Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! In fact, many of our programs offer engineering courses approved by Swanson Academic Advisors to count toward degree requirements. The SSOE Global Experiences and Engagement Office offers advising and program management services for engineering students. Please stop by 152 Benedum Hall or contact their office at 412-624-5942.
Yes! We offer global experience programs specifically designed for you, and you can also attend any of our other programs. We recommend you meet with your academic advisor as early as possible since they can help you choose the right program and the best time for you to go.
Yes! You can attend any of our programs but we recommend you meet with your academic advisor as early as possible since they can help you choose the right program and the best time for you to go.
Yes! You should be aware that there may be additional visa requirements. You should speak to your global experience advisor before choosing a program.
If you are a US citizen without a valid passport, visit the Department of State’s website to get your application started. Part of the application process requires you to visit a passport processing center, so we’ve included a link to our preferred centers below. Here are two critical things to know: US passport applications can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to process. Getting your passport needs to be one of the first things you do. If you already have a passport, please check to be sure that it is valid for the time period you will be abroad. The Global Experiences Office (and most foreign governments) requires that your passport be valid for at least six months after you plan on leaving your host country. Note: If your last passport was issued before the age of 16, please see this website for additional information https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/16-17.html .
Here are two critical things to know: US passport applications can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to process. Getting your passport needs to be one of the first things you do. The Global Experiences Office strongly recommends you already have a valid passport or have completed your passport application/renewal before the global experience application deadline. If you already have a passport, please check to be sure that it is valid for the time period you will be abroad. The Global Experiences Office (and most foreign governments) requires that your passport be valid for at least six months after you plan on leaving your host country. If you are a US citizen without a valid passport, visit the Department of State’s website to get your application started before you begin your global experience application. Part of the application process requires you to visit a passport processing center, so we’ve included a link to our preferred centers below. Non-US citizens are welcome to participate in a global experience and also need a valid passport from their country of citizenship. Be sure to let your program manager or advisor know as soon as possible if you are not a US citizen, as this may impact your visa situation. Please see Real ID tab for domestic and US territory requirements.
A visa is a document that grants you legal approval to enter or travel through a country. Your global experience advisor or program provider will let you know if you need a visa and will provide you with the necessary instructions when the time comes.
If your program provider has a due date that is before your will receive your financial aid refund, contact your program provider and request their version of a due date deferral form. Most providers have a form that you can complete that states that you will be receiving financial aid, but you won’t receive it until a date later than the due date. There is typically a student section and a financial aid administrator section to be completed. The provider may provide a due date extension for some or all of the amount owed until you receive your refund.
The timing of Financial Aid for global experiences will be based on the Pitt academic calendar and the semesters that you are enrolled in and receiving credits for. It is possible that the aid you are receiving may disburse to PittPay prior to your Study Abroad program starting. The aid can still be used for the program costs.
If you are eligible for the Fall and/or Spring terms you do not have to complete any forms. If you are eligible during the Summer term, you would complete a Summer Aid Request via docusign from the Financial Aid website - Financial Aid Forms - Financial Aid | University of Pittsburgh
Yes. The financial aid will pay the charges listed on PittPay and any global experience fees first (if it has not been paid out of pocket prior to the aid being disbursed). Pitt Recognized programs only post the global experiences fee. After the financial aid is disbursed, if you receive a refund, you may use it to pay any additional expenses associated with your global experience. Remember that the timing of when you receive your refund will be no sooner than 10 days prior to the start of the semester. It is likely you will be booking your travel and housing arrangements prior to receiving your refund, so be prepared to pay for these expenses in another way, and then receive your refund later.
Generally, you will be able to use financial aid toward the cost of your global experience program. You need to speak with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Financial Aid Wellness Center (or similar office on your campus) to verify how much of your aid will be applicable to the program.
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The cost depends on the program you choose. For Panther Programs, the program fee typically includes tuition, housing, travel insurance, and some course-related excursions. Inclusions may vary; please visit the program brochure page for pricing details. Inclusions for Pitt-Recognized programs vary by provider; please visit the provider’s website for pricing information. You will not be responsible for paying Pitt tuition in addition to the provider’s tuition. For Exchange Programs, you are responsible for paying normal Pitt tuition and fees directly to the University of Pittsburgh. Other fees and pricing details vary by program; please visit the program brochure page for details.
Charges for Panther, Partner, Exchange or Study Away Programs are posted to your student account in PittPAY and are due according to the standard Due Date Schedule. If you expect to aid disbursements that will create a credit balance on your student account, BE SURE you sign up for eRefunds in PittPAY so you get your money in 2-3 business days. Without eRefunds, you will have to wait 10-14 days for a paper check mailed to your home address.
Yes. See our Scholarships page for a list of available scholarships and applications. Keep in mind that scholarships for global experiences are competitive and will not cover the entire cost of the program. You should make alternate plans for paying for your program in case you are not awarded a scholarship.
Beyond the Global Experience Fee, you will not pay anything to the University of Pittsburgh if you participate in a Pitt-Recognized Program with the global experiences office. Your program provider will bill you directly.
- Financial Aid will be disbursed through PittPay just like a standard, on-campus semester. In order for financial aid to disburse, you must be enrolled in credits and meeting the requirements for each individual award you wish to use.
- For Panther Programs, you will be billed for all charges on PittPay. Your financial aid will disburse and pay towards those charges. If your financial aid exceeds what you owe the University, the overpayment will be refunded to you via PittPay eRefunds.
- For Pitt Recognized Programs, you will be billed for all charges by your third party program provider. Once you are enrolled for credits, you will be billed on PittPay for a Global Experience fee. Your financial aid will disburse and pay off this fee first. Any additional aid that exceeds what you owe Pitt will be refunded to you via PittPay eRefunds. You should use this refund to pay your program provider.
- We encourage all students to enroll a bank account number through PittPay eRefunds so that your refund can be deposited directly into your bank account. If you do not register a bank account on PittPay, a check will be mailed to your address of record. Especially while traveling around the world, a mailed check will significantly delay your ability to access your refund.
Generally, you will be able to use your scholarship toward the cost of your global experience program. You need to speak with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Financial Aid Wellness Center (or similar office on your campus) to verify how much of your scholarship will be applicable to the program.
- To use your university awarded merit scholarship, you must be enrolled full time (12 or more credits for an undergraduate), meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress, and have term of usage remaining. You may receive a scholarship for a maximum of 8 terms and the Study Abroad usage will count towards the 8 terms.
- Other scholarships may be usable on study abroad but could vary by the department that awarded you the scholarship. We recommend contacting the area that notified you of the award to verify your eligibility for specific scholarships.
- Scholarships awarded by the Global Experience Office for the purpose of study abroad can be used during your program.