“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep
and permanent, in the ideas of living”—Miriam Beard

Sara Price (SITA): Maduri, India
(Fall 2006)

Welcome to the Whittier College Office of International Programs, your first step toward discovering your possibilities of a study abroad experience!

Have you ever thought about studying abroad in another country, but were not sure if courses and credits could transfer and count toward your major or graduation from Whittier College? Have you wanted to learn another language or live in another country and learn about a culture different than your own? Do you like to travel and desire to complement your Whittier College liberal education experience? If any of these questions seem intriguing to you, then you ought to consider participating in a foreign study program for at least a semester, or if your schedule/curriculum allows, one academic year.

Whittier College has sponsored international study programs for over 45 years. The opportunities to study abroad are a significant aspect of the college’s educational mission – which recognizes the importance of global and multi-cultural awareness as we enter the new millennium, especially given Whittier’s Pacific Rim location and diverse student population.

We encourage you to meet with the Whittier College International Program advisors and to read through our website so that you can check out the programs and their requirements that may be of interest to you.

Why should you consider a study abroad program?

By studying abroad, students enhance their education through exposure to different points of view and, in turn, improve their critical thinking skills. They gain firsthand linguistic, geographical and historical knowledge.

Students who participate in Study Abroad acquire a stronger sense of self and become more independent. Looking back on their semester abroad, some participants sum it up by saying, “I grew up!” Many also discover and define what their priorities are in life.

But study abroad does more than promote academic enrichment and personal growth. Employers increasingly seek graduates who have studied abroad. They know that students who have successfully completed a study abroad program are likely to possess international knowledge and often second-language skills.

Where does the Office of International Programs fit in?

Eric Ainsworth, Sam Bremen, Trey Astbury (DIS): Copenhagen (Fall 2006)

The primary mission of the Office of International Programs is to facilitate study abroad for full-time Whittier College students at high-quality academic programs in countries other than the United States. Although Whittier College does not run its own semester programs abroad, it is affiliated with a number of well respected schools and organizations (called “Program Providers”) that organize quality programs in over 25 countries.

The Office provides orientation and institutional assistance for students participating in study abroad programs prior to departure, while abroad, and upon their return to the college. This support includes assisting with the selection of study abroad programs and courses abroad, providing information about traveling abroad, advising about financial matters, offering help in the registration process for returning students, and holding debriefing sessions after the student’s return to the college.

The Office provides students with a number of resources to help them prepare for their semester abroad. The Office can provide catalogs and booklets containing information about the international study programs, direct students to relevant websites, and arrange meetings with prior study abroad participants.

It is important to note that, while the Office provides guidance as to which programs may be best suited for a student’s academic and personal needs, it is ultimately up to the student to research the programs in detail to determine the best fit.

*Note: The information provided on this website was made possible by the Offices of Study Abroad at Occidental College, Redlands University, and Chapman University.