The Application Process

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

·         Pick up in Platner 205

     2.     Unofficial Advising Transcript

·         From either Registrar’s Office or from mywhittier.edu

     3.     Personal Statement:

·         In approximately 3 pages, explain why you are choosing this specific program and how it relates to your personal and chosen educational goals.  How do you hope to incorporate this experience into your academic, career, or life plans?  Feel free to be specific and include examples of classes you hope to take, volunteer opportunities through the program, etc.

                      4.     Letter of recommendation from a faculty member

·         Please hand in corresponding form to faculty member guidelines for the letter.                                                                                                                        

                                             Arcadia: Aberdeen, Scotland         

      You may obtain a Whittier College Application Form during your advising appointment with the Director, Katie Hunter.  In addition to the Application Form, you will also need to submit an unofficial transcript and your Personal Statement. 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 pertaining to study abroad. Depending on your choice of program,    

      successful completion of foreign language pre-requisites will be important.            IES: Freiberg, Germany

• 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.

   Arcadia: Rome, Italy

*Please note, however, both Whittier College and your program provider reserve the right to rescind the offer of acceptance should you fail to maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required for acceptance to the program, should your behavioral conduct warrant such an action, or should it be deemed unhealthy or unsafe for you to study abroad.

What is the Affiliated Program Application like?

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
• An official Whittier College student transcript (available for $5; request at the Registrar’s Office)
• Several passport-size photographs (number varies by program)
 

    Arcadia:Barcelona, Spain

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?



FIRST –Whittier Study Abroad Application Deadlines:

• September 23 for study abroad Spring 2010
• February 24 for study abroad Fall 2010

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 Spring 2010
• March 15 for studying abroad Fall 2010

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.

     DIS: Copenhagen, Denmark

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.
 

*Please note, however, both Whittier College and your program provider reserve the right to rescind the offer of acceptance should you fail to maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required for acceptance to the program, should your behavioral conduct warrant such an action, or should it be deemed unhealthy or unsafe for you to study abroad.

                                                                                                                    IES: New Delhi, India