What is the difference between an approved and a non-approved study abroad program?
Pitzer College has approximately 50 approved offerings around the world. Our approved program list for Pitzer students includes direct-run, exchange and direct-enroll programs. It is our intent to provide as many quality offerings as possible. There are limits, ranging from educational quality to safety, which do not allow us to approve every program available. We recognize that not every student will be able to find an approved program that meets an essential educational need. In these cases, the College allocates a limited number of slots designated for non-approved programs. The application process for a non-approved program is competitive, so students should select an approved program as their alternate. Applications for both fall semester and spring semester programs are due in November for participation during the following academic year.
Can students enroll in a study abroad program or a domestic off-campus study program at one of the other Claremont Colleges?
There is no cross-registration for international study abroad or domestic off-campus study programs at the other Claremont Colleges. Study abroad programs and off-campus programs through Claremont Mckenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Pomona College and Scripps College are considered non-approved programs. (This includes the CMC Washington Semester Program and the CMC Silicon Valley Program.) Students interested in any Claremont College non-approved programs are required to apply to and be approved by the Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs prior to completing the other college’s application.
Can students get credit for study abroad while on a leave of absence?
Credit for international study during the fall or spring semesters while on a leave of absence DOES NOT TRANSFER back to Pitzer College. For summer programs not directly run by Pitzer or study in the US while on leave, students may be granted transfer credit with prior approval from the appropriate field group and the Pitzer College Office of the Registrar.
Can students apply for more than one program for the same semester?
Students only apply to one program per semester of study abroad. You must choose the program, year and semester to request an application.
Can students study abroad more than once?
Students who want to study abroad more than once must submit an application for each program by the due date for each program. Students who have already been given access to a study abroad application may email [email protected] to request an application for their second experience. Send a message from your Pitzer email account that includes the name of the program you wish to apply to and the year and semester you wish to study abroad.
What if a student is not accepted to their program? Can they still study abroad?
Qualified students who are not accepted to their first choice program by Pitzer will be offered options to apply to another program that still has availability or to choose a different semester to study abroad. Students who are accepted by Pitzer, but not by their program institution, will be offered options to apply to another program that still has availability and for which there is still time to apply or to choose a different semester to study abroad.
What should a student do if they will be at a conference or sporting event on the application due date?
They should submit their application before they go. We accept applications throughout the application period.
By what time on the due date should students submit their application?
Pitzer College Study Abroad Applications can be submitted until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the application due date. We strongly recommend that students submit their applications before our office closes so that we can assist you with any unexpected information or technical questions that may arise.
I missed the application due date, can I still study abroad?
Possibly. Late applications for non-approved programs are NOT considered. Some programs fill quickly and qualified applicants who apply by the due date are given priority. Due dates may be extended for a short list of programs. Students who are flexible with their program choice and semester of study abroad may be accommodated.
Is my application complete?
Applicants can sign in to their study abroad portal to view the status of their study abroad application, acceptance documents, program specific information, program evaluations and other study abroad information any time before, during and after study abroad.
Can I edit my application responses?
Possibly. Timing is important. If you submitted an individual questionnaire or document in error and have not yet submitted your full study abroad application, email us at [email protected] to request to have that item un-received. We will reply during office hours. It is better to submit your application on time than to submit a perfect application. Requests for application edits after application due dates may not be approved. (Some study abroad portal items requested after you have been accepted including flight itineraries and emergency contact information can be and should be updated whenever there is a change.)
Who submits the Adviser Approval form?
Students are responsible for scanning (no photos please) and uploading their completed and signed Adviser Approval form to their study abroad application.
Can I submit my application before my Adviser Endorsement (for non-approved programs only) is submitted?
Yes. Students may submit their Pitzer College Study Abroad Application once they have completed their parts of the application and sent a request for the Adviser Endorsement if applicable. Students are not penalized if their Adviser Endorsement arrives within a week after the application due date.
Do I need an academic recommendation or letter of reference?
Student applying to ISEP programs are required to submit an ISEP recommendation. Other exchange programs or host institutions may also require an academic recommendation or letter of reference. Provide ample notice and no less than two weeks for your faculty member to complete the forms and/or write a letter. Due dates set by host institutions for their recommendations and letters may not be flexible.
How do I change study abroad programs?
If you decide to change programs you must complete a new Pitzer College Study Abroad Application. Some items my be copied from a prior application. The timing of the change is critical. Late applications are not accepted for non-approved programs. Students who change programs after confirming their participation may incur financial costs.
What if someone has additional questions?
Students should send application questions to [email protected]. Anyone is welcome to email questions to [email protected] or call us at 909.621.8104 or stop by our office. Our address is Pitzer College, Office of Study Abroad, West Hall, Suite Q100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711. Our website is www.pitzer.edu/study-abroad. We reply to emails and return telephone calls during office hours. During the academic year we are open 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except for holidays and special events. We close at 4:30 during the summer.
