Academic wellness requires an open mind and the willingness to look at issues, cultures, and even yourself from a new perspective. Making the decision to leave a familiar academic setting for a new one takes curiosity and courage, and your academic and global experience (study abroad/study away) advisors are here to help you to succeed from start to finish, but it is your experience to define. According to CEA Study Abroad, "student success...is predicated on a student's academic, emotional and logistical preparation...which enables the student to holistically engage in a culturally relevant and academically challenging program." We at Pitt couldn't agree more.
Some tips to consider before you apply to a program:
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Make sure you are on solid academic footing before you apply to a program. Pitt's minimum GPA requirement is 2.75.
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Do research to ensure that you understand what the academic culture will be. Academic culture and grading practices can vary greatly. Ask questions now.
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Check out blogs, vlogs and other student-created resources on your program's website but remember that this will be your experience.
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Set realistic academic goals BUT push yourself at the same time.
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Don't "shut down" when you leave the confines of the classroom/internship placement. Learning happens everywhere.
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Keep study at the forefront of your study abroad/study away experience.
Academic wellness involves expanding our knowledge and skills and recognizing our creative abilities. This dimension inspires us to engage in mentally-stimulating and creative activities. As academic wellness develops, we gain the ability to develop personal resources that work in alignment with the other dimensions of wellness, to achieve a more balanced life. Academic wellness is also important because it encourages curiosity, which is what inspires us to try new things and gain a better understanding of our relationship to the world around us.
While this section is focused on academic wellness, we encourge our students to approach their global experience holistically--or whole-istically. Ideally your takeaways from the experience will impact all of the dimensions of wellness in some way. We hope that the following resources, whatever the format, will help to provide a foundation for your academic wellness prior to embarking on your global experience.
Resources |
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Writing Center* - Pitt's online and in person tutoring for writing Undergraduate Studies Study Lab* - Provides tools and resources for you to discover the most efficient and effective ways for you to study. Undergraduate Studies Student Support Services* – Pitt's resources and support, primarily first gen and/or low income students. |
Apps |
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Todoist - Keep track of everything in one place Remember the Milk - Smart to do app for busy people |
Articles and Blogs |
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How to Decide Where to Study Abroad - Study Abroad article with tips on selecting a location |
Vlogs, Videos and Podcasts |
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Managing your Courses Abroad - A student from the AIFS Barcelona program discusses finding academic balance. Academic Differences Abroad: Before You Go - Tips from ISA on managing academic differences abroad. |
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Academic Wellness involves expanding our knowledge and skills and recognizing our creative abilities. This dimension inspires us to engage in mentally-stimulating and creative activities. As academic wellness develops, we gain the ability to develop personal resources that work in alignment with the other dimensions of wellness, to achieve a more balanced life. Academic wellness is also important because it encourages curiosity, which is what inspires us to try new things and gain a better understanding of our relationship to the world around us.
While this section is focused on academic wellness, we encourage our students to approach their global experience holistically--or whole-istically. Ideally your takeaways from the experience will impact all of the dimensions of wellness in some way.
Some tips to consider while away:
- Don't blow off any on-site orientation provided; take it seriously.
- Make sure you understand grading practices of the host institution (if it's not Pitt).
- Understand each instructor's attendance policies, as unexcused absences will negatively affect your grade in any program. Attendance matters.
- Remember that you are a guest in a different academic culture and that it is you who has to adapt.
- Check in with yourself regularly! Maintaining optimal physical and mental health will lead to optimal academic outcomes.
- Never hesitate to reach out for help if you need it throughout the semester.
Articles and BlogsProgram Review of Economic Devlopment in Russia - A SRAS student reflects on his experiences in Russia's Far East. IES Abroad : Actually ~ Studying ~ Abroad - Student discusses importance of keeping academics at the forefront of the experience. IES Abroad University of Cape Town: Finals at UCT - Student describes differences in academic assessment at a host university. |
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Vlogs, Videos and Podcasts |
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The Best way to Learn a Language Abroad - An AIFS Granada student shares her experiences with a language exchange. Learning a Language Abroad - The challenges adnd rewards of language learning are discussed. Academics Abroad: London Highlight - Read the academic highlights of AIFS London. Academics Abroad: Prague Highlight - AIFS Prague alum looks back on the experience. Academic Differences Abroad: While Your Abroad - Tips from ISA Academic Affairs on how to manage a different academic culture. |
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Academic wellness involves expanding our knowledge and skills and recognizing our creative abilities. This dimension inspires us to engage in mentally-stimulating and creative activities. As academic wellness develops, we gain the ability to develop personal resources that work in alignment with the other dimensions of wellness, to achieve a more balanced life. Academic wellness is also important because it encourages curiosity, which is what inspires us to try new things and gain a better understanding of our relationship to the world around us.
While this section is focused on academic wellness, we encourge our students to approach their global experience holistically--or whole-istically. Ideally your takeaways from the experience will impact all of the dimensions of wellness in some way.
Some tips to consider when you return:
- Make sure your non-Pitt program provider has your Pitt study abroad advisor's name and address so that the record gets to the right person.
- Once Pitt has the record, the original must remain with Pitt.
- Grades earned on a Pitt-recognized or Exchange program do not affect your PItt GPA and individual classes and grades from these programs do not appear on your Pitt permanent record.
- Stay connected with alums and with our office to help ease the transition to home.
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