For Pitzer College students the cost for a semester of study abroad is similar to the cost of a semester on campus in Claremont. The cost for a Pitzer summer program is similar to the cost of tuition for two courses. Pitzer students can apply their financial aid to study abroad programs. Students may also apply for grants and scholarships from outside sources.
It is each student’s responsibility to understand and consider the information on study abroad expenses before choosing a study abroad program. Early in the application process, we encourage students to discuss this information with parents or guardians, the Office of Financial Aid, and other parties responsible for paying the tuition and fees. If any of the following costs, including the items not covered by the comprehensive fee will create a hardship or prevent a student from studying abroad, we urge the student to contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Programs for advice and assistance.
Semester Programs
Pitzer College employs a one-price policy for study abroad, which affords all Pitzer students the opportunity to have international and intercultural experiences as part of their Pitzer education. Study abroad participants are charged Pitzer College tuition, a study abroad program fee, and a $600 travel contribution. The semester study abroad program fee is equivalent to the cost of a double room, a 16-meal board plan and the activity fee. These charges cover program tuition, non-refundable program fees, housing, meals, a round-trip airline ticket (see Airline Policy for details), supplemental travel insurance, the visa or resident permit fee (if any) and a transcript. In addition to program related costs, these charges support the cost of promoting and administering study abroad programs as a whole as well as the College’s general infrastructure (from information technology to financial aid) that is available to study abroad students before, during and after their time abroad.
Note: Students who usually live off campus, including New Resources students, should be aware of the additional cost for room and board. Students on domestic programs are not charged the travel contribution since airfare is not provided.
Summer Programs
For Pitzer direct-run summer programs and summer exchange programs (Costa Rica Summer Health, Pitzer in Brazil, Pitzer in Vietnam and Kwansei Gakuin University summer exchange) students pay the Pitzer College summer study abroad program fee. The summer fee (equal to the cost of Pitzer tuition for two courses) covers program tuition, non-refundable program fees, housing, meals, a round-trip airline ticket (see Airline Policy for details), supplemental travel insurance, the visa fee (if any) and a transcript.
Additional Expenses
The items below are NOT COVERED in the semester comprehensive fees plus travel contribution or the summer study abroad fee and should be considered in your budget planning.
- Passport
- Photos required for applications and visas
- Cost of required immunizations
- Cost of the medical exam required prior to participation
- Comprehensive medical insurance coverage is required. (Fees for additional insurance, if required by the program or the host country, may be covered by Pitzer College. Ask the Office of Study Abroad and International Programs.)
- Additional costs incurred for airfare that costs more than the standard round-trip ticket (see Airfare Policy) or if arriving before or extending after the program dates, changing a ticket, or if participating on a domestic program
- Cost of housing and meals before or after the program or during school breaks (e.g. breaks between terms or semesters, spring break)
- Refundable deposits
- Expenses for items or services that are not typically provided on the program but to which students may be accustomed (e.g. email or internet access, access to computer labs, athletic facilities, etc.)
- Expenses for any items that are not provided for in the fees paid to Pitzer (e.g. personal entertainment, toiletries, independent travel during school breaks, field trips that are not a required part of a course, mobile phone charges, laundry charges, etc.)
- Clothing (e.g. winter jackets, boots, rain gear, formal attire, etc.) needed for climate conditions, cultural reasons or activities at the program site
- Course fees, lab fees and supplies
- Textbooks
- Expenses resulting from a difference in the cost of living. Expenses in your study abroad location may be the same, higher or lower than in Claremont.
- The exchange rate should be considered when planning your budget for international programs.
Airfare Policy
All Pitzer students participating on an international study abroad program are REQUIRED to work directly with the travel agent designated by Pitzer College to finalize their round trip tickets by the date indicated in their acceptance letters. Tickets not purchased through the Pitzer designated travel agent will NOT be reimbursed or credited to student accounts. Frequent flier miles may NOT be used to book flights.
Students participating on an international semester program pay a $600 travel contribution. Students participating in domestic programs are not charged the travel contribution and are responsible for arranging and paying for their transportation to and from the program site. Students on international Pitzer summer programs are not charged a travel contribution.
The maximum airfare Pitzer College will pay is based upon the cost of a round trip ticket from the closest major international airport to the student’s permanent address city in the US to the designated international airport near the program site for the exact dates of the program. For international students, the maximum airfare is based upon the cost of a round trip ticket from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Pitzer will reimburse students for one checked bag that meets the airline’s standard size and weight requirements (if not already included in the ticket price). The travel agent will bill Pitzer for the approved round trip ticket. No future credit is available if a one-way ticket is booked. Students will pay the travel agent directly for the additional costs of an itinerary that is more expensive than the approved flights. No refund or credit is given if the ticket costs less than the maximum.
The following items may increase the cost of a ticket. Students will only be charged for actual overages.
- Finalizing travel arrangements after the due date listed in the student’s acceptance letter
- Travel dates that vary from the dates of the program, including going early or staying after the program ends
- Special requests for routing or stopovers through specific cities or countries
- Booking a one-way ticket. If a student books a one-way ticket, they are responsible for the full cost of their return flights. These are discouraged and may not be possible due to visa requirements.
- Luggage charges for more than one checked bag or for oversize or overweight bags. Airlines may change restrictions for checked or carry-on luggage without notice. Pitzer will cover the fee for one bag. If this fee is not already included in the ticket, then the students must submit a receipt for reimbursement for the first checked bag.
- Changing the ticket after it is issued. These costs include change fees and any increase in airfare.
If a student is unable to use an airline ticket, it must be cancelled with the airline prior to the departure of the first flight that will not be used otherwise the entire value of the ticket is lost. Students are responsible for this cost.
Financial Aid
Pitzer financial aid is granted only to Pitzer students approved for study abroad by the Study Abroad and International Programs Committee. Since working abroad is not usually possible, students who would have been packaged with federal work study may receive an additional grant the semester they are away.
Pitzer students on financial aid participating in a Pitzer summer program worth at least two Pitzer course credits may be eligible for financial aid for the summer program. Financial aid used for a summer program may reduce the aid available for future semesters. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for clarification.
Billing
Semester and summer students will be billed by Student Accounts at Pitzer. Fall charges can be viewed on CASHNet in mid-July and will appear on the August bill. Spring charges are posted to the student account in mid-December and will appear on the January bill. Summer charges typically post on June 1. Please contact Student Accounts for information on billing schedules and payment options.
