What are the requirements to study abroad?
For semester long programs undergraduate students must have completed their second year of school and have a GPA of at least 3.0 to study abroad. Graduate students must have completed their first year and have a GPA of at least 3.0. For summer programs the requirements vary.
How do I apply?
Search for programs using the search engines in TerraDotta and apply by selecting “Apply Now” on the program brochure page. Apply or request information by logging in using your Pratt OneKey. You will fill out the required information and can save your progress along the way. To view important deadlines, visit the deadlines page for a full list. If you have any questions about the application process, email studyabroad@pratt.edu. Download the Pratt Application Tutorial with TerraDotta for step-by-step instructions on how to apply using TerraDotta.
Where can I study abroad?
For exchange programs you can study abroad based on your major and where you have been nominated by Pratt. For faculty-led and custom programs this can vary each year.
When can I study abroad?
Pratt offers semester programs for fall and spring, summer, and even a short program for spring break. Each school varies on when it accepts students to travel. Check with the program of your interest to see when it is available.
What types of programs are there?
Exchange
- Spend a semester fully immersed in the academics, life, and culture of a student at one of our partner universities abroad. Fully integrate into your host university and get a glimpse of college life outside of the US.
- Exchange semesters take place during the fall or spring of your 3rd year at Pratt.
- This program type is perfect for students looking for a more independent and immersive study abroad experience!
Custom Semester
- Imagine your Pratt classroom picked up and moved abroad! Custom Semester programs allow just that in either Rome or Berlin for an entire semester.
- Live and study with Pratt students and faculty while experiencing a completely new city and country abroad.
- Please note that Custom Semester programs are location and major-specific and may not be open to all Pratt students.
Faculty-led
- Follow Pratt faculty abroad on immersive short-term study abroad experiences during summer, fall, winter, or spring breaks.
- Open to all students – from undergraduate to graduate.
- This program type is ideal for students seeking short-term programs while traveling with Pratt faculty and peers.
Embedded
- Take a Pratt course with a built-in travel component.
- You’ll study on campus in Brooklyn during the semester and then travel with your class during a break (e.g. Spring Break or post-finals).
- This program type is a great way to experience global learning without spending a full semester abroad.
Do I have to study in my major?
For semester exchange programs, students do need to study within their major. Students receive course credit for the classes they take abroad. These will contribute to your major.
For custom and faculty-led programs, students do not need to study in their major but should review the eligibility requirements on each program’s brochure.
What classes can I take?
For exchange programs, each partner school offers a course catalog that outlines classes that are to be taken in your major. Before studying abroad, you will be given a form to have the courses approved by your department.
Can I get financial aid?
Financial aid is given to students taking at least 6 credits. It is important that you apply to financial aid services as soon as you think you will need it to study abroad. If you need to use financial aid during the summer term for one of our faculty-led programs, you will need to ask Student Financial Services how to appropriately disperse your aid as soon as possible.
Where can I live abroad?
For exchange and affiliate programs, some schools offer on campus living that you can register for before studying abroad. Schools that do not offer campus living will require you to find a host home or apartment.
For Pratt faculty-led programs housing will typically be organized for the student or communicated forthright, please check the program’s brochure for specific information.
How can I communicate with my family/student while abroad?
There are many social applications and methods to communicating while abroad. Some methods require a cost and can get expensive depending on what you choose. However, there are also many free options as well. View our recommendations for families and students to use for video, voice, and instant message communication on Terra Dotta.
What personal documents do I need to study abroad?
In most cases, you will need a visa or passport to study abroad. All students studying abroad will need travel insurance. You will also need adequate funds to live while abroad and have the correct form of currency during your stay.
How long are the programs?
Semester exchange programs last for the entirety of the school’s semester depending on when you study (Fall or Spring). Because of differences in holidays, some schools have different semesters than just our typical fall and spring dates. The faculty-led summer programs can range from 2 weeks to 6 weeks depending on the credits and custom semester programs last the duration of the semester. Check with your program to see when your potential semester takes place.
I was nominated to study abroad for an exchange semester. What do I do now?
All students nominated to study abroad must accept their nomination. You will then need to apply to your institution by their application date. You must apply to the school so that they can register you as a student for classes and receive your credits. If you do not apply, they will not recognize you as a student.
You need to have your classes approved by your chairperson and your department. You can find the classes you will be taking by visiting your institution’s website or contacting them directly.
If your country requires you to have a visa for long-term stay, apply immediately and avoid last-minute complications. Learn more about information about visas and what you need to apply for one. Pratt Institute is not responsible for helping students secure their own visas.
My application was denied for an exchange semester. What do I do now?
Students who were denied to study abroad for an exchange semester will need to continue registering for classes at Pratt. Students who still want to study abroad will have more opportunities to apply in the future, such as for summer and embedded programs, while they are still a student in good academic standing.
Scholarships
If you are receiving financial aid, you can use it during your semester-long programs. You should make an appointment with your Student Financial Services Counselor as soon as possible. They will assist you with the distribution of your aid to cover the additional costs of studying abroad. If you are studying abroad in the Summer, or during Spring break, students typically pay these costs themselves. For information on external scholarship opportunities, please check out the list we have compiled on our TerraDotta website. This list is not exhaustive, so feel free to do your own research as well.
I need a visa, what services are available to me through the OEA?
If you need a visa once you are accepted into a study abroad program, you will need to take action immediately. The most important thing to remember is that students are ultimately responsible to obtain their visa in a timely manner. The Office of Education Abroad provides proof of enrollment letters and proof of insurance coverage letters for students, any materials beyond this are not provided by the Office of Education Abroad. If you are taking a faculty-led or custom program that is assisted by a third-party provider (such as IES Abroad, API, ISA, etc…) they will provide the visa supporting documentation for students. The Office of Education Abroad is not a visa processing office and therefore cannot provide direct guidance on the consular and/or embassy processes. Students are highly encouraged to contact their consulate/embassy as soon as possible to start their visa application and secure an appointment.
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