Frequently Asked Questions
The timing of Financial Aid for global experiences will be based on the Pitt academic calendar and the semesters that you are enrolled in and receiving credits for. It is possible that the aid you are receiving may disburse to PittPay prior to your Study Abroad program starting. The aid can still be used for the program costs.
If you are eligible for the Fall and/or Spring terms you do not have to complete any forms. If you are eligible during the Summer term, you would complete a Summer Aid Request via docusign from the Financial Aid website - Financial Aid Forms - Financial Aid | University of Pittsburgh
Yes. The financial aid will pay the charges listed on PittPay and any global experience fees first (if it has not been paid out of pocket prior to the aid being disbursed). Pitt Recognized programs only post the global experiences fee. After the financial aid is disbursed, if you receive a refund, you may use it to pay any additional expenses associated with your global experience. Remember that the timing of when you receive your refund will be no sooner than 10 days prior to the start of the semester. It is likely you will be booking your travel and housing arrangements prior to receiving your refund, so be prepared to pay for these expenses in another way, and then receive your refund later.
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Generally, you will be able to use financial aid toward the cost of your global experience program. You need to speak with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Financial Aid Wellness Center (or similar office on your campus) to verify how much of your aid will be applicable to the program.
The cost depends on the program you choose. For Panther Programs, the program fee typically includes tuition, housing, travel insurance, and some course-related excursions. Inclusions may vary; please visit the program brochure page for pricing details. Inclusions for Pitt-Recognized programs vary by provider; please visit the provider’s website for pricing information. You will not be responsible for paying Pitt tuition in addition to the provider’s tuition. For Exchange Programs, you are responsible for paying normal Pitt tuition and fees directly to the University of Pittsburgh. Other fees and pricing details vary by program; please visit the program brochure page for details.
Yes. See our Scholarships page for a list of available scholarships and applications. Keep in mind that scholarships for global experiences are competitive and will not cover the entire cost of the program. You should make alternate plans for paying for your program in case you are not awarded a scholarship.
Generally, you will be able to use your scholarship toward the cost of your global experience program. You need to speak with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Financial Aid Wellness Center (or similar office on your campus) to verify how much of your scholarship will be applicable to the program.
It is your responsibility to determine what vaccines you may or may not need based on where you will be studying and traveling. Keep in mind that some countries may even require proof of vaccination before allowing entry or issuing visas. Most of our providers require full vaccination of the Covid-19 vaccine, medical exemptions may not carry over to other countries.
The Global Experience Office cannot give you advice on vaccines, so you must check with the Centers for Disease Control, Allegheny County Health Department (or your home county’s health department), or your family doctor.
Your program manager, host university, or program provider will give you specific information on booking flights after you have been accepted to the program. You should not book flights before then.
We’ve all been a "first time traveler," so we’ve put together a guide to help you get ready for your first trip abroad. From airports and baggage to money and cell phones, find everything you need to know in the link below. If you would like to attend a live presentation, sign up below. Still have questions? Get in touch with your program manager or advisor.
Packing for a global experience program can be daunting. Check out our First Time Traveler’s page for more information.
As a Pitt student participating in a global experience, you are required to maintain international health insurance, which must include: Health, accident, and hospitalization coverage Medical evacuation coverage Repatriation of remains coverage Students who are participating on approved programs and who follow Pitt Global Experience procedures are covered under the University's International SOS Policy. For more information, contact globalexperiences@pitt.edu.
It is your responsibility to determine what vaccines you may or may not need based on where you will be studying and traveling. Keep in mind that some countries may even require proof of vaccination before allowing entry or issuing visas. Most of our providers require full vaccination of the Covid-19 vaccine, medical exemptions may not carry over to other countries.
The Global Experience Office cannot give you advice on vaccines, so you must check with the Centers for Disease Control, Allegheny County Health Department (or your home county’s health department), or your family doctor.
You should speak with your doctor or health care provider and insurance company as soon as possible. Given that many medications available in the U.S. are not available overseas or only available in different dosages, you should plan on taking a sufficient medication supply to last you the entire duration of your program.
The US Department of State maintains a comprehensive list of travel alerts and warnings for American citizens overseas. The Global Experiences Office has different policies for undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty traveling to countries with active travel warnings. Email us at globalexperiences@pitt.edu for more information.
Yes. Remember that personal travel must not conflict with classes, internships, and mandatory excursions. Travel or travel-related delays are never an acceptable reason for missing part of your program.
Your program manager, host university, or program provider will give you specific information on booking flights after you have been accepted to the program. You should not book flights before then.
The US Department of State maintains a comprehensive list of travel alerts and warnings for American citizens overseas. The Global Experiences Office has different policies for undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty traveling to countries with active travel warnings. Email us at globalexperiences@pitt.edu for more information.
If you are planning on living in on-campus housing, you should speak with Panther Central at 412-648-1100 or check the website for more information at https://www.pc.pitt.edu/housing-services. If you are planning on living off-campus, you can either sign a lease before you leave or find a sublet. The Office of Off-Campus Living (www.ocl.pitt.edu) maintains a list of available sublets in and around Oakland.