Frequently Asked Questions

We have a variety of ways for you to stay involved and connected with your experience.  You can: Apply for a Global Experiences Office Internship Volunteer at the Study Abroad Fair Help with GEO marketing. Email us at globalexperiences@pitt.edu to get started!

The majority of our programs require that you have a cell phone with a local number while abroad.  Your global experience advisor or program leader will give you more information on how to obtain one.  

Zoom, Google Voice, Facebook, iMessage, Facetime, WhatsApp…the possibilities are endless.  We don’t recommend calling home from a cell phone unless it is an emergency given the high cost of international calls.

Yes! In fact, many of our programs offer business courses approved by Pitt Business to count toward degree requirements, and also offer internship opportunities tailored for business students. Pitt Business houses an International Programs Office that provides advising and program management services for Pitt Business students.  Please stop by 2600 Sennott Square or contact their office at 412-383-7489 or saocba@pitt.edu.

While most students study abroad the spring or summer semester of their junior year, you can do so any time after you have completed 24 credits on a Pitt campus. We believe the best time for you to study abroad is whenever you feel ready, whether that be academically, financially, or mentally.

Yes!  You should be aware that there may be additional visa requirements.  You should speak to your global experience advisor before choosing a program.

Yes!  Various departments on campus offer global experience programs for graduate students.  You may also be able to participate on a program designed for undergraduate students, with your Dean’s approval.

Yes! In fact, many of our programs offer engineering courses approved by Swanson Academic Advisors to count toward degree requirements. The SSOE Global Experiences and Engagement Office offers advising and program management services for engineering students.  Please stop by 152 Benedum Hall or contact their office at 412-624-5942.

We recommend that you begin planning your global experience no later than one full academic year prior to your anticipated departure.  Ideally, you will begin planning to study abroad during your first year of study at the University of Pittsburgh.  The earlier you start, the easier it is to find courses to fit your academic plans. You can best prepare by researching our programs to find the right choice for you, talking to our peer advisors, program managers, and meeting with your academic advisors.

Us!  Stop by our office in 802 William Pitt Union (Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM – 5 PM), call us at 412-648-7413, or email us at globalexperiences@pitt.edu. If you are looking for a specific person in your school or on your campus, visit Our Team.

Yes!  You must complete 24 credits on a Pitt campus before you are eligible to participate in a global experience.

Who your advisor is depends on your school, campus, and type of program that you choose. Visit Our Team to find your advisor.

Yes, but only the semester after you have graduated.  Get in touch with us at globalexperiences@pitt.edu for more information.

No, although certain programs do have language requirements.  Remember, too, that it is always helpful to know some of the host language.  

We have five different types of programs that we offer, and each one is a bit different.

Panther Programs: developed and run by Pitt Global Experiences in connection with Pitt faculty.  Grades factor into your GPA and you are billed by Pitt.

Study Away: Panther Programs that take place within the US or Canada

Partner Programs: overseas partners.  Like Panther Programs without Pitt Faculty.  Grades factor into your GPA and you are billed by Pitt.

Exchange Programs: one to one relationships with overseas partners.  Tuition is billed by Pitt, housing in on your own.  Grades do not factor into your GPA.

Pitt-Recognized Programs: approved programs from other organizations.  Pay your host organization directly.  Grades do not factor into your GPA.

More information is here.

To be eligible to apply for a program, you have to have completed 24 credits on campus, have at least a 2.75 GPA, and a fairly clear judicial record.  That said, there's a lot more that goes into reviewing applications, so we encourage you to read all of our Application Requirements to understand how we'll review your application.

Yes!  We offer global experience programs specifically designed for you, and you can also attend any of our other programs.  We recommend you meet with your academic advisor as early as possible since they can help you choose the right program and the best time for you to go.

Application deadlines for the academic year may vary on exact dates.  Generally, you can expect programs to follow the time frames below but you'll want to check each program's page to verify the deadline.

Spring Early October
Plus3  Early December
Summer Late January
Fall and Full-Year Late March

 

No.  Pitt Global Experiences believes that upholding our GPA requirement ensures that students will be prepared to be successful on their program. 

Yes!  You can attend any of our programs but we recommend you meet with your academic advisor as early as possible since they can help you choose the right program and the best time for you to go.