Study Abroad Committee
Pomona College offers qualified students a variety of opportunities for study abroad. The Study Abroad Committee administers and screens applicants to Pomona College’s study abroad programs. The committee consists of the Director of Study Abroad, the Dean of Students or an Associate Dean of Students, the Director of Oldenborg Center, the Registrar, faculty members, and two students who have studied abroad.
Office of Study Abroad
The Office of Study Abroad was established in 1973 to develop and supervise overseas programs. The office staff assists and advises students who are interested in studying in other countries. Approximately one-half of each graduating class participates in a Pomona semester abroad. A booklet titled Pomona College Study Abroad Guide, with detailed information on the programs described below, may be obtained from the Office of Study Abroad. Students should refer to the office’s website for updated information: http://www.pomona.edu/administration/study-abroad.
Approved Programs
The College sponsors programs in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Russia, Rwanda, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, Spain and Taiwan. 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 foreign-language countries.
Programs by Petition
In cases where no appropriate Approved Program exists, a student may request that the Study Abroad 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 overseas program and the student’s own background and academic goals.
Credit
The maximum allowable credit a student may receive for a semester abroad is four Pomona course credits. The evaluation process for work done abroad differs among Approved Programs and Programs by Petition. Credit for study abroad is determined by the Director of Study Abroad on the recommendation of the relevant overseas program director.
Application Procedures
All students who wish to study abroad and receive Pomona course credits must submit an application to the Study Abroad Committee for acceptance and approval during the semester before the proposed study abroad. The necessary forms may be obtained online from the Study Abroad Website: http://www.pomona.edu/administration/study-abroad. The forms must be submitted online by the late-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 and sense of responsibility necessary to complete the program abroad.
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 foreign 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 abroad as second-semester sophomores, juniors or first-semester seniors. Freshmen, first-semester sophomores and second-semester seniors are not generally eligible for study abroad. Students on probation may not apply for or participate in programs abroad.
Cost
Students accepted for study abroad programs are charged Pomona tuition, room and board. This amount covers the academic program fees abroad, room and board, as well as a travel stipend toward round-trip transportation between Los Angeles and the program site. Students on financial aid normally receive their regular assistance while on a semester abroad.
Students who withdraw after submitting a signed agreement accepting the offer to study abroad will be charged a withdrawal fee of $350, plus all direct unrecoverable costs contracted on the student’s behalf and a prorated share of the program’s administrative costs. A reduction in course load of an overseas program will not result in any adjustment in the semester’s fees as originally billed.
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