Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend that you begin planning your global experience no later than one full academic year prior to your anticipated departure.  Ideally, you will begin planning to study abroad during your first year of study at the University of Pittsburgh.  The earlier you start, the easier it is to find courses to fit your academic plans. You can best prepare by researching our programs to find the right choice for you, talking to our peer advisors, program managers, and meeting with your academic advisors.

Yes!  You must complete 24 credits on a Pitt campus before you are eligible to participate in a global experience.

Yes!  You should be aware that there may be additional visa requirements.  You should speak to your global experience advisor before choosing a program.

Generally, you can participate in a global experience during your final term.  However, there are a few things to know: You must receive permission from the Dean of your school or college to do so.  This form is available as a part of your global experience application. Your graduation will most likely be delayed by one semester due to the time it takes for our office to receive your grades and/or transcripts.

Yes, but only the semester after you have graduated.  Get in touch with us at globalexperiences@pitt.edu for more information.

While most students study abroad the spring or summer semester of their junior year, you can do so any time after you have completed 24 credits on a Pitt campus. We believe the best time for you to study abroad is whenever you feel ready, whether that be academically, financially, or mentally.

To be eligible to apply for a program, you have to have completed 24 credits on campus, have at least a 2.75 GPA, and a fairly clear judicial record.  That said, there's a lot more that goes into reviewing applications, so we encourage you to read all of our Application Requirements to understand how we'll review your application.

Generally, participating in a global experience does not affect your graduation date as long as you plan carefully and select a program that meets your academics needs. If you plan on participating in a global experience during your final term, you should know that your official graduation will most likely be delayed by one semester due to the time it takes for our office to receive your grades and transcripts.  Get in touch with a member of our staff for more information.

Application deadlines for the academic year may vary on exact dates.  Generally, you can expect programs to follow the time frames below but you'll want to check each program's page to verify the deadline.

We recommend that you begin planning your global experience no later than one full academic year prior to your anticipated departure.  Ideally, you will begin planning to study abroad during your first year of study at the University of Pittsburgh.  The earlier you start, the easier it is to find courses to fit your academic plans. You can best prepare by researching our programs to find the right choice for you, talking to our peer advisors, program managers, and meeting with your academic advisors.

Yes!  Various departments on campus offer global experience programs for graduate students.  You may also be able to participate on a program designed for undergraduate students, with your Dean’s approval.

Yes!  Various departments on campus offer global experience programs for graduate students.  You may also be able to participate on a program designed for undergraduate students, with your Dean’s approval.

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.

Your program manager will register you for global experience credit.  You cannot do this on your own.

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.  

Generally, participating in a global experience does not affect your graduation date as long as you plan carefully and select a program that meets your academics needs. If you plan on participating in a global experience during your final term, you should know that your official graduation will most likely be delayed by one semester due to the time it takes for our office to receive your grades and transcripts.  Get in touch with a member of our staff for more information.

You will be responsible for registering yourself using Self-Service Registration in PeopleSoft, just as if you were on campus.

If you are participating in a global experience for a semester, you must be enrolled in and complete 12-15 credits.  Summer and spring break programs have a set number of credits that you can earn. Before deciding on a program, you need to speak with your academic advisor as departments may have policies regarding the number of credits that must be taken in-residence (on campus).

Yes!  Going abroad and taking at least six credits generally fulfill your International Foreign Culture (IFC) requirements, and certain study abroad locations will fulfill the Non-Western Foreign Culture requirement for Arts and Sciences. For Panther Programs, courses that fulfill other general education requirements are listed on each program’s page.  For Exchanges and Pitt-Recognized Programs, your study abroad advisor will review your courses for general education requirements.