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Academics Abroad

Choosing Study Abroad Program Courses

You should have already discussed your course plan with your academic advisers as part of the study abroad application process. Some programs have a set curriculum of courses, while other programs offer more flexibility in course selection. Make sure you understand what the course options for your program are and when you’ll need to select and register for classes through your program. Note the following additional requirements:

  • Students studying in non-English speaking locations are required to take a course in the language of the host country, either an intensive language course or content courses taught in the language of the host country.
  • If students are studying in English-speaking countries other than the United States, they are required to take at least one core course relevant to the culture, history, art, politics or society of the host country.

Intercultural Learning: Portfolio Writing Course

Students participating in Exchange, ISEP Direct, or SIGE programs are encouraged to take Intercultural Learning: Portfolio Writing (MLLC 110), an optional, 0.5-credit course taught by Pitzer professor Leah Herman virtually on a pass/no credit basis. This course is designed to give students abroad an opportunity to use the unique qualities of composition to deepen and enrich their own understanding of their intercultural experience.

Students participating in programs sponsored by a study abroad organization or a non-approved program may take this course by permission of the professor. Students participating in a full-year program or two different programs have the option to repeat the course.

This course will be taken in addition to the full-time course load required by your program. This may mean taking a total course load, which is the equivalent of 4.5 Pitzer credits. While most students have found this course load to be manageable, and they have found the writing assignments and structured reflections rewarding, it is important that students opting into this course take it seriously. You will be asked to confirm your intent to enroll in this course at your in-person orientation. Drops are only permitted within two weeks of the start of the course.