Go Global!

Rock Creek Bldg. 3, Rm. 223 | 503-614-7151 | FAX: 603-614-7170 | studyabroad@pcc.edu

Steps to Study Abroad

  1. If you will be under 18 by the time the program begins, you will need the signature of a parent or guardian. Please contact the Office of International Education for more details.

  2. Anyone is welcome to join us for a Study Abroad Program (Please see the admission requirements for each of the study abroad programs. Please note that you must be a current PCC student to apply for the program in Barcelona, Spain). However, you need to be eligible to be admissible to PCC and complete a PCC application. Please see additional admission requirements for your specific program of interest by clicking on the specific PCC study abroad program (from the Study Abroad home page) for an application.

  3. If you are a current, or past student of PCC, be aware that if you have outstanding fees or debts, this may negatively impact you going on a study abroad program. Please take care of these debts or fees. Examples are: an outstanding parking ticket, an overdue library book, or if you've bounced a check.

  4. If you are a PCC student participating in one of the PCC degree programs, you may apply to the Financial Aid Office for financial assistance. Please set up an appointment with the Student Financial Aid Office at least one term prior to your study abroad program. Before talking with your financial aid advisor, you should obtain a budget for your study abroad program from the Office of International Education. The Financial Aid Office will explore with you the types of aid you might qualify for.

    Although PCC makes every attempt to keep the program costs low and affordable, study abroad can be quite expensive, especially in Western Europe. Budget and save your money! Many students who participate in these programs are not rich, they plan for it. They take on part time jobs and save their money. This is truly an investment in your future! Financial aid may be used for study abroad. Both direct costs (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (books, departure taxes, transportation and meals) are included in the student’s financial aid budget.

    Once the student’s expected family contribution is determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Financial Aid Office will begin matching funds with your aid application. Financial aid may support summer/part-time study for students continuing their enrollment from the spring term if the students attended at least half time and who were eligible and/or received financial aid. Most types of federal, state and institutional aid require that students be enrolled in a minimum of twelve credit hours in order to receive financial assistance during the Fall, Winter and Spring terms. We strongly recommend applying early for financial aid. Applications are available in January for the following academic year. The application process takes a minimum of three months. To enable you to receive financial aid funds once you leave the country, we strongly recommend you obtain a power of attorney before you leave for your program.

  5. Complete the application for the program of your choice, along with a check in the correct amount of an application fee/enrollment deposit. Applications are available on the PCC website or by contacting the Office of International Education at 503-614-7150.

  6. PCC accepts personal checks, Master Card or Visa for payment of program fees.

  7. For the program in Italy we will photocopy your check and application, and forward them to the travel provider. Then, we will provide additional forms for you to complete. Please fill out these forms, and return them to the Study Abroad office as you complete the forms. Do not 'hold onto them'.

  8. For programs in Italy, the travel provider will be sending you forms to complete too. Please complete those forms, and return them to the travel contractor promptly (such as a physician's report).

  9. Please note that for the Office of International Education, it is required that we obtain an official copy of your transcript(s) indicating that you have completed at least 12 college level credits with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

  10. There are pre-departure orientation meetings for all of the PCC study abroad programs. This is an opportunity for you to meet fellow participants, find out about trip preparation: packing, lodging, food, safety, money, and anything else that is pertinent for your Program. All of these meetings are important, and you are urged to come to all of them. Many of our past students were glad they did!

  11. It is your responsibility to pay the program fees when due. The Office of International Education will not remind you, nor will the travel provider 'invoice' you (for programs in Costa Rica and Italy). Please refer to specific program information for payment deadline dates and where to send checks.

  12. You will be notified by the Office of International Education about registering for classes. You must enroll in at least six credits for the Oaxaca summer program or at least 12 credits for academic term programs. You are especially welcome to pay for your tuition by check or credit card. For current tuition rates, please see Tuition and Fees. Tuition will be charged at the time of registration. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for registration dates.

  13. You may not enroll in any class if you have outstanding debts or fees.

  14. For study abroad programs in Italy and Spain only, classes follow the PCC academic calendar closely. These classes are mandatory. You may be dropped from the study abroad program if you do not go to class. Please refer to specific program information for Costa Rica, and Mexico for program dates.