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 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.
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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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