Study Abroad

Become a citizen of the world through one of more than 50 approved study abroad experiences

Visit the Office of Study Abroad & International Programs
Photo of Quito, Ecuador

“Pitzer in Costa Rica allowed me to immerse myself in a different culture and learn from many experiences that helped me grow in all aspects of life.”

Vanessa Blaylock ’20

Environmental Analysis and Media Studies major

53% of Pitzer students study abroad

The national average is 2%.

Global Opportunities Abound

Pitzer Study Abroad programs are your gateway to understanding and experiencing the world in profound and impactful ways. Whether you’re absorbing history first-hand, engaging in cutting-edge research, or professionally networking on a global scale, our programs create experiences that are both academically rewarding and personally transformative.
 

Three students walking through field of lily pads in Vietnam

Benefits of Studying Abroad

  • Cultural Immersion: Experience new cultures, languages, and lifestyles, gaining insights and understanding that books or movies alone cannot provide.
  • Academic Enrichment: Access unique courses and academic experiences and add variety to your academic perspectives.
  • Personal Development: Grow in confidence and independence, stepping out of your comfort zone and adapting to new challenges, situations, and places.
  • Professional Skills: Enhance your resume with international experience, showing potential employers your adaptability, global perspective, and foreign language skills. 
     

Programs & Pathways

students in ecuador pose with a giant tortoise

Study Abroad Programs

Our eight direct-run programs integrate classroom instruction with in-country experiences. You’ll think in ways that cross disciplines, cultures, and social boundaries. Learn what makes Pitzer programs unique.

Pitzer also partners with other academic institutions to provide our students with a wide range of study programs across the globe. With 50+ approved programs in over 30 countries, you're sure to find the right program to meet your needs.

 

Browse Study Abroad Programs
pitzer student poses with alpacas in Ecuador

Your Study Abroad Journey

Your path to studying abroad starts long before you board a plane. Plan your experience with this step-by-step guide through the process.

Steps to Study Abroad

Student Experiences

A photo of Sydney Gerteis.
“The Summer Health program in Costa Rica allowed me to study a universal health care system in the classroom, as well as through an internship in San José.”

Sydney Gerteis ’23

Sociology major

Study Abroad & Pitzer's Core Values

Intercultural Understanding

“While in Costa Rica I grew very, very fond of politics, specifically Costa Rican political parties. I ended up getting hired as a consultant for a local political party in Curridabat. We were able to come up with a plan to not only win office, but also create long-lasting relationships between the upcoming administration and the citizens.”

 

Carlos Perrett ’18

Political Studies and Spanish major

60 Approved programs

Choose from our roster of almost 40 countries for your study abroad experience.

View All Study Abroad Programs
34 Countries

With approved study abroad programs

Our Study Abroad Programs
Carlos Perrett sits on the Pitzer Mounds

Learn more about Carlos Perrett's study abroad experience in Pitzer's Costa Rica program.

Environmental Sustainability

Our Costa Rica semester-long program is a perfect fit for those interested in ecology, environmental studies, chemistry, biology, ecotourism, sociology, cultural studies, and anthropology.

Costa Rica Study Abroad Program
89% Forest Restoration

Since the opening of Pitzer's Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology, our students, faculty and staff have helped restore the property’s natural habitat.

Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology

Social Responsibility

“One of my favorite parts of studying abroad was my volunteer work through the Community-Based course. For my volunteership, I taught over 60 hours of English to Italian middle schoolers by preparing topics related to the culture of the United States including food, civil rights, my hometown, and more!”

Kaila Teague ’22

Foreign Language Instruction Self-Designed major

8 Pitzer Direct-Run Programs

Our direct-run programs place a focus on our core values. Become a part of your host community through service learing experiences.

Explore Pitzer's Direct-Run Programs

Other Off-Campus Study Opportunities

If you wish to study at another college or university within the United States, you can take part in a Domestic Exchange offering. We currently partner with these institutions: 

Learn More

Visit our Study Abroad & International Programs Office for more information about Domestic Exchange programs. 

Study Abroad & International Programs Office

We've been a top undergraduate college producer of Fulbright Student Fellows for the last 15 years, with almost 250 Pitzer students winning awards. 

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study, and teaching opportunities in more than 140 countries to outstanding college seniors and recent graduates.

Recent Pitzer Fulbright Fellow destinations: 

  • Spain
  • Greenland
  • Nepal
  • Dominican Republic
  • Panama
  • Mexico

 

Learn More

Visit our Office of Fellowships for more information and resources. 

Office of Fellowships

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