Whittier College students who will be sophomores (2nd semester), juniors, or seniors during the term abroad, are in good academic and conduct standing, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 are eligible to participate in semester-long study abroad programs. (Please note that some semester programs will have their own GPA requirements.)
Applying to study abroad for a semester requires the following steps:
- Students must APPLY for their program of choice through the Office of International Program’s Application Page. Applications completed by the stated deadline will go before a Whittier College faculty or staff committee that reviews each application. If you are accepted, you will proceed to step 2. If you are not accepted, you may petition for acceptance (please speak with us before making any petition!).
- Students accepted through Whittier College can then apply to their program of choice via the relevant Program Provider webpage. Please note that acceptance by Whittier College does not guarantee Program Provider acceptance. GPS scholarships are applicable for all approved students going on approved programs. Students may use their GPS scholarship one time.
- Students must complete all paperwork and continue to fulfill behavioral, academic and financial obligations in order to participate. Going abroad is a great learning experience, but it takes time and effort and attention to detail.
The Whittier College Office of International Programs committee takes a number of things into account when reviewing applications. Among the many criteria that are considered, here are several that stand out:
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- Appropriateness of the selected program/country as demonstrated through the personal statement. Successful application essays make the connection between a student’s academic studies at Whittier and the proposed academic program abroad.
- Persuasive letters of recommendation from Whittier College faculty. These tend to provide specific examples of a student’s preparation for the proposed program. Besides comments that demonstrate an acquaintance with a students’ academic work, the letter may also include a brief assessment of the student’s maturity and ability to work independently and/or as part of a program.
- Academic preparation is evidenced by the applicant’s transcript. It is expected that applicants meet or exceed all prerequisites for the proposed program abroad. Appropriate academic preparation may be demonstrated through the successful completion of courses in the major or relevant subjects pertaining to the study abroad destination curriculum. Depending on the applicant’s choice of program, successful completion of foreign language pre-requisites will be important.
- The cumulative minimum GPA for acceptance is a 2.5. Some programs may have a higher requirement. If the applicant’s cumulative GPA is slightly lower than a 2.5, the applicant will need to specifically address that issue in the essay.
- Finally, the applicant’s disciplinary record at Whittier College will be accessed and considered as part of the review process.
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Once the committee has made its decisions, applicants will be notified in a timely manner through email. Paperwork associated with acceptance will be kept in a file in OIP and will be communicated to you on a regular basis.
Once the student makes a commitment to accept a place abroad, withdrawal policies and penalties will be applicable. In the event that the student chooses to withdraw from a program, he or she will be responsible for reimbursing Whittier for any non-refundable deposits and program fees.