Pitzer College Study Abroad Application - Visitor Instructions Applicants from Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Occidental, Pomona, Scripps
Due Dates for Visiting Students Fall programs March 15 Full year programs March 15 Spring Ecuador program September 15 Other spring programs October 15 Notification of Acceptance Students who meet the application deadline will be notified of acceptance by early April for fall and full year programs and early November for spring programs. Applications incomplete by the deadline will result in delayed notification. If a program has not filled by the due date, we may consider late applications.
APPLICATION Students from Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Occidental College, Pomona College and Scripps College must submit an application to their home college and observe all deadlines and requirements imposed by their home college. Your study abroad office will send a copy of your application to Pitzer College.
Student application forms must be typed (no handwritten applications please) using the forms provided. Mail, or scan and email your application from your official school email account to [email protected]. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that all deadlines are met and supplementary materials are submitted. Items listed below are required before an application will be reviewed. Keep copies of all application materials for your records.
HOME INSTITUTION STUDY ABROAD APPLICATION Provide a copy of the entire completed application you submitted to Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Occidental, Pomona, or Scripps. Include references and language evaluations, if applicable.
STUDENT INFORMATION You must have a current passport for participation on any program outside of the US. Some countries require your passport be valid for six months after your expected date of return to the US. Some programs require a valid passport be submitted with the visa application several weeks prior to the program start date. Indicate ‘applying’ or ‘renewing’ in the space that asks for your passport number if you do not currently have the passport you will be using to study abroad. Apply for a passport or renew if necessary now. Students will be required to submit a copy of their passport information page by the date indicated in their acceptance letter. Information on obtaining a US passport is available at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Read this carefully and sign twice.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to apply.
ESSAYS Essays are limited to the space and font size provide on each essay page. Your essay should be long enough to demonstrate you have given the subject due consideration.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT It is the applicant’s responsibility to request that an official transcript (student copies are not acceptable) be sent to Pitzer College before the application due date.
COSTS Please read this, discuss it with whoever pays your college expenses, ask questions if you don’t understand something, and keep it with copies of your study abroad forms.
AIRFARE POLICY Please read this and keep it with copies of your study abroad forms.
VISA INFORMATION Please read this, visit the appropriate consulate website to determine costs and processing logistics, and keep this information with copies of your study abroad forms. Do not schedule travel that conflicts with the visa process. Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall, Suite Q100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]
Pitzer College Study Abroad Application - Visitor Costs
Please carefully read this information on fees you are likely to incur in conjunction with study abroad. It is your responsibility to understand and consider this information before choosing a study abroad program. Early in the application process, discuss this information with your parents or guardians, the Office of Financial Aid, and other parties responsible for paying your tuition and fees. Please contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Programs if you have questions.
Payment of the Pitzer College study abroad comprehensive fee for visiting students covers program tuition, standard room and board, round trip airfare (see Airline Policy below), and the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) that provides emergency travel insurance. Please contact the Office of Study Abroad for the current fee.
The items below are NOT COVERED in the fees paid to Pitzer College and should be considered in your budget planning.
Passport and student visa fees Photos required for applications and visa Cost of required immunizations Cost of the medical exam required prior to participation Comprehensive medical insurance coverage (required) Additional costs for airfare (see Airfare Policy below). Cost of housing and meals before or after the program or during school breaks (e.g. breaks between terms or semesters, spring break) Refundable room deposit 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 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, cell charges, laundry charges, etc.) 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 the US. The exchange rate should be considered when planning your budget.
AIRFARE POLICY
All students are REQUIRED to work directly with the travel agent designated by Pitzer College to finalize their tickets by the date indicated in their acceptance letters. Tickets purchased through other travel agencies will NOT be reimbursed or credited to your student account. Frequent flier miles may NOT be used to book flights.
The maximum airfare Pitzer College will pay is based upon the cost of a round trip ticket from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York, or Chicago (whichever is closest to your college) or an equivalent priced airport to and from an international airport near the program site for the exact dates of the program. The travel agent will bill Pitzer for the approved ticket. No refund or credit is given if the ticket costs less than the maximum. Students will pay the travel agent directly for the additional costs of an itinerary that is more expensive than the approved flight.
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 Open return tickets - these are discouraged and may not be possible due to visa requirements Extra luggage charges - airlines may change luggage restrictions without notice. 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.
Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall, Suite Q100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]
Pitzer College Study Abroad Application Passport and Visa
Passport You must have a current passport for participation on any program outside of the US. Your passport must be valid for six months after your expected date of return to the US. Many countries require the passport you will use to study abroad be submitted with the visa application several weeks prior to the program start date. It can take four to six weeks to obtain a US passport. You should apply for a passport (or renew if necessary) now. You will be required to submit a copy of your passport information page by the date indicated in your acceptance letter. Information on obtaining a US passport is available at the following website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Visas Most countries require that you obtain a student visa. In many cases Pitzer College and if necessary the exchange program institution will provide the sponsor letter(s) you will need before you apply for your student visa. It is your responsibility to understand the process for obtaining a student visa for your selected destination. Although the study abroad staff can provide some guidance with this process, no one at Pitzer has control over the timing or requirements of the visa process.
If your program requires a student visa, these are the typical challenges that you may face.
You must have a passport before you can apply for a student visa.
For most countries if you are a US citizen you must be in the United States to obtain the student visa. This may cause a conflict if you are applying for more than one destination for a yearlong experience. You need to research the visa process for each destination to be sure there is time to obtain a visa between the two programs’ ending and starting dates.
Countries along your travel route may require a visa if you will be in the country for more than a designated period of time (sometimes hours). Check before you fly.
The student visa process can take as long as 90 days or as little as a few days. You should find out now about the length of time required for your visa and plan accordingly. You cannot travel out of the country during the visa process because the consulate will retain your passport during the visa process. Before you make plans to travel outside of the country in the summer or winter break before your program, check the logistics of the visa process. It may mean that you will have to choose between your travel plans and your semester of study abroad. There are cases where both are not possible.
These are the questions you should research about each of the programs you are planning to attend: · Do you need a student visa for your program? · What is the process to obtain a student visa? What documents are required? · How long does it take to get the visa once the application is submitted? · Do you have to appear in person at the consulate to obtain your visa? · Do you need to make an appointment? If so how far in advance? · Do you have to be in the US to get your visa, or is it possible to apply while overseas? In most cases, the answer to the latter is “No.” · If you hold a passport from another country, what is the process for citizens of that country to obtain a student visa? · How much does the visa cost?
Please note that the visa process can change without notice.
Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall, Suite Q100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]
Pitzer College Study Abroad Application - Visitor Student Information
Name ______First Last Name you prefer to be called
Gender pronouns ______
Current class standing ______Planned graduation date ______mm yy
Contact Information at School
______School ID School box number Home school
______School mailing address
______Mobile phone Telephone School email
Permanent Contact Information An address other than your campus address where you can always be contacted or receive mail.
______Street address City State Zip Code
______Phone Alternate email if different from your school email
PROGRAM CHOICE ______Are you flexible in your semester choice? _____ semester & year
Provide your reasons for choosing the semester and year listed.
______
Approximate program dates ______to ______
ALTERNATE CHOICE ______Are you flexible in your semester choice? _____ semester & year
Approximate program dates ______to ______
Note: Pitzer requires that you attend the entire program to receive full credit. If you are cannot attend the entire program you should choose another. Some programs may be unable to provide exact program dates until close to the program start. If that is the case with your program, you must be able to be flexible.
Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall, Suite Q100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]
Pitzer College Study Abroad Application - Visitor Student Information (page 2)
Name ______
Date of Birth ______Place of Birth ______mm dd yy City State Country
Passport ______Expiration Date ______Number Citizenship mm dd yy
Passport Name ______Your name exactly as it appears on the passport you will use to study abroad
If you do not have a passport or it has expired indicate ‘applying’ or ‘renewing’ in the space for passport number above.
Parent/Guardian 1 Contact Information Name ______
______Mailing address (if different from student’s permanent address) City State Zip Code
______Home phone Mobile phone Work phone
Email ______
In the event of an emergency, should this person be contacted? ______
Parent/Guardian 2 Contact Information Name ______
______Mailing address (if different from student’s permanent address) City State Zip Code
______Home phone Mobile phone Work phone
Email ______
In the event of an emergency, should this person be contacted? ______
Other Emergency Contact Information - complete this section only if you selected 'no' for both people listed above or if you have a step-parent, spouse or any other person who should be contacted in the event of an emergency.
Name ______Relationship to you ______
______Mailing address (if different from student’s permanent address) City State Zip Code
______Home phone Mobile phone Work phone
Email ______
Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall, Suite Q100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]
Pitzer College Study Abroad Application - Visitor Information Waiver & Consent
Information Distribution Waiver Please enter yes or no each statement. If not indicated, permission to release this information will be assumed.
1. Pitzer College may distribute my email address and phone number to other program participants before the program.
_____
2. Pitzer College may release information related to my participation on this program to my parent(s) or guardian(s).
_____
3. After completing the program, Pitzer College may distribute my email address or phone number to prospective students who wish to speak to program returnees for additional program details.
_____
4. Pitzer College may use my written materials from the field book, the directed independent study project (DISP) and the program evaluation for educational development purposes.
_____
Signature ______Date ______
Student Consent I hereby make application to the program listed on this form, and I do so with the understanding that should I accept an offer of admission; I will agree to accept and abide by the regulations of the sponsoring institution(s). I understand that photographs may be taken during program participation and may be used in future publications. I agree to participate fully in the orientation, all program components and evaluation process, and will observe deadlines for submission of all required materials. Pitzer College may release information related to my participation on this program to officials from my home institution (e.g. financial aid officers, study abroad staff, faculty advisors, Student Affairs Office, etc.).
I understand that I am required to request that an official transcript be sent from the registrar of my home college or university to Pitzer College and that a copy of my transcript and other application materials may be submitted to the program director.
Name ______Date ______
Signature ______Signed in (city) ______
Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall, Suite 100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]
Pitzer College Study Abroad Application - Visitor Academic Information
Name ______
Planned Major(s) ______Minor ______
Program Eligibility and Prerequisites
Program ______
Is there a language prerequisite? _____ If yes, the program requires _____ completed semesters of ______. language
What are the other program prerequisites (specific courses, area studies course, etc.)?
______
Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to apply.
Do you currently meet all requirements? _____ If not, how do you plan to qualify prior to participation?
Language Skills
List any languages in which you consider yourself a native speaker ______
List any languages you studied in high school and the number of years you studied them
______
List all languages completed for college credit
Language ______courses completed (indicate level, course number, semester, and year)
______
Language ______courses completed (indicate level, course number, semester, and year)
______
Language coursework currently in progress
______
What other language courses will you take prior to participation in this program (including summer courses)?
______
Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall, Suite 100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]
Pitzer College Study Abroad Application - Visitor Essays
Name ______
Program ______
Respond to each of the following questions using this form. Be sure to address all parts of each question. Essays that fail to respond fully or with numerous spelling and grammar mistakes will lower the competitiveness of the application. The MAXIMUM length for each essay is what will fit in the space provided. No hand-written responses please.
1. Describe in detail the structure of the program you have chosen. Given this structure, what are your strategies for engaging members of the host culture and maximizing the learning that comes from such engagement?
Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall Suite Q100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]
Pitzer College Study Abroad Application - Visitor Essays
Name ______
Program ______
2. Explain how your proposed study abroad experience will fit into your overall educational plan. Consider your proposed major and your school's educational objectives in your response. What courses have you taken or will you take to familiarize yourself with the region and issues that are important in the host culture? In what other ways have you begun to prepare or do you plan to prepare?
Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall Suite Q100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]
Pitzer College Study Abroad Application - Visitor Essays
Name ______
3. Describe an intercultural experience you have had in which you had to adapt to unfamiliar people, customs, foods, environments, etc. What did you learn from this experience and how might you apply what you learned to your study abroad experience?
Pitzer College Office of Study Abroad and International Programs West Hall Suite Q100, 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909.621.8104 Email [email protected]