International and Domestic Programs
International and Domestic Programs Committee
Pomona College offers qualified students a variety of opportunities for international and domestic study away programs. The International and Domestic Programs Committee (IDPC) advises the International and Domestic Programs Office (IDPO) on policy matters; advises on program development, assessment and evaluation, with focus on curriculum integration; screens petitions for international and domestic programs not currently authorized by the College; and evaluates applications for all programs. The committee consists of the Director of International and Domestic Programs, the Dean of Students or an Associate Dean of Students, the Staff Director of Oldenborg Center, the Registrar, the Associate Dean of the College with responsibility for international initiatives, four faculty members, and two students who have participated in Pomona’s international or domestic programs. The four faculty members include one faculty member from a department of languages and literatures, one Division 1 faculty member from a department other than languages and literatures, one Division 2 faculty member, and one Division 3 faculty member.
International and Domestic Programs Office
The International and Domestic Programs Office was established in 1973 to develop, evaluate and oversee international programs that support the values of a liberal arts education. In 2021, the office broadened its scope to include programs in the United States. The office provides students with tools that will help them determine which program best suits their academic, cultural and personal goals. The office staff advises students throughout the process from program selection and the application, to their studies off-campus and return to campus. Approximately one-half of each graduating class participates in a semester or year long program. Students should refer to the International and Domestic Programs Office’s website for updated information.
Approved Programs
The College sponsors programs in Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Russia, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, the United Kingdom and the United States. These programs vary in content and format and availability is subject to change. The range of subject matter reflects the particular opportunities and scholastic strengths available in each location. Language instruction is an integral part of the programs in non-English language environments.
Programs by Petition
In cases where no appropriate Approved Program exists, a student may request that the International and Domestic Programs Committee approve a specific program on an ad-hoc basis. The applicant must convince the committee of the academic merit of the request to study on such a program based on the quality of the proposed program and the student’s own background and academic goals.
Credit, Transcripts, and Grade Point Calculation
Students participating in international and domestic programs are required to enroll in a full-time course load as defined by the program and Pomona College. For international programs, total course load typically ranges from 3 to 4.5 Pomona credits and may allow for up to 6 Pomona credits, depending on the requirements and policies of the program provider. The range of allowable credit a student may receive for domestic programs is three to 4.75 Pomona course credits per semester. The evaluation process for academic work off-campus differs among Approved Programs and Programs by Petition. Credit for programs is determined by the Director of International and Domestic Programs on the recommendation of the relevant program director, host institution, or U.S.-based program provider. Pomona transcripts show all courses, grades, and credits awarded. For Approved Programs, grades earned are computed into the Pomona GPA; for Programs by Petition, grades earned are not computed into the Pomona GPA.
Application Procedures
All students who wish to participate in international or domestic programs and receive Pomona College course credits must submit an application to the International and Domestic Programs Committee for acceptance and approval during the semester before the proposed study off-campus. Students can access the application from the corresponding program page in the online International and Domestic Programs brochure. The application must be submitted online by the mid-September deadline for spring programs and by the mid-February deadline for programs beginning in the fall. Some programs may have early deadlines.
Selection Criteria and Eligibility
Students must present evidence of the necessary academic strength, linguistic skills and special preparation in the area of the proposed course of study. They should make a persuasive case that the proposed program and destination are appropriate in terms of academic and cultural goals. They must also demonstrate the individual initiative, maturity, adaptability, and sense of responsibility necessary to complete the program.
Competition may occur within the various programs since some have a limited number of spaces. It should be noted that some programs have specific course prerequisites and/or GPA requirements.
The student’s advisor must support the applicant and indicate that the proposed study will advance and not impede progress toward the degree. Applicants are also asked to complete a form indicating how they expect to complete graduation requirements.
Students may study away as second-semester sophomores, juniors or first-semester seniors. First year students, first-semester sophomores and second-semester seniors are not generally eligible for study off-campus. To be eligible to apply for or participate in international or domestic programs, students must be in good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing at Pomona College. Students who have been on leave status or who have withdrawn from the College must successfully complete one academic semester (fall or spring) of full-time coursework on campus before participating in an international or domestic program. Academic credit will not be granted for international or domestic programs while on leave.
Cost
Students accepted for international and domestic programs are charged Pomona College tuition and the standard room and board fees. The Associated Students fee is not charged. This amount covers the academic program tuition and fees, standard room and board while classes are in session, program application fee, credits earned as part of full-time enrollment, and administrative costs incurred by Pomona College for each semester.
For international programs, the comprehensive fee also includes a travel allowance toward round-trip international transportation between the student’s home city on record and the program site as well as supplemental international medical and evacuation insurance. It may also cover a local transportation allowance, if specified by the program provider as necessary for commuting to and from class, as well as a reimbursement for a visa fee, if required for study.
Students on financial aid normally receive their regular assistance while on a semester off-campus. For domestic programs, students receiving financial aid may also be eligible for financial assistance with a round-trip travel allowance and a local transportation allowance, if needed.
Students who withdraw from a program after submitting the signed contract must notify the IDPO in writing. The refund policy of the program provider will apply, and students will be liable for any unrecoverable expenses incurred on their behalf by Pomona College. Additionally, Pomona College will require repayment of any funds paid out directly to the student. A reduction in course load during a program will not result in any adjustment in the semester’s fees as originally billed.
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