How do I apply for study abroad?

Applying to study abroad is a two-step process. Before you can apply to your program of choice, you must first apply through Whittier and be accepted by the college. The Whittier Applications goes before a faculty committee which reviews each application and decides which are approved. Accepted students can then apply to the Affiliated Program. Please note though that acceptance by the College does not guarantee Affiliated Program acceptance.

What does the Whittier Application consist of?

1. Application Form
2. Unofficial transcript (available at mywhittier)
3. Letter of Recommendation
4. Personal Statement

Andrew Guss (Arcadia):
Aberdeen, Scotland (Spring 2006)

You may obtain a Whittier College Application Form during your advising appointment with the Assistant Director, Katie Hunter. In addition to the Application Form, you will also need to submit an unofficial transcript and your Personal Statement. This is a well planned and well written essay, 2-3 page essay that describes the reasons behind your specific program selection (i.e. relevancy to major, professional goals, improve language proficiency, develop cultural understanding). You will need a letter of recommendation from a professor (it may be, but doesn’t have to be your advisor) that backs up your reasoning for study abroad as articulated in the personal statement.

What is the Whittier Application Review Process like?

The faculty-based Study Abroad Committee takes a number of things into account when reviewing applications. Among the many criteria that are considered, here are several that stand out:

• Appropriateness of the selected program/country - demonstrated through your personal statement and letter of recommendation.

• In addition to demonstrating a certain depth of understanding about a particular country/culture in which you wish to study, successful essays make the connection between your academic studies here at Whittier and the proposed academic program abroad.

• Persuasive letters of recommendation tend to provide specific examples of your preparation for the proposed program. Besides comments that demonstrate an acquaintance with your academic work, the letter may also include a brief assessment of your maturity and ability to work independently and/or as part of a program.
• Academic preparation is evidenced by your transcript. It is expected that you meet or exceed all prerequisites for the proposed program abroad. Appropriate academic preparation may be demonstrated through the successful completion of courses in your major or relevant subjects
Steve Bergman (IES): pertaining to study abroad. Depending on your choice of program,
Freiberg, Germany (Fall 2007) successful completion of foreign language prerequisites will be important.

• Your GPA (minimum of 3.0). As noted above, if your GPA is slightly lower than a 3.0, you will need to specifically address that issue in your essay.

• In addition, your disciplinary record will be accessed and considered as part of the review process.

Once the committee has made their decisions, you will be notified of their decision within 10 days. You may be “accepted,” “wait-listed” or “denied.”

• If you are denied, you are encouraged to apply again for summer, Jan Term, or another semester.

• If you are wait-listed, you are encouraged to fill out the Affiliated Program application, in case a spot opens up. But please keep in mind that you are not guaranteed a spot. If you are denied, you are encouraged to apply again.

• If you are accepted, you need to immediately prepare your Affiliated Program Application and turn all completed materials in to the Office of International Programs before the Affiliated Program Provider’s application deadline.

What is the Affiliated Program Application like?

Abraham Rocha (SBC): Tours, France (Fall 2007)

As soon as you are notified that your Whittier Application has been “accepted,” you need to immediately prepare your Affiliated Program Application – this is the one that will be sent to your selected Study Abroad Program Provider. An application will usually include the following:
• The Program’s Application form
• A personal essay regarding interest in the program of choice
• One letter of recommendation from a member of the faculty
• A Study Abroad Advisor form
• A course selection form
• A language evaluation (if studying a foreign language)
• A nonrefundable application fee paid by the student (amount varies)
• A student health form Abraham Rocha (SBC-JYF): Villandry, France (Fall 2007)
• An official Whittier College student transcript (available for $5; request at the Registrar’s Office)
• Several passport-size photographs (number varies by program)

The Program normally notifies you of acceptance 3-4 weeks after the application has been received. Upon acceptance, the Program will request a deposit, which the Office of International Programs will pay on your behalf after your have confirmed your intent to participate on the Program. These deposits are non-refundable and if you later decide not to go, you will be responsible for reimbursing the Whittier College for the amount of the deposit. Payment of the deposit secures your place with the Program.
Once the deposit has been paid, the program will send you additional information about such matters as class options, air travel, obtaining a visa, housing, a health statement, insurance, and information about the host city and institution.

When are the various application deadlines?

Alison Bilroth-Maclurg (DIS): Stockholm, Sweden (Fall 2005-Spring 2006)



FIRST –Whittier Study Abroad Application Deadlines:
• September 21 for study abroad during Spring semester 2008
• February 22 for study abroad during Fall semester 2008

Note: If the Whittier Application is not submitted on time, it will not be considered by the committee, and therefore you will be ineligible for study abroad.
SECOND –Affiliated Program Application Deadlines:
• October 15 for studying abroad during Spring semester 2008
• March 15 for studying abroad during Fall semester 2008

Note: Accepted students must complete and return the application for their specific program to the Office of International Programs prior to the deadline date. Applications received after this date, regardless of the program due date will not be accepted and the student’s spot will got to a student on the wait-list.
Note: If you are applying for a program that has due dates prior to October or March 15, you will be allowed to submit the Program Application before the committee reaches its decisions - with the understanding that should you not be accepted by Whittier to study abroad, you will be reimbursed the price of the application fee.