What are the eligibility requirements for study abroad?

Study Abroad is available to all qualified Whittier students – but do understand that it is a competitive application process. Study abroad is a privilege, rather than a right. The application process provides the opportunity for you to present a compelling and persuasive case.

• Students from all majors are eligible to study abroad.

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. If your GPA is slightly below a 3.0 you may still apply, but you will need to specifically address your GPAin your application essay and have an excellent letter recommendation.

• Fully enrolled Whittier College students may study abroad during their junior year or first semester senior year. While each program has its own admissions criteria, generally programs are looking for students who will be at the Junior level and are serious about studying abroad to enrich their academic and personal development. London School of Economics: London, England

• Students on academic or social probation during the semester of application are ineligible to apply for Study Abroad. Once off academic or social probation, you may apply but will need to include a letter of explanation regarding the probation as part of the Whittier Application.

Can I attend a program not on the affiliated list?

Martina Miles & Ellen Anderson (SIT):
Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Fall 2007)

Students are strongly encouraged to find a program that fits their needs on the affiliated list.
The Office of International Programs has taken great effort to ensure that students can select from a variety of curricular emphases, language requirements, locations, and calendars that also meet Whittier’s academic standards and policies,

Occasionally a different program may be more beneficial for a specific student. In such cases, you may petition for approval to apply to a non-affiliated program. You must provide ample reasons for why the non-affiliated program would be a better fit for your goals. Along with the petition, your academic preparation, and the degree to which the program meets Whittier’s standards and policies will be considered. Petition approval allows you to submit a Whittier Study Abroad Application. It does not guarantee acceptance by the program.

The deadline for petitioning is September 13 for the Spring 2008 semester, and February 14 for the Fall 2008 semester. Petition forms are available in
Platner 104.

Do I need to know a foreign language to study abroad?
While previous study of the language greatly assists students in adapting to the host country and allows for further cultural immersion, it is optional. However, language-based programs may require one or two years of language coursework at the college level or equivalent. Furthermore, some may ask for Whittier students to submit a language evaluation as part of the application. But please note: All students studying in a foreign language speaking country are required to take a course in that language while abroad.

What if I’m in the Whittier Scholars Program?

Since studying abroad is one of the options of the Whittier Scholars Program (WSP) off-campus requirement, you may consider studying abroad to see if this will fit into your proposed Educational Design. Approval for the specific semester should be secured early during your Educational Design process to ensure that all WSP requirements can be completed. For further information, contact Christina Moreno (mmoreno1@whittier.edu) in the WSP office.

Are there summer and Jan Term program options?

Deoborah Norden’s Janterm to Chile & Argentina (2006)


Many affiliated programs also have summer and Jan term opportunities. This option may be the best if you cannot fit a semester away in your academic schedule, or if you are not approved to study abroad during the academic school year. You are welcome to visit the Office of International Programs to acquire more information. If you choose to study abroad during a Jan Term or during the summer, you are not required to apply through the College as you would for an academic semester. You still should notify the Office of your plans. You are responsible for obtaining the necessary approval directly from the Registrar’s Office, which must be done prior to the start of the program to ensure credit transfer. Financial aid is not available through Whittier for summer or Jan Term study and students must pay all program fees directly.

Can I do an internship abroad for credit?
Several programs have internships as part of regular coursework during the semester. Internship programs typically involve taking 2-4 courses at a university and real-world experience three days a week. Examples of past Whittier student internships: assisting a British Member of Parliament, working at an advertising agency, and working at a commodities brokerage house. If you are considering an internship, be aware that you might not be able to travel and pursue personal activities as much due to your commitment to the internship site.

Can I study abroad for more than one semester?
Approval for Study Abroad is very competitive. Applications to study abroad for a full academic year or two different semesters will be considered by the Study Abroad Committee only if there are exceptional academic reasons for a second semester of overseas study. There will be, at most, three slots per year for full-year students. However, it is up to the committee’s discretion whether or not they wish to grant students any of those spots. Furthermore, if you study abroad for a year, you will only be eligible to use your Whittier College merit/grant aid the first semester. The second semester, all federal and state aid will still be applicable, but Whittier College merit/grant aid cannot be applied to the second term.


What tips are there for choosing a program and making the final decision?

In choosing a program, you need to consider the type of experience you are seeking such as the level of cultural immersion, language acquisition, academic programs, etc. It is best to consider several options in order to find one that truly fits. While it may be fun to travel with a group of your friends, their choice of program may not be the best match for you. Other key things to consider are the location, the university size, housing arrangements and travel opportunities.
• Consider what type of subjects you would like to study and course availability.
• Think about what type of experience you are expecting:
• cultural immersion, internship, language acquisition, fieldwork, academic specialization.
• Geographically, what works best for you? Big city, small town, climate, ease of travel …
• Understand housing options as they vary from program to program.
• Seek out students or faculty who have participated in the program.
• Find out when a program representative will be on campus – ask questions about the program’s philosophy, services, fieldtrips, housing..
• Develop your knowledge of the host country – culture, history, economy, politics, health conditions, etc.
• Read travel and tourist books (a small selection is available in the Office of International Program’s Library).