We are a collaborative learning community of faculty, staff, students, alumni and business leaders dedicated to the creation, application and sharing of management knowledge.

Vision

The Michael G. Foster School of Business has a long-term vision to be the best public business school in the U.S.

Rankings

In 2022, U.S. News & World Report ranked the Foster School of Business Undergraduate Program 1st in the Northwest of the United States, 19th among all national business schools, and institutions and 9th among public institutions. Learn more about the Foster School’s rankings.

Culture of the Business School Classroom

Class formats include lecture and discussion, in-class presentations, and case studies. Grading is based on papers, group projects, case studies, and class participation. Exam formats may vary. Typically exams are held during the final week of the quarter. The faculty and your fellow students have high expectations of professionalism, performance and participation inside and outside the classroom. You will be expected to participate in class, and you might even be called on to share your opinion. We encourage an attitude of collegial and congenial competition among students. As a community, we have a strong commitment to achieving excellence through teamwork and cooperation. We believe greater success comes with the help of peers than at the expense of peers. You will also find an atmosphere that is relaxed, informal, and laid back. Some professors allow students to eat in class, and socializing at club activities is a common occurrence.

Attire

Most events and the general classroom atmosphere at the Foster School are casual, so you can dress in whatever you are most comfortable wearing. Events such as networking events and corporate presentations, however, require business or business casual dress.

Academic Advising & Support

We are here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact the Foster Inbound Exchange Manager at the Global Business Center or any of the Foster Academic Advisers in the Undergraduate Programs Office.

Foster Global Ambassadors (FGAs) and Fostering Global Connections Program

As a Foster Inbound Exchange student, you will be paired with a Foster Global Ambassador (FGA). An FGA is a Foster School undergraduate student who is here to help orient you to the UW, Foster School, and Seattle. The FGAs and the Foster Inbound Exchange students will participate in fun, social activities on-campus and off-campus as part of the Fostering Global Connections Program. The goal of this program is to introduce the Foster Inbound Exchange students to the American lifestyle and UW culture that you might not experience independently. You can choose to engage as much or as little as you wish with your Foster Global Ambassador and the events that are part of the Foster Global Connections Program. You will be electronically introduced to your Foster Global Ambassador a few weeks before the start of the quarter.

Opportunities to get involved

The student experience at Foster is vibrant and diverse. We encourage you to get involved! Check out the 29 undergraduate student clubs and organizations as this is how many Foster students meet one another and you can join a club (or RSO as they are sometimes called) as a Foster Inbound Exchange student, or participate in a case competition.

Learn more about getting involved as a Foster student.

Facilities

The Foster School of Business is located on North Campus, and is composed of 4 buildings:

  • PACCAR Hall
  • Dempsey Hall
  • Founders Hall
  • Bank of America Executive Education Center

These building include the Foster Business Library, Orin’s Café, an outdoor patio called Hogan Terrace, common areas and team rooms for group work for your classes.

Code of Conduct/ Academic Integrity

As a Foster Inbound Exchange student to the Foster School of Business you become a member of a learning community committed to the highest academic standards. Be aware you must abide by the standards of conduct below.

HONESTY: I will be truthful with myself and others.

RESPECT: I will show consideration for others and their ideas and work.

INTEGRITY: I will be a leader of character. I will be fair in all relations with others. It is important to remember that American views of academic integrity (honest academic conduct) may be different from those in your home country. In basic terms, you are guilty of academic misconduct (cheating) whenever you present something that you did not do as your own work. You are also guilty of cheating if you help someone else to present their work in a similar way.

Learn more about UW’s Student Conduct Code.

Inbound Exchange Process

Please note that this timeline is approximate.

2022-2023

If you will be starting… Autumn Quarter 2022 (September-December) Winter Quarter 2023 (January – March) Spring Quarter 2023 (March – June)
Partner Nomination Deadline 15-March 01-July 01-October
Student Application Deadline 01-April 1-August 1-November
Acceptance Documents Issued (DS-2019, etc.) Mid-June Late-October Mid-January
Course Registration will begin July November February
Foster Inbound Exchange Orientation (required) 27-September 03-January 27-March
Instruction Begins 28-September 03-January 27-March
Last day of Instruction 09-December 10-March 02-June
Final Examination Week December 10-16 March 11-17 June 03-09
You must be nominated by your home institution.

Nominations by students’ home university are sent to the Foster School Inbound Exchange Manager of the Foster Global Business Center at [email protected].

After being nominated, students will receive an email from the Foster Global Business Center with instructions to submit application materials online via the UW Study Abroad Office website.

Students will upload the following directly into the UW Study Abroad online portal by the application deadline:

  • Copy of passport identification page
  • Official bank letter or bank statement indicating sufficient funds balance
  • All college transcripts, translated into English
  • TOEFL (IBT): 83 or IELTS: 7 score report (Not required for passport holders of English-speaking countries)

Once you have completed these steps, your application will be processed by the UW Office of Admissions. They will generate your official acceptance documents and visa paperwork. Please be patient, this is a lengthy process (see timeline above).

As soon as your acceptance document packet is prepared, you will receive an email notice. The acceptance materials consist of the following:

  • Acceptance Letter
  • DS-2019 (to secure J-1 Visa)

The hard copy of your acceptance documents will be sent to the address you indicate in the application process. Put a permanent address since the materials will arrive in the summer if you are coming in Fall Quarter. You will need to bring the hard copy of your DS-2019 with you to your visa appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate.

At this point you are considered officially accepted to the University of Washington, and there are several things you will need to do before you begin your term in Seattle.

Establish your UW NetID

  • Your acceptance email contains instructions to set up your UW NetID. Your NetID is a personalized ‘user name’ that you can use to log-in to UW online services. It also serves as your UW email address. All email accounts at the University of Washington are structured as follows: (UW Net ID)@uw.edu.

Apply for a J-1 Visa

Make travel arrangements to Seattle

  • As a student on a J-1 visa, you are allowed to enter the US 30 days or fewer before the program start date listed on your DS-2019. This date calculator is a useful tool in calculating 30 days.
  • When should you arrive in Seattle?
    • For Fall Quarter, you must attend the Foster Inbound Exchange Orientation which takes place the day before instruction starts. That being said, there are a ton of things going on across campus before Fall Quarter starts from residence hall events, to on-campus concerts, to surrounding area explorations so think about coming a few days before that to get settled. Check out all the events and activities happening on campus that are part of UW Dawg Daze: https://dawgdaze.fyp.uw.edu/
    • For Winter and Spring Quarters, you must be in Seattle for the first day of class (when instructions starts). This is also the day of the Foster Inbound Exchange Orientation.

Apply for on-campus housing or find off-campus housing: UW Circle or FIUTS.

All questions regarding on-campus housing should be directed to: [email protected]

A few things about housing to be aware of:

  • You must use your UW NetID (see above) to apply for on-campus housing.
  • The Foster School is located on North Campus. The UW campus is quite large, and you may want to factor in location when selecting your housing.
  • You may not get any of your listed choices for housing, but you will be placed in on-campus housing if you apply on time.
  • If you plan to stay in on-campus housing, you will need to confirm your move-in date and may need to find alternative accommodations when you first arrive.
  • You will sign up for a 9-month lease, but you will be able to leave early and avoid the Early Termination Fee because you are an exchange student.
  • The FIUTS office can arrange a short-term home stay for 3-7 days when you first arrive. This is a great opportunity to meet a local family and have a place to stay while you confirm your permanent accommodations. An airport pick-up service is included with a short-term home stay.

Complete the registration requirements

Health Insurance

International students at UW are required by federal and state laws to maintain health insurance while studying in the United States. Review health insurance requirements and decide to either purchase ISHIP insurance or submit a waiver.

Online Resources at UW

Log in to your MyUW using your UW NetID and password. Get acquainted with the information available on this website.

Fostering Global Connections Program

You will be electronically introduced to your Foster Global Ambassador a few weeks before the start of the quarter. You will learn more about the Fostering Global Connections events for you and your Foster Global Ambassador at the Foster Inbound Exchange Orientation.

After you receive your acceptance documents, you will be sent a google form to list your class preferences for the Foster Academic Advisers to enroll you in the upcoming quarter. You are enrolled in business classes by a Foster Academic Adviser and they will begin enrolled Foster Inbound Exchange students during the month listed in the timeline above.

There are two tools that will be useful to you in determining which courses you would like to take. The UW Time Schedule lists which courses will be offered during a specific quarter at UW. The UW Course Catalog provides descriptions of all courses ever offered at UW. Please note that courses on the course catalog may not be offered the term you are enrolled at UW so it is best to look at the UW Time Schedule. If the quarter you will be at UW is not yet available, look at the previous year’s quarter that matches the quarter you will be at UW.

Review the UW Time Schedule for the most recent quarter that matches the quarter you will be on campus and make a list of 6-8 courses that interest you.

  • To satisfy your student visa status, you must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per quarter with a maximum of 18 credits per quarter.
  • Most Foster Inbound Exchange students take 3-4 undergraduate (100-494-level) business courses with each course carrying 4 UW credits.
    • You must work with your home university to understand how UW courses will convert to credit at your home university.
    •  Many non-business courses carry 5 UW credits.
  • You may not take 500-level courses. These are reserved for MBA students
  • You will be registered for classes on a space available basis starting with your first choice. If one of your selected courses is not available we will fill in another option from your selection list.
  • Foster Inbound Exchange students are responsible for ensuring that the credits they receive will transfer back to their home institution.
  • Some courses are more difficult for Inbound Exchange students to register for because of demand and space constraints. This includes: Finance, IS and Accounting courses, and our Management 430 Capstone course.
  • As an exchange student, it is also hard to register for Upper Level Division Core courses as the priority is given to UW students and transfer students who require these courses to graduate with a Foster degree. These courses are: IS 300, OPMGT 301, MGMT 300, MGMT 320, MGMT 430, MKTG 301, FIN 350, B ECON 300, IBUS 300.
  • It is highly recommended that Inbound Exchange students from France, Spain, Chile, China, Taiwan, Germany, South Korea, and Japan register for I BUS 491, a 1-credit seminar part of the Certificate of International Studies in Business (CISB) program for the section corresponding with their native language. All other Foster Inbound Exchange students are also encouraged to participate in this seminar if they would like to. Please email Sarah Allex (CISB Program Manager) at [email protected] if you have any questions about this program and seminar.
  • The UW is a large research university with many different schools and departments. You can take courses outside of the Foster School of Business if you would like to. If you need assistance navigating the UW Time Schedule to understand what is offered, please reach out to the Foster Inbound Exchange Manager at [email protected].
  • Please note that you will not be allowed to register for classes until you submit the Measles, Mumps, and Meningitis Immunization Requirement, submit your COVID-19 Vaccination Verification and complete the International Student Services (ISS) Online Information Session.

Arrival Documents

You will go through immigration and customs inspections at the first point of entry into the United States. Be prepared to provide the following documents at the port of entry to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). NOTE: CBP inspection takes place before you collect your luggage, so you must have these documents on your person. Do not put your travel documents in your checked luggage.

  • Passport
  • Visa stamp (if applicable)
  • DS-2019 (J-1)
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • Supporting financial documentation

Getting to UW

The Seattle Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport is approximately 35 minutes south of the University of Washington by private car and about 45 minutes by Link Light Rail. There are a variety of transportation methods available to get you to campus.

  • Link Light Rail – there is just one line, so hop on the Light Rail towards Seattle and get off at the U District Station if you are moving into your housing.
  • Uber or Lyft ride share apps

Post-Arrival Checklist

  • Complete the New Student Post-Arrival Checklist with International Student Services (ISS)
  • Attend the Foster Inbound Exchange Orientation. The date is listed in the timeline and you will be sent more information about the exact time and location closer to the start of the quarter. This event is hosted by the Foster Inbound Exchange Manager of the Global Business Center.
  • Acquire a UW Husky Card. The card is used for several important functions:
    • Student ID card – can also be used for discounts at local merchants
    • Library Card – to check out materials at any on-campus library
    • Debit Card – deposit funds on the card to pay for printouts, coffee, etc.
    • Bus Pass – The card serves as your bus pass through the U-PASS system
    • Access to Burke Museum or Henry Art Gallery
    • Access to IMA (workout and gymnasium facilities that offer a variety of fitness classes)
  • Several fees will appear on your MyUW account. As an exchange student you are responsible to pay the following fees upon arrival, but you DO NOT pay the tuition charge that appears in your account:
    • U-PASS $100 / quarter
    • ISHIP health insurance (or submit a waiver by 1 p.m. the 3rd week of class and ignore the charge)
    • Course fees – if applicable (Some courses charge additional fees for instructional and/or laboratory costs that are not covered by the tuition waiver.)
  •  Purchase textbooks and course packs required for your classes
    • At the University of Washington, you must purchase your own textbooks and coursepacks for your classes. Coursepacks consist of supplemental reading material the professor may assign, such as case studies and articles.
    • You can purchase your books from any source you like, however the University Bookstore is a convenient option.
    • At the end of the quarter, you can sell your books back to the bookstore.

It takes several weeks for your grades to be finalized. In the UW Study Abroad online portal where you applied, you indicate where you want your transcript emailed. You can have it sent to yourself and then pass it along to your home university.

Resources and Useful Links

I have questions, who do I contact?
For more resources, visit the UW International Student Resource page.

I have questions about… Contact…
Immigration Documents or Status UW International Student Service (ISS)

+1.206.221.7857
[email protected]

UW NETID and MyUW.com UW IT
+1.206.221.5000
[email protected]
On-Campus Housing and Food Service +1.206.543.4059
[email protected]
Measles, Mumps, and Meningitis ACWY Immunity +1.206.616.4672
[email protected]
Health Insurance Requirement +1.206.543.6202
[email protected]
International Student Services (ISS) Online Information Session +1.206.221.7857
[email protected]
Registering for Foster School business courses Tal Lev, Foster Academic Adviser
+1.206.685.3400
[email protected]
Events for International Students run by FIUTS +1.206.543.0735
[email protected]
Events for Foster Inbound Exchange students The GBC’s Theresa Maloney or Roya Zahed
+1.206.685.3432
[email protected]
A signature verifying I am enrolled at Foster The GBC’s Theresa Maloney or Roya Zahed
+1.206.685.3432
[email protected]
Where to pay my fees

  • Pay online
  • Pay in person at Schmitz Hall 129 (cash, check, or money order only). Credit, debit and UW Husky cards are not accepted in the Student Fiscal Services Office.
UW Student Fiscal Services +1.206.543.4694

Banking and Checking accounts

You are welcome to open a bank account while in Seattle. Many banks offer free checking accounts and/or UW student discounts and ATM (debit) cards. Banking services do vary, but generally most banks are open Monday-Saturday with ATM access 24 hours a day at various locations in Seattle. You may want to ask a student in the Foster School for a bank recommendation, but most banks have branch offices close to the UW campus. Picture identification (passport) is required and most banks request a local address when opening an account. Banks near campus include:

Bank of America
4701 University Way, 206-358-1959
US Bank
UW Husky Union Building 105, (206) 543-2407
Wells Fargo Bank
4100 University Way NE, 206-547-2811
Key Bank
1300 North 45th Street, 206-585-9410

Wireless Phones

There is a wide variety of options for wireless phone service in Seattle. Many companies offer pre-paid or pay as you go options, which may be a convenient option for a short term stay. The main wireless companies in the US are:

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Listed below are some of the acronyms used around the University of Washington campus.

B-School Business School
Dawgs Nickname for UW student body
EMBA Executive MBA
FIUTS Regional cross-cultural organization with historic ties to UW
Foster The Foster School of Business
GEMBA Global Executive MBA
GBC Global Business Center at the Foster School of Business
HUB Husky Union Building (student center with dining options, along with event and study spaces)
IMA UW workout and gymnasium facilities that offer a variety of fitness classes, accessible with your UW Husky Card. Great deals on workout classes too.
ISS International Student Services
Puget Sound Body of water and the region of the Northwest that includes Seattle
The Ave Nickname for University Way, the main shopping street close to campus
U-District The residential and shopping area surrounding the University of Washington
U-PASS Regional Metro Pass
U-Village A Shopping area near campus with restaurants and a grocery store
UPO Foster Undergraduate Program Office, home to the Foster Academic Advisers

Frequently Asked Questions

Housing / Accommodations

Q: Does the University of Washington guarantee accommodations for exchange students?
A: No. Due to the large number of undergraduate students and full-time graduate students, the University of Washington cannot guarantee housing for exchange students. However, if you are interested in on-campus student housing, you can apply and in many cases you will be assigned a spot.

Q: Is it possible to arrange housing with an outgoing Foster exchange student?
A: Possibly. Not every outgoing Foster exchange student is interested in renting their house or apartment while they are on exchange. If a student expresses interest in this kind of arrangement, the Foster Inbound Exchange Manager will email the information to the exchange applicants.

Q: Where do most exchange students live?
A: Most exchange students live in on-campus housing, while some live off-campus within walking or short bus distance from the University of Washington campus. A large number of apartments and houses surround the UW campus in the area called the University District which is a very popular place for students to live. Seattle has a good public bus transportation system and a growing regional Light Rail system; numerous bus routes either pass through or next to the UW campus each day.

Q: Can I arrange a short-term home stay upon my arrival in Seattle?
A: Yes. The Foundation for International Understanding through Students (FIUTS) is an organization that sponsors a variety of programs and activities for all international students attending the University of Washington. FIUTS will arrange a home stay for 3-7 days after you arrival in Seattle. Participation in the home stay program includes an airport pick-up service. For additional information about this program please contact FIUTS.

Q: What is the average rent in Seattle?
A: This varies based on location, size of apartment, and if you live alone or with a roommate. The cost varies between $600-$1,200 per month for rent.

Q: Are home stays possible with a local family?
A: Yes. FIUTS has resources for long-term homestays. These are not endorsed by UW.

Academics / Course Selection

Q: How many credits/courses do I need to take at the University of Washington?
A: To satisfy your student visa status, you must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per quarter with a maximum of 18 credits per quarter. Full-time Foster students generally enroll in four (4-credit) courses for a total of 16 credits per quarter. You are required to take the appropriate number of courses/credits as required by your home institution.

Q: How do I register for courses?
A: Prior to your arrival, you will receive an email from the Foster Inbound Exchange Manager linking to the course preference survey and other course registration information. You will be asked to provide a list of 6-8 courses that most interest you. Foster Academic Advisers will attempt to enroll you for the courses at the top of your list. Please keep in mind that courses are limited by class size and several courses are required for Foster School students which means there may not be spots in the class for Inbound Exchange students. Please note that you will not be allowed to register for classes until you submit the registration requirements listed above.

Q: Can I change my schedule once I arrive to campus?
A: Yes, on a space available basis. All students are permitted to add and drop courses during the first week of the academic term with permission from the course professor. Add/drop procedures will be covered in orientation prior to the start of the academic term.

Q: Can I take courses outside of the Foster School?
A: Yes, on a space available basis. The Foster Inbound Exchange Manager and the Foster Academic Advisers can assist you with navigating the UW Time Schedule, and provide instructions for enrolling in non-business courses.

Q: Where can I get a list of courses taught in the Foster School?
A: The UW Time Schedule lists all the classes offered each quarter. Find the most recent quarter that matches the quarter you will be at UW if the quarter you are at UW is not available yet.

Miscellaneous

Q: Do I have to file a tax return?
A: The requirement to file a tax return varies by student. The UW has provides information on this website to determine if you are required to file: https://iss.washington.edu/resources/money-matters/tax-information/

If you have a specific question, you can reach out to ‘Glacier Tax Prep’ who offers a free service and advice to UW students. Their contact information can be found on the website above.

Q: Can I work in the US while I am here?
A:
Depending on the circumstance, it may be possible for you to work a part-time job while attending the Foster School of Business as an exchange student. You must be aware of the J-1 visa requirements and receive employment authorization BEFORE you begin working. Additional information can be found on this website: https://iss.washington.edu/work/j1-employment/

Q: Can I get an internship over the summer?
A:
For students in the US on a J-1 visa it may be possible to secure an internship directly after completing your exchange program. This would be considered ‘Academic Training’ and must be directly related to your field of study. You can find information about academic training and the process to apply for it on this website: https://iss.washington.edu/work/j1-employment/

Q: Can I stay an extra quarter?
A:
Potentially. This extension would need to be approved by the Foster School of Business Global Business Center, and your home institution. Inquire with the Foster Inbound Exchange Manager for additional information.