Frequently Asked Questions
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.
We recommend using PittFund$Me to search and apply for all scholarship opportunities, including those for Global Experience programs.
Yes if all eligibility criteria are met. The eligible Pitt-employed parent needs verify the charges/costs and usage through Pitt’s Human Resource Benefits office.
- Yes. To use Federal Financial Aid such as Federal Pell Grants, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, or a Parent Plus loan, you must be enrolled at least half time (6 or more credits for an undergraduate, 4.5 or more credits for a graduate)
- The Study Abroad program must also include credits of enrollment leading towards your degree. This means that you cannot have graduated or completed the requirements for your major program.
- Students must also meet the University’s standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain financial aid eligible.
- If you are enrolled less than half time, you may apply for a Private loan. Individual lenders may approve loans based on less than half time status. We recommend reviewing potential lenders on Fast Choice, an online service that allows students to compare and research private lenders. The University of Pittsburgh does not endorse or recommend any specific private lender.
- Here are some helpful links from the Financial Aid Office:
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.
Financial Aid consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and work study. Only work study cannot be used while studying abroad. Scholarships, grants, and loans can potentially be used provided that you meet the eligibility requirements for each particular award that you receive.
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.
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It is your responsibility to determine what vaccines you may or may not need based on where you will be studying and traveling. Keep in mind that some countries may even require proof of vaccination before allowing entry or issuing visas. Most of our providers require full vaccination of the Covid-19 vaccine, medical exemptions may not carry over to other countries.
The Global Experience Office cannot give you advice on vaccines, so you must check with the Centers for Disease Control, Allegheny County Health Department (or your home county’s health department), or your family doctor.
Your program manager, host university, or program provider will give you specific information on booking flights after you have been accepted to the program. You should not book flights before then.
We’ve all been a "first time traveler," so we’ve put together a guide to help you get ready for your first trip abroad. From airports and baggage to money and cell phones, find everything you need to know in the link below. If you would like to attend a live presentation, sign up below. Still have questions? Get in touch with your program manager or advisor.
Packing for a global experience program can be daunting. Check out our First Time Traveler’s page for more information.
As a Pitt student participating in a global experience, you are required to maintain international health insurance, which must include: Health, accident, and hospitalization coverage Medical evacuation coverage Repatriation of remains coverage Students who are participating on approved programs and who follow Pitt Global Experience procedures are covered under the University's International SOS Policy. For more information, contact globalexperiences@pitt.edu.
It is your responsibility to determine what vaccines you may or may not need based on where you will be studying and traveling. Keep in mind that some countries may even require proof of vaccination before allowing entry or issuing visas. Most of our providers require full vaccination of the Covid-19 vaccine, medical exemptions may not carry over to other countries.
The Global Experience Office cannot give you advice on vaccines, so you must check with the Centers for Disease Control, Allegheny County Health Department (or your home county’s health department), or your family doctor.
You should speak with your doctor or health care provider and insurance company as soon as possible. Given that many medications available in the U.S. are not available overseas or only available in different dosages, you should plan on taking a sufficient medication supply to last you the entire duration of your program.
The US Department of State maintains a comprehensive list of travel alerts and warnings for American citizens overseas. The Global Experiences Office has different policies for undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty traveling to countries with active travel warnings. Email us at globalexperiences@pitt.edu for more information.
Your program manager, host university, or program provider will give you specific information on booking flights after you have been accepted to the program. You should not book flights before then.
The US Department of State maintains a comprehensive list of travel alerts and warnings for American citizens overseas. The Global Experiences Office has different policies for undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty traveling to countries with active travel warnings. Email us at globalexperiences@pitt.edu for more information.
Yes. Remember that personal travel must not conflict with classes, internships, and mandatory excursions. Travel or travel-related delays are never an acceptable reason for missing part of your program.
Yes, our office can provide you with a letter to release you from your housing contract after you return your Global Experience Agreement.