Student Facing Information and Support
The Education Abroad Office works in tandem with faculty on assisting students during the education abroad application process, mostly during fall and winter terms. Below is the most common information that students receive from the EAO Office. We don’t expect faculty to communicate all of this information to students, but rather help direct them to our office. We are happy to help guide students through the process.
Meetings and Events
EAO hosts first steps meetings, scholarship sessions, and individual advising appointments with students mostly during fall and winter terms. The first steps meeting is required for all students, and can be done during a live info session or through a recorded presentation. View a full list of events. You are welcome to share our event calendar with your students. During fall and winter terms, our meetings will take place virtually this year.
Eligibility
PCC is an open access institution and Education Abroad at PCC applies the same philosophy to student eligibility in study abroad.
Application Requirements for PCC Programs
- 18 years of age or older by program start date.
- Good academic and disciplinary standing.
- Prerequisites for the course(s) included in the program to which you are applying.
- Attend an Education Abroad First Steps Information Session.
- Independence, self-reliance, and maturity necessary to obtain the benefits of studying abroad.
- Willingness and ability to embrace the challenges of studying abroad.
Scholarships
Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships to help fund their study abroad experience. For Pell-recipient or Pell-eligible students, we recommend students apply for the Gilman Scholarship, a national scholarship that gives students up to $5,000 to study abroad. We are happy to work with students in drafting their essays, as well as with any questions they might have. The Gilman has two scholarship deadlines – one in early October, the other in March.
View a full list of scholarships.
Financial Planning
Students are encouraged to create a financial plan for study abroad as early on in the process as possible. As part of their planning, they should connect with Financial Aid for specific financial aid eligibility questions. Our office also works with students on scholarship opportunities, GoFundMe or creative fundraising opportunities. We also work closely work Student Success Coaches at PCC, who work with students on their financial plan. These videos can be helpful for students navigating the process, as well.
Student Support
The Ed Abroad Office:
- supports students from the moment they start thinking about study abroad until they return to Portland and beyond
- is available to students throughout the PCC district
- offers knowledgeable and hands on scholarship support that gets results
- is concerned with the whole student, not just their academic lives
- works in cooperation with representatives in Financial aid and Financial planning, Advising, the PCC Foundation, Student Conduct & Retention, Accessible Ed & Disability Resources, the Registrar’s office and many others to help students to be successful in their time abroad