Study Abroad | Global Studies Center

University of Pittsburgh's Study Abroad Panther Program

The biggest decision most students make—after deciding where to go to college—is whether to study abroad. At the Global Studies Center, we strongly encourage global study and experiential engagement. Most of our graduates have studied abroad, and many have studied abroad more than once! There are many options offered by Pitt’s Global Experiences Office that are relevant to our certificate programs.

Our advisor assists student in identifying the global experiences that count towards their certificate or BPHIL/IAS. We encourage students to plan for the future by exploring past programs that include in-classroom study, internships, and/or community engagement in the US and abroad. Schedule an appointment with our global studies advisor to discuss the ways that study abroad could fit into your certificate program.

Funding is available at Pitt but you need to apply! Global Studies will help you submit a compelling and competitive application. For a comprehensive list of scholarship opportunities search PIttFund$Me.

New Study Abroad Opportunities

The Himalayas to the Andes

The course involves intensive daily participation in field expeditions, guest lectures and guided, context specific learning modules from May 5th through June 13th. During this time students will explore the environments of the Himalayas and the Andes traveling along rivers and forests associated with national parks to learn about the challenges of conservation in critically important, and especially threatened parts of the world. The course involves integrated experiential learning with structured daily interactions with scholars, activists, conservationists, field biologists and numerous individuals who work at all levels to support the infrastructure of eco-tourism, conservation, habitat preservation and government administration. Course credits will count towards the Global Studies Certificate: World Ecologies Concentration. The Himalayas to the Andes | Global Experiences

Global Health in Spain

Study global health in Spain, in a location that provides rich and varied opportunities for learning. You will visit local public health offices, gain understanding of the European Union’s structure for health care, visit global health agencies to see first-hand the healthcare needs of diverse populations. Málaga offers a robust urban experience, with different cultures and approaches to health, in addition to access to world-renowned cultural activities! This program is designed for students interested in health in a global context. While on the program, you will build skills for working with diverse individuals, and for working in international settings. You will also gain experience with teamwork and collaboration in multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary groups in exploring healthcare issues and situations. Course credits will count towards the Global Health Certificate and the Global Studies Certificate: Health and Well Being Concentration. Global Health in Spain | Global Experiences

Additional Highlighted Programs for Summer 2025

Lakota Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability & Indigenous Rights

Study in the heart of the Pine Ridge Reservation, home of the Oglala Lakota Tribe. On this 2-week, 3-credit program get a feel for its past, present and future. You will learn from local natives about their day-to-day life, culture and work on community-driven service-learning projects. Projects may be related to environmental sustainability, agricultural initiatives, programming on youth and education, cultural learning and indigenous rights. Students of all majors are welcome to apply. This program is ideal for any student interested in history, politics, environmental studies and anthropology. You should be flexible, patient, hardworking, open to new cultures and professional in delicate community situations. Course credits will count towards the Human Rights and Social Justice Certificate and the Global Studies Certificate: World Ecologies or Peace, Conflict and (In) Security Concentrations. Lakota Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability & Indigenous Rights | Global Experiences

Pitt in Romania

The Global Studies Center is pleased to announce a new study abroad program—Pitt in Romania: Identity and Global Politics—led by Dr. Horia Dijmarescu (Political Science). Students who participate in the program will immerse themselves in a wide array of political, social, cultural, and economic phenomena that transect national boundaries and affect how Romanians come to see themselves within local, regional, national, and supranational contexts. Students will explore tensions, contradictions, and conflicts that arise from varied conceptions of nationality and investigate how national and European identities interact in the institutional context of the European Union and against the backdrop of Romania’s historical transition from Socialist totalitarianism to Capitalist parliamentary democracy. The program is interdisciplinary and explicitly adopts a global studies approach. Course credits will count towards the Global Studies Certificate: Politics and Economy Concentration.

Pitt in Senegal

Pitt in Senegal: Traditional Medicine, Culture, is a 6 -credit program in Dakar, Senegal, the western gateway to the African continent. As part of this program, all students will take Senegal: Intersections of Culture, History, Religion & Media and then can choose between immersing themselves in French or focusing on Traditional Medicine in a health and healing course. Senegal is increasingly viewed as the arts and culture capital of the continent with a rich history in literature, cinema, art, and music, complemented by Senegalese hospitality (Teranga) -- the warm embrace of others. Students will have opportunities to engage with the culture by visiting traditional villages and fishing communities; exploring mangroves; meeting with a range of NGOs, visiting key locations such as Goree Island Slave Museum; Ecole de la Rue; Black Civilization Museum; unique cemeteries; Mosques; Pink Lake; an La Maison Rose; and experiencing the unique cuisine of Senegal. Students will stay in a home-stay providing opportunities to experience Senegalese culture on a day-to-day basis. Three of the credits count towards the Global Health Certificate and the Global Studies Certificate: Health and Wellbeing Concentration. Pitt in Senegal: Traditional Medicine & Culture | Global Experiences

Featured Scholarship Opportunities

Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs

The Nationality Rooms have awarded annual scholarships to undergraduate and graduates for study abroad since 1948. For more information, please click here.

Vira I. Heinz (VIH) Program for Women in Global Leadership

The Vira I. Heinz (VIH) Program for Women in Global Leadership prepares scholars for tomorrow's global challenges by offering a unique opportunity for international experiences, leadership development, and community service. Three first-time woman travelers from Pitt are admitted into the program and receive a scholarship of at least $5,000 to put toward the cost of an international experience of their choosing.

A full list of scholarship opportunities can be found on PIttFund$Me.