For Parents
For Parents of Students Interested in Study Abroad
• Planning and Academic Preparation for Study Abroad
• Advising and Application Process
• Paperwork for Study Abroad
• Orientation for Study Abroad
• Advice to Parents as Students Prepare for Departure
• Contacting the Office of International Programs
• List of Approved Program Options
Advice to Parents of Returning Students
For Parents of Students Interested in Study Abroad
The International Programs Office works with Pitzer students who are interested in pursuing a semester, or year of study abroad, either on one of Pitzer’s own programs or exchange opportunities and with guest students from other schools who wish to participate on a Pitzer program. Pitzer students interested in one of the two summer programs offered by Pitzer, other summer programs and other non-academic opportunities such as work abroad are encouraged to consult a Study Abroad Advisor in the Office of International Programs for guidance and additional information. The office also issues the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). Any student may purchase the ISIC or the Youth Travel card, which provides evacuation insurance, limited medical and accident coverage while traveling as well as discounts on airfare, museum entrance fees, etc.
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Planning and Academic Preparation for Study Abroad
Preparation for study abroad is something that starts from a student’s first year. All Pitzer students attend a session in their first year seminar about study abroad and what the college expects both in terms of their preparation and the types of programs the college approves. Students from other schools must follow the procedures at their home college or university to be eligible for participation on a Pitzer program.
Students are required to identify at least one course they have taken to provide background for the destination where they will be studying. Some programs have language requirements and students must complete the requisite amount of language study prior to going abroad.
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Advising and Application Process
For Pitzer students, the advising and application process typically begins in the fall of the sophomore year. Students are required to attend a study abroad information session where the study abroad program options are introduced and policies and procedures are explained. These sessions are offered from mid September to early November, although students are encouraged to attend a session early in the semester, to allow sufficient time to research programs. After completing this session, students make an appointment with a study abroad advisor to discuss their particular academic interests and receive information about appropriate programs and the Intent to Study Abroad form. There are two important deadlines for students to note. The first Monday in December is the deadline for the Intent to Study Abroad form where students indicate their first and alternate program choices and the semester they plan to participate. Pitzer students applying for unapproved programs must submit at full Pitzer application to be considered for one of the limited spots. The student then receives the application paperwork required for the chosen programs and must submit all forms by the final application deadline on the first Monday in February.
Guest from other colleges and universities in the US must meet the internal deadlines at their home school and submit the Pitzer program application forms by the March 15 deadline for participation on fall or full year programs, or by October 15 for spring semester programs.
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Paperwork for Study Abroad
The amount of paperwork that students must complete for study abroad is extensive. The application includes essays, references and informational forms as well as a signature from their faculty advisor approving their courses abroad and depending on the program, specific supplemental forms. After acceptance, students must complete additional paperwork, some of which involve parent signatures. Students need to observe the deadlines for the submission of each of the forms in order to remain eligible for participation in their study abroad programs.
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Orientation for Study Abroad
All students in the Southern California region will attend orientation on campus in preparation for studying abroad the following semester. Orientation is a two part process involving a workshop on intercultural learning so students can make the best use of their time abroad and a session about the specific program as well as logistical details of preparing to go abroad. Students are given the option of completing the intercultural learning workshop on campus or on-line. If you would like to learn a bit more about the cultural learning that is covered in orientation, we recommend you to visit the web site - What’s Up with Culture - at www3.uop.edu/sis/culture/. The program specific orientations typically take place in November for spring programs and in April for fall programs. Students from colleges in other parts of the country who participate on Pitzer programs will have an orientation by telephone. At the orientation session on campus, students are provided with a Pre-Departure Handbook that outlines details about Pitzer’s policies for the study abroad experience. Parents and friends may also have questions about study abroad policies and procedures so a copy of the handbook is posted on our web site for reference.
The online handbook contains detailed information about the travel allowance, billing procedures, pre-registration while abroad, medical insurance, and health and safety issues, among other matters. We welcome you to call our office with questions or concerns (see the “Contact Information” section), but hope this handbook will be useful to you as your student prepares for next semester.
Advice to Parents as Students Prepare for Departure
In addition to the information covered in the website, we want to highlight the following advice specifically for the families and friends of students participating in study abroad.
Encourage Safety
Programs have extensive safety plans and every consideration has been given to providing a safe and rewarding experience for your student. Safety procedures and emergency preparedness are outlined in the handbooks and are covered in the on-site orientation sessions. Please go over the guidelines in the handbook thoroughly with your student and encourage them to follow the instructions of the program director and staff regarding health and safety practices. Students do bear some of the responsibility for their own safety by choosing to follow the safety guidelines advised by the program and using good judgment while abroad.
Handling last minutes doubts
It is common for students (and their parents and friends) to have last minute doubts about whether doing study abroad program is the right thing at this time. There may be concern about missing family and friends while so far away, worries about credit transferring and nervousness about travel in general. This is quite normal and we would encourage your student to give us a call before changing plans drastically at the last minute. Every semester there are a few students who have some anxiety and think about withdrawing, but they eventually do go and are very glad they did, so don’t let a normal case of “cold feet” prevent a student from having this educational experience.
Contact with your student while abroad
Keep in mind that your student may not be able to call you immediately from his or her program site – it depends on the country. Although some students are able to get to a phone within the first day or two, in some cases there are no phones with international lines nearby and the on-site orientations are often so intense that students do not have time to call right away. After the orientation period, the students may travel to areas where international telephone and email access may be limited or non-existent. Please do not be alarmed if you do not hear from your student for long periods of time. Usually, students simply haven’t been able to get to a phone, but they are still in close contact with the program staff. If you are concerned or if you need to reach your student immediately you may call the Office of International Programs for students on Pitzer programs and exchanges (909) 621-8104 or the program sponsor if your student is on alternate program.
Expect some culture shock
Many students are in a euphoric state during their first few weeks in a new country. This is known as the “honeymoon” phase. It is not unusual, however, for students to experience immediate culture shock or stress accompanied by actual physical symptoms. For some students this may not happen until the middle of the semester – the fifth through the seventh week are typical times. Adapting to another culture and living with a family or roommate from that culture can be very challenging, but it is in meeting these challenges that much learning will take place. Please know that the culture stress phase is a normal part of adjustment to a new situation and, with some persistence, this stage will pass. This knowledge will not necessarily make it any easier if you are the recipient of an emotional phone call or letter. Should you receive such a call at any point during the semester, remember to stay calm and know that students often turn to their family and friends at home when they are at the lowest points in their cultural adjustment process. In most cases, after airing their concerns and complaints, students hang up the phone feeling refreshed and renewed. Unfortunately you do not get to see that since you are so far away. Expressing confidence in your student’s ability to adjust and offering constructive advice (emphasizing the importance of a sense of humor, patience and adaptability) is the best thing you can do. If your student is having significant difficulty with any issues, encourage them to talk to the on-site program staff about their problems and concerns. The program directors are in the best position to help them over any hurdles and can provide a sympathetic ear and helpful strategies to get through this normal slump.
Visiting your student
Many of you may have the opportunity to visit your student during the study abroad period. We have found that the best time to visit is after the program has ended - then your student will be an excellent guide with new language skills and cultural knowledge and will have ample time to spend with visitors. Earlier visits can be problematic. Some programs are very structured with little free time, especially in the early weeks of the program. Students are expected to participate fully in all program activities and to spend a good portion of their free time with their host families or roommates to better understand the daily rhythms of the culture. Family and friends cannot join in most program activities, and host families should not be expected to accommodate visitors. There is usually a break during the program that would seem to be a good time for a visit but be forewarned that the program schedule may have to be adjusted without notice. Some students will be doing an independent study project, and the period devoted to this project is less structured. Students may have more flexibility during this time but they are meant to be doing research on their project and writing a substantial paper. Again, please consider visiting after the program ends.
Contacting the Office of International Programs
The office is open Monday through Friday throughout the year with the exception of national holidays and between December 24 and January 2 each year. All contact information for the office is available on this website.
In the event of an emergency during a weekend or a holiday, contact Campus Security at (909) 621-8170 for help in reaching a staff member. If your student is on an alternate program, (i.e. not one of the Pitzer programs or exchanges) the program sponsor will be sending information about the specifics of that program (dates, where to arrive, program schedules, what to pack, etc.) directly to your student. It is best to contact the program sponsor directly if you have questions on these details.
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