Frequently Asked Questions

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! In fact, many of our programs offer business courses approved by Pitt Business to count toward degree requirements, and also offer internship opportunities tailored for business students. Pitt Business houses an International Programs Office that provides advising and program management services for Pitt Business students.  Please stop by 2600 Sennott Square or contact their office at 412-383-7489 or saocba@pitt.edu.

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!  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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

International students may be eligible to apply for private loans or scholarships on PittFund$Me that are open to all students. However, international students that are not eligible to complete the FAFSA cannot be considered for federal financial aid.

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.

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. 

• 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:
  • Loans - Financial Aid | University of Pittsburgh
  • https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/337900

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.

• Yes, if there are charges on PittPay and you meet the requirements for the scholarship.
• Checks from outside scholarship agencies should be dropped off in person or mailed to the Student Payment Center for the quickest applying of the funds to your account. Scholarships from a Source Outside the University | Student Payment Center (pitt.edu)

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.

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.

• Financial Aid cannot disburse to a student’s PittPay account until we are within 10 days before the start of the semester. The federal government prohibits accessing financial aid earlier than 10 days prior to the start of each term. The start of a semester is determined by the Pitt academic calendar, not the start date of your Global Experience.
• In order for your financial aid to disburse once we reach that 10 day window, you must be enrolled in your program credits and meet the requirements for each type of financial aid award.
• Refunds will begin to process after financial aid has disbursed. Once a refund is generated, it can still take 3-5 business days for the refund to reach your bank account if you are enrolled in PittPay eRefunds.