Finances

Whittier offers every opportunity for you to find a program that fits your academic dreams, your schedule, and your budget. 

What you pay and how you pay depends on how and how long you student abroad. All students who are accepted to a study abroad program through our office, will receive the $2,000 GPS Scholarship for their trip. Beyond that, how you pay and what you pay depends on a number of factors: do you want a faculty-led trip (we hope so!)? Are you interested in Poet Preferred Program (an exchange program)? Or do you want to choose to work through an affiliate program like CIEE, AIFS, IES or others? 

Below is a summary of the different types of programs and how they work. Please come see us to discuss the many factors you should consider when making an informed decision about study abroad.

Whittier Faculty-Led Programs

  • Global Poet Scholarship (GPS) applies!
  • Student pays regular tuition and fees to Whittier College as part of their fall or spring tuition.
  • Full-time Whittier students in short term study abroad programs generally only pay travel fees, not extra tuition
  • Student retains Whittier College financial aid package, including federal/state aid, grants, loans, as well as Whittier College scholarships, awards, and grants.
  • Work-study does not apply while abroad.

Whittier Poet Preferred Programs (Semester-Long Exchange Program)

  • Global Poet Scholarship (GPS) applies!
  • Student pays regular tuition and fees to Whittier College.
  • Student will pay housing directly to the host institution, or be billed by Whittier College for housing and fees related to their program.
  • Student retains Whittier College financial aid package, including federal/state aid, grants, loans, as well as Whittier College scholarships, awards, and grants.
  • Work-study does not apply while abroad.

Affiliate/Partner Programs (Semester Long Programs Through a 3rd Party)

  • Global Poet Scholarship (GPS) applies!
  • Student pays provider tuition and fees.
  • Whittier College processes financial aid. federal/state aid and loans can be used toward program costs, but Whittier College grants and scholarships cannot.
  • Work-study does not apply while abroad.

For all study abroad, students must apply and be accepted through our office, and be in good academic and disciplinary standing. If a Whittier College student pursues study abroad independent of the Office of International Programs, the student will not be able to apply any of his/her Whittier merit/grant aid. The independent applicant should inquire with the program provider regarding the use of federal and/or state aid.

Global Poet Scholarship Funding for Study Abroad (GPS)

Whittier's Global Poet Scholarship Fund is designed to increase student access to study abroad opportunities and enhance students’ global education. The GPS program is a commitment to award $2,000 to every student who studies abroad through the Whittier College Office of International Programs. 

Eligibility

Full-time first-year or transfer students will be eligible to allocate their $2,000 Global Poet Scholarship funding towards Whittier College-approved study abroad travel that occurs after their third semester at Whittier College. Access to the award is automatic for students in good academic and disciplinary standing, though funding is reserved for those accepted through the Office of International Programs to participate in credit-bearing academic experiences abroad. 

Financial Aid

Students participating in any of the study abroad programs should monitor their financial aid eligibility and complete all federal and state applications and paperwork. 

Please be aware that financial aid policies related to study abroad are subject to change.