Study Abroad Destinations
Choose Your Path to Studying Abroad
Point Park University students eager to study abroad have the option to do so in either the fall or spring semester through University-approved programs or independent study abroad programs. Additionally, summer programs and international trips with faculty are available for students looking to travel abroad for a shorter period of time and/or outside of athletic/performance seasons.
Eligibility
In order to participate in study abroad, Point Park University students must:
- Have sophomore status (30 credits, not including AP credits) at time of travel
- Have completed one semester on campus prior to applying for the program
- Not be in their final semester of study at Point Park
- Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA*
- Have a clean disciplinary record or be willing to discuss their record with the study abroad coordinator who will approve/deny eligibility based on the conversation
- Have no University holds on their account (financial, academic, medical, disciplinary, etc.)
*Some programs have a higher requirement than this.
University-Approved Study Abroad Programs
University-approved programs have been vetted by Point Park University staff and faculty, have shown their ability to support students in/out of the classroom and are rated highly by program alumni.
Students who choose to enroll in a Point Park University-approved study abroad program must be enrolled full-time for their semester abroad. On average, students take 12 to 15 credits during their study abroad semester, which enables them to stay on track academically while allowing for ample travel and leisure time.
In most cases, tuition and other program costs must be paid directly to the sponsoring school and, depending on the program, credits earned will count as either Point Park credits (which impacts a student's GPA) or transfer credits.
Regent's University London
Regent's University London is one of the UK's most respected independent universities, and one of the most internationally diverse, with students from more than 140 different countries worldwide. Situated in the heart of Regent's Park in central London, the main quadrangle of classrooms is surrounded by residence halls, lawns and tennis courts. Beyond this are the gardens and lakes of the beautiful Royal Park. This peaceful environment is only a few minutes away from the financial center of London, the West End and the many attractions of this exciting European city. By means of the European rail system and low-cost airfare, many beautiful and historical European cities can be explored on weekends. The Regent's program is open to Point Park students of all majors.
- Housing: On campus, traditional residence hall-style (single, double, triple)
- Meals: Declining debit meal plan; included in housing cost
- Tuition & housing costs: Point Park tuition (based upon the student's major); Regent's room and board charges
- Semesters offered: Spring, summer (one session), fall
American University of Rome
Through the University's membership in the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education consortium, Point Park students are able to study at the American University of Rome, Italy. Founded in 1969, AUR is the oldest degree-granting American university in Rome, offering challenging courses with professors who are highly trained and experienced in their respective fields and have high academic standards. AUR's urban campus is located on top of the Janiculum, Rome's highest hill, in a dedicated set of buildings in a prestigious neighborhood, within walking distance of the center of The Eternal City. The AUR program is open to Point Park students of all majors.
- Housing: AUR-facilitated apartments in areas surrounding the AUR campus; apartments are shared with other AUR students
- Meals: No meal plan included
- Tuition & housing costs: Point Park tuition (based upon the student's major); AUR room and board charges
- Semesters offered: Spring, summer (two sessions), fall
University of Salford
The University of Salford Manchester in England was established in 1896 as the Royal Technical Institute, Salford. Currently, the University of Salford has a population of 20,000, including more than 3,000 international students from across the world. The main campus is located less than 2 miles from the city of Manchester, 10 miles from Manchester Airport, and just over two hours from London. Salford boasts excellent transport links, with the University being situated on a busy bus and train route to keep students well connected. The University's MediaCityUK campus is located at Salford Quays, near international attractions such as The Lowry Arts Center, the Imperial War Museum North, and the world-famous Manchester United Football Club. Neighboring Manchester is home to more than 100,000 students and a richly diverse, multicultural society. The Salford program is open to students of all majors.
- Housing: All accommodations are singles, either residence hall-style in Peel Park Quarter, or in 2, 3, or 4-bedroom suites in John Lester & Eddie Colman Court.
- Meals: No meal plan included.
- Tuition & housing costs: Point Park tuition (based upon the student's major); Salford room and board charges
- Semesters offered: Spring and fall
Independent Study Abroad Programs
Students may opt for reputable study abroad programs that have not been fully vetted by Point Park, such as Semester at Sea®, IES Abroad® and others as long as the program meets accreditation requirements and the student follows all Point Park pre-departure procedures.
During their time of study, students will be on a leave of absence from Point Park but are encouraged to keep in contact with the coordinator of study abroad. Tuition and other program costs must be paid directly to the sponsoring school. Credits earned through independent study abroad programs will count as transfer credits on a student's transcript.
Summer Programs
Summer programs usually last 6-12 weeks during the summer months and are ideal for student athletes and COPA majors who are unable to take a semester off due to scholarship eligibility and program sequencing.
University-approved and independent options are available and payments are made directly to the hosting program. Though financial aid is usually unavailable for summer programs, the cost is significantly less due to the shortened program period.
How to Apply
All participants of semester and study abroad programs must submit a Point Park University study abroad application. Once a student has been approved, students will then need to apply to their specific program of interest.
Students wishing to study abroad in the upcoming spring term will need to submit their application by October 1. Students wishing to study abroad in the upcoming summer or fall term will need to submit their application by February 1. Applications are available on PointSync for two to three weeks prior to the corresponding deadline.
Students who do not submit a Point Park University study abroad application in the appropriate timeframe will not be eligible to receive credit for their program.
International Trips with Faculty
Shorter trips (often two to three weeks) are arranged by Point Park University faculty.
These trips are sometimes offered as part of three-credit courses, with the travel usually occurring over the summer.
In the past, destinations have included:
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- England
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Portugal
- Scotland
- Spain
Check with your academic department for information on these types of opportunities, which include the Rowland School of Business Cultural and Academic Immersion Programs and student teaching abroad through the School of Education.
Additional Information
For questions and more information about studying abroad, contact the Office of Student Life at 412-392-8026 or studyabroad@pointpark.edu, or visit the office on the seventh floor of the Student Center.