Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A: Applications for Academic Year 2025-26 Fall 2025 Spring 2026 and Summer 2025 open on August 19, 2024. The priority application deadline is 12:00 noon (Pacific Time) on Monday, September 23, 2024. Following the priority deadline, students can still apply to programs with space available (note: many programs will be at capacity after the priority deadline). Decisions will be given on a rolling basis. 

A: Applicants must complete the online application which includes providing personal data and background information and answering short answer and essay questions. Some programs also require applicants to complete an interview, video question, audition, or submit additional materials such as a resume. More information on the application process is available here. 

A: Our programs are designed to best serve students studying abroad for the full academic year. We recommend that students apply for academic year programs if possible. Here are some reasons why:

• When traveling abroad, students go through a transition period that can take up to four months. Students who remain abroad for more than one semester have the opportunity to fully adjust to their new surroundings, and they often report increased personal growth and transformation as a result.
• The majority of students study abroad the full academic year. As a result, this community of students tends to bond very deeply, and students also report forming strong relationships with locals, program staff, and Faculty-in-Residence while studying abroad for the full academic year. 
• With more time to practice with native speakers, academic year students become more proficient in the host country language. 
• Less than 2% of universities offer study abroad programs spanning more than one semester. Pepperdine's academic year programs are a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fully experience and connect with another culture, language and community.
• Many students who choose to study abroad for one semester later ask to extend their contract to remain abroad for a longer period of time. We accommodate these students when possible, but can only accommodate extensions on a space available basis and if visas regulations allow for it. Therefore it's best for students to apply for the academic year from the beginning (if their academic plan can allow for it) in order to hold their space in that program and in order to secure a visa if necessary. Students who have only attended one semester tell us time and time again that they wished they had stayed the full academic year.
• We normally prioritize academic year students and as a result admissions is more competitive for single semester applicants. 
• Although a full academic year can sound like a long time at the outset, students are given a 4-6 week winter break where they have the option to travel home and visit family and friends. 

Although we understand that some students may only be able to participate for one semester, we encourage all students to give serious consideration to a full academic year stay. 

A: Students have the option to be considered for up to six programs and terms with one application. Students will be considered for their first choice first, then their second choice, etc. Programs and terms that have reached capacity will not be available as an alternate choice. Programs that require an interview or audition, such as Faculty-led, internship, and language-intensive programs will not be available as an alternate choice.

A: Yes! Due to space constraints, our programs cannot always accommodate all applicants. Historically, about 2 out of 3 students who apply are admitted to their first choice program. Therefore we ask students to be open to multiple locations and apply by the priority deadline for the greatest chance of admission.

A: It's important to think carefully about your first choice and alternate choice options and to consult with family, academic advisors, healthcare professionals, financial aid advisors, etc. before submitting your application to ensure you'd be able to sign a contract if offered a space in either your first choice program or any alternate program, because once you submit an application you will not be allowed to change the ranking you indicated on your application (including your first-choice program location/term). You would need to reapply for open programs in the next application cycle.

If you have already signed a contract for an Academic Year program, you would need to go through the official withdrawal process (withdrawal fees apply - see withdrawal questions below) and then reapply for a semester-only space (if that program is still accepting new applications).

A: Not all programs require interviews or auditions. Click here to learn more.

If you are applying for a program that may require an audition or interview, you will be contacted (after submitting your IP application) if you have been selected to interview. Some programs may not interview all candidates, but that doesn't mean a decision has been made. 

If your program does not require an interview, we encourage you to continue to prepare for the possibility of receiving acceptance decision. More information is available here.

A: First, ensure that you have completed all required steps including submitting all parts of your online application, and interviewing or auditioning if required. Be sure to pay attention to all deadlines indicated on the application. Click here to learn more about the requirements for each program.

Applicants who apply by the priority deadline (September 23, 2024) will receive a decision on October 11, 2024. Applicants will be notified via email (make sure to allow emails from @via-trm.com to be able to receive a decision). Applicants who apply after the priority deadline will be notified on a rolling basis, usually on Fridays (this usually takes 2-4 weeks).

A: Prior to going on a semester or Academic Year International Program, students are required to take the first level of a language class (151) for all fall and spring programs (except Washington, D.C. and London programs), as well as other prerequisite courses prior to attending their international program. Students will register for these spring classes in early to mid-November. Due to this registration timeline, International Programs has created an application process and timeline to review students, give them a decision, and leave enough time for them to review their contracts and commit to the program prior to the November registration dates. This allows students to register in the appropriate classes before going abroad, so that they can complete all necessary prerequisites.

A: Yes, we have many student positions available. IPRAs, media coordinators, and librarians are hired in Malibu before studying abroad. Check out the positions and applications here. Other positions are also available once in your program. Program directors will be reaching out to students the first month of the program.

A: We encourage all students to apply for an academic year program versus a single semester because our program model best suits students studying abroad for two semesters. Specifically, students that go abroad for two successive terms (fall and spring) often report their 2nd semester offered them a richer experience that led to better personal, academic, and professional outcomes.

For the reasons stated above, all other considerations being equal, we generally prioritize academic year applicants compared to single semester applicants. We do admit single semester applicants and recommend a single semester especially if a student's academic plan cannot accommodate a two-semester program.

Please see "Should I apply for one semester or a year?" above for more information. 

A: The goal of the IP admissions process is to build diverse communities of motivated and qualified students who are committed to intellectual, social, personal, and spiritual transformation. The IP Selection Committee makes admissions decisions based on the following criteria:

• GPA
• Campus Citizenship
• Essay and Application Information
• Interview and supplemental materials (where applicable)
• Note: certain degree requirements will also be considered (declared languge major/minor, etc.)

A: Students who have been accepted are asked to sign an IP contract to officially commit to their program and term. The contract is a legally binding document that details your responsibilities as an IP student, so make sure you read it carefully and have consulted your family, healthcare providers, academic and financial aid advisors, etc. before signing. Once you have signed a contract, if you need to withdraw for any reason in the future, financial penalties as detailed in the contract apply. Students who have signed a contract should begin preparing to go abroad. Information on preparation is available here. 

A: Your IP contract is specific to the location and term/s of the program for which you applied. To switch from one semester to another, switch programs, or switch from academic year to one semester, you will need to first withdraw from your current program. Financial penalties as outlined in your contract will apply. You would then need to reapply for the new program or term of your choice, as long as that program/term is still accepting new applications. Admission to the new program and term would be contingent on space availability in that program, and you may be placed on a waitlist. Please contact us to learn more.

You can request to extend your contract from one semester to a full academic year. Extensions are contingent on space availability and you may be placed on a waitlist. Please contact us to learn more.

A. Due to space constraints and other factors, we often cannot accept all applicants for a given program. Students placed on the waitlist may choose to remain on the waitlist for the chance to be admitted at a later date if space becomes available, or they may choose to reapply for an alternate program, as long as that program is accepting new applications. Click here for more information.

A: Students who have been accepted are asked to sign an IP contract to officially commit to their program and term. The contract is a legally binding document that details your responsibilities as an IP student, so make sure you read it carefully and have consulted your family, healthcare providers, academic and financial aid advisors, etc. before signing. Once you have signed a contract, if you need to withdraw for any reason in the future, financial penalties as detailed in the contract apply. Click here to learn more about IP contracts.

A: Review the academics web page for a full list of all courses being offered at each location. 

A: Yes. Students attending Buenos Aires, Florence, Heidelberg, or a program in Switzerland during the Academic Year (Fall/Spring) must have completed the relevant 151 language course (Buenos Aires: SPAN 151, Florence: ITAL 151, Heidelberg: GER 151, Switzerland: FRE 151) before they leave for their program. This class is often taken in the Spring semester before the student leaves to go abroad. Students who already have experience with the language of their program can instead take the Pepperdine Language Placement Exam to test into a higher level. Students who test out of the 151 level do not have to take the language prior to going abroad. London and Washington, D.C. do not have a language pre-requisite before going abroad. Summer programs do not require a language pre-requisite unless specified on the website.

A: All students must take a language course in Florence, Heidelberg, Buenos Aires and in Switzerland. This includes students who have completed their General Education requirement in a language. The language courses must be taken for a letter grade (not on a Credit/No Credit basis).

A: The Pepperdine Program Director, the faculty-in-residence, and local faculty who are approved by academic divisional deans at the Malibu campus teach courses. 

A: Each of Pepperdine’s International Programs locations offers space for students to complete academic work. Pepperdine facilities have free wifi and may provide computers and printers for student use.

A: We are not able to offer directed studies overseas. Students are only able to enroll in classes listed on our website.

A: The programs in Buenos Aires and D.C. have classes 5 days per week. The European campus programs may have classes 4 or 5 days per week.

A: Please visit our cost page and the Seaver Academic Catalog for further information on costs. Click here for information on scholarships and financial aid. 

A: The International Programs charge for fall or spring programs includes room and board and the International Programs Fee (see below). 

The International Programs fee includes the International Study Tour (D.C.) or Educational Field Trip (all other locations), orientations, local group excursions, transportation fees, and other group activities. For fall and spring programs, students book and pay for flights through Corniche Travel (Pepperdine's travel partner). 

A: Some programs charge local country fees to cover additional mandatory services or government fees. More information on local country fees is available on our cost page.

Other external costs may include visa costs, passport costs and health insurance. The cost and requirement of a visa varies from country to country, year to year. Students must have a valid passport as well. Some programs may require local health insurance coverage upon arrival in the country. Students will need to research these fees, some of which are payable directly to the service provider. For more in-depth information, please visit our Cost Page.

A: For academic year/fall/spring programs, students receiving financial aid on campus usually receive the same percentage of aid while abroad. For example, if a student's tuition grant percentage (TGP) is 20% in Malibu, their TGP for their academic year/fall/spring program will be 20% while abroad, as well. For summer programs, students receive a personalized TGP via email (usually in early November for the following summer). For the most accurate financial aid information, students should visit the Financial Aid Office (next to One Stop), go to the Financial Aid website or contact their financial aid advisor.

Students receiving departmental, athletic or private outside scholarships should speak with the awarding department or organization to understand how aid will apply while abroad.

Please note: for summer programs, students must enroll in at least 6 units to qualify for federal financial aid. Students should use the summer estimator available on this site to calculate their financial aid.

IP offers scholarships to assist with the extra cost of studying abroad. Learn more and apply here. 

A: How much money you will need depends entirely on personal spending preferences. Some of the factors to take into consideration are how much you think you'll be traveling, how much you normally spend while traveling for meals, lodging, etc., and how many souvenirs you think you want to buy. Former students say on average they spend anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 per semester. Visit our finances page for more in-depth information.

A: Yes. Fees range between approximately $200-$500, depending on the course.

A: ATMs accepting Visa and Master Card are easily accessible in most cities. It is important to check with your bank to make sure you have an international pin number and chip. For more information on managing money abroad, visit our finances page.

A: All students studying abroad with International Programs, including students studying in Washington, D.C., must have a valid passport. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months past the student's anticipated return date, per airline policy. Students applying to go abroad should immediately begin renewing or applying for a passport. Visit the US Department of State's Passport Services website for more information such as passport offices nationwide, passport applications, and passport renewals. Refer to our passport page for more information. 

Students who are required to obtain a visa and who are planning on traveling internationally before their departure may be asked to obtain a second passport. Additional information will be sent to students after admission.

A: This depends on your program, term and citizenship. Please see our visa page for more information.

A: Visas are issued through the embassy or consulate of the appropriate host country. This process can be lengthy and detailed, and usually requires submitting your physical passport to the embassy or consulate for an extended period of time (which means you would not have it for travel during that time). If you hold a USA passport, IP will assist you with the visa process to submit you visa application with the rest of the students in that program, although there are still several steps for you to follow. If you do not hold a USA passport, please consult OISS and IP to better understand your visa application process before submitting an application for or signing a contract for a program. 

A: Students in most programs* can request their preferred departure location when booking their flight. Students are required to book flights through Pepperdine's travel partner, Corniche Travel. Detailed instructions on flight booking will be provided to students as part of their preparation process.

*Some Faculty-led programs require students to join a group flight departing from and returning to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).  Review our flight policies here. 

A: Academic Year, Fall Only and Spring Only Programs:

No. Students pay Corniche Travel directly for their flight costs. Flight costs vary by program. For estimates, please visit our Finances page. Students are required to book their travel through Corniche Travel during the directed Booking Window. Please refer to the IP flight policy for details regarding flights.

A: Summer Programs:

Yes. Students who apply for a campus-based summer program by the IP Regular Deadline are eligible to receive a Pepperdine-paid roundtrip economy ticket from the major international airport nearest their permanent residence to their program location and back on the program dates. Detailed flight booking instructions and policies will be provided to students as part of their preparation process. Students are responsible for extra costs over and above the standard ticket provided, such as costs for baggage, upgrades, date deviations, or change fees.

Some Faculty-led summer programs require group flights for safety and logistical reasons. Students in these programs are eligible for a Pepperdine-paid roundtrip economy ticket from LAX to their program location and back to LAX on the program dates. Students are responsible for extra costs over and above the standard ticket provided, such as costs for baggage, upgrades, date deviations, or change fees.

Please refer to the IP flight policy for details regarding flights.

A: No. When signing a contract, a student agrees to the flight policies, which require them to book through Pepperdine's travel partner, Corniche Travel. Booking with Corniche provides students with a variety of benefits, including:

• Customized travel advice and suggested itineraries based on the student's unique situation and departure location.
• If the student's flight is delayed or cancelled, or they run into issues during travel, Corniche is there to help. They provide 24 hour concierge service to get students where they need to go.
• Help comparing prices (including luggage fees, seat selection policies, etc.) with different airlines.
• In the event of an emergency or evacuation, Corniche will have access to student itineraries to work to get the students back home quickly and safely. 

Be sure to review our flight policies here.

A: Traveling to selected destinations will definitely be a part of your educational experience. However, these are serious academic programs and your studies must come first. Also, don't overlook exploring and learning about the city and country in which your program is located by visiting only distant places. There is an educational field trip in both the fall and spring terms of each academic year program. Be sure to review our flight policies here.

A: Pepperdine campuses close at the end of the fall term and re-open at the beginning of the spring term. Students cannot stay on campuses during winter break. Students living in a homestay may inquire about accommodations with their host family but it is not guaranteed. Students studying abroad for the full academic year may leave their belongings in their rooms during the winter break, but they will not be able to access them until the campus reopens.

Many students use the winter break to travel to more distant locations that they can't visit during the semester. Others purchase a ticket to return home to visit their family and friends. In other cases, the student's family may choose to visit the student overseas and they travel together during the break. Please be sure to review our flight policies here. 

A: Students can request to extend the return date of their flight at the time of booking, to facilitate personal travel. Detailed instructions on flight bookings will be provided to students as part of their preparation process. 

Students that have already booked their flight with Corniche Travel and would like to adjust their travel dates should contact Corniche Travel by emailing pepperdinetravel@corniche.com or by calling (310) 854-6000. Be sure to include details of your request in the email.

Students must ensure that lengthening their stay does not impact their immigration status. Not all flights can be changed. The flight route (departure and arrival locations) cannot be changed. Departure dates cannot usually be changed.

Students are responsible for any paying associated change fees (usually ranging from $50 - $500, depending on the airline) and any increases in airfare. Students are encouraged to request flight changes as early as possible after booking to receive the lowest change fee.  Please review our flight policies here. 

There is a 30-day health insurance coverage deviation for students studying away at international locations per semester which means that travelers are covered with health insurance for a total of 30 days outside of the official program dates per semester. Coverage can be before and/or after the program. Students should purchase additional insurance if traveling more than 30 days outside of each semester program.

A: Students should register for future Malibu classes and apply for future Malibu housing in the same way they would while on the Malibu campus. Students should register for courses at the registration time assigned to them (available on Wavenet). Students should apply for housing on the date indicated by the Housing and Residence Life Office. 

Students preparing to go abroad will automatically be assigned housing in the overseas program. They do not need to apply for housing overseas.

Students preparing to go abroad should register in their courses abroad the same way they would in Malibu. Detailed information on registering for courses overseas will be sent to students.

A: Yes! We have the Landed chapel series for students returning for the spring semester. Together we meet to process the transition of returning from abroad and to help evaluate how we have changed from our experiences. We also have Landed events in the fall for students returning from the spring semester or academic year. 

A: We love having program alumni participate back in Malibu! In the beginning of the year we have our annual event, The Return! Join us as we celebrate your time abroad and share all your adventures with the new freshmen class. We also partner with alumni for all our events and orientations. If you are interested in sharing about your time abroad, please reach out to the program ambassador.

A: Tips for Returners!

1. Understand that ‘reverse culture shock’ is a real possibility and to recognize its symptoms so you can offer appropriate support to the returnees.
2. Realize that returning home is not a predictable process and can be more stressful than the returnees or you anticipate. Be prepared to offer support long-distance as they anticipate coming home and especially after their return.
3. Understand that most returnees are, in some ways, different than they were before they left home. They may initially seem to be “strangers”. It is hard to know what they experiences have meant to them and how they have changed. It may be necessary to “renegotiate” your relationship with returnees but your history together will provide a basis for this process.
4. Be aware of your own expectations of the returnee. You may wish that they would just ‘fit back in’ but it is more helpful if you avoid forcing the returnee into old roles and relationships. Allow them space and time to readjust and reconnect.
5. Be conscious of all those things that have changed at home. Help returnees to understand what has taken place both in the society and among friends and family. Even if they have heard about these events, the impact at home may have not been obvious. You have much to tell them and they can tell you how events at home look from their overseas location.
6. Avoid criticism, sarcasm, or mockery for seemingly odd patterns of behavior, speech, or new attitudes.
7. Create opportunities for the returnees to express their opinions, tell their stories, show their pictures. Listen carefully and try to understand the significance of their overseas experiences. Seek to know what is important to them.
8. Acknowledge that all returnees experience some sense of loss. Strange as it may seem to others, returnees often grieve for what they have left behind. They may be missing overseas friends, a stimulating environment, the feeling of being special, experiencing greater freedoms or responsibilities, or special privileges.
9. Encourage the returnee to maintain personal and professional contacts with friends and institutions in the former host country(s). They will regret it if they do not.
10. Offer to mark and celebrate the reentry for the returnees and those who stayed at home. Discuss their preferences for how and when to do so. Be careful of ‘surprise’ parties.
11. Expect some critical comparisons of culture and lifestyle. Keep your responses neutral. It can increase your chances to learn something important about the returnee and how their world has changed. Don’t take their comments personally.
12. Make contact with people who have successfully gone through the experience of returning home and refer the returnee to them - it may help both you and the returnee through a difficult period of transitioning.

A: It depends on the term for which you signed your contract, and the date that you withdraw. The withdrawal fees can be found in your contract, as well as below:

Spring 2024 through Spring 2025 Withdrawal Fee Schedule 

Summer 2025 through Spring 2026 Withdrawal Fee Schedule 

If you are considering withdrawing from your program, you must contact the International Programs Office in order complete a withdrawal form. Please contact us at 310.506.4230 or at international.programs@pepperdine.edu for more information. 

A: No. Students that have signed a contract for the full academic year must withdraw from the academic year because their fully executed contract is for the full year. 

A: Pepperdine provides all students (if outside of the U.S.) with global health insurance. Students in strictly domestic programs will utilize their personal insurance policy.  There is a 30-day health insurance coverage deviation for students studying away at international locations per semester which means that travelers are covered with health insurance for a total of 30 days outside of the official program dates per semester. Coverage can be before and/or after the program. Students should purchase additional insurance if traveling more than 30 days outside of each semester program. Please click here for further information. 

A: Student safety is a top priority at Pepperdine. Please review our international travel assessment process explanation on our Health and Safety page for a detailed explanation.

A: Click here for detailed safety information.

A: Yes, though it is contingent upon each local program director’s approval. Please refer to the program pages for the offices contact information.

A: The number of students varies in each program. The Academic Year Programs have anywhere between 30-78 students each semester. The summer programs can range between 15-70 students.

A: It is a student's responsibility to get information about vaccinations that are specific to their program. Sometimes vaccinations are required by a country and other times vaccinations are recommended. If you have any questions, you can call International SOS at (215) 942-8226. You can also find helpful information on the CDC website.

Detailed information and policies related to the COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to students directly. Visit the International Programs global policy page for up-to-date information.

A: Yes, all students are required to complete a medical exam by a certified health professional and upload a form signed by the physician within 45 to 90 days prior to program departure.

A: Yes. Students are required to have a smartphone with an international calling and data plan in order to take advantage of all International SOS applications and to be able to reach someone in cases of emergency. Campus-based program locations will provide suggestions and support on how to secure a local phone and sim card once students arrive to the program location. Please visit our technology abroad page for further information.

A: No! Any Pepperdine student who meets the minimum admissions requirements and prerequisites can apply for any program that is currently accepting new applications. Our abroad locations offer many courses during the fall, spring, and summer terms so start planning with your academic advisor as early as possible to ensure your study abroad plans keep you on track to make progress toward graduation. Let's say you want to travel abroad your junior year or during a summer session: go for it! Don't you hear the bells of the Heidelberg church, don't you smell the buttery croissant calling your name? 

A: While some programs may stop accepting new applications after the priority deadline, many programs may still be accepting new applications, and students may apply and be admitted to programs on a rolling basis throughout the year. You can see a list of programs accepting new applications on the programs page. Apply as soon as you can to secure your spot.

A: Contrary to what you may have heard, it is possible. With planning and prioritization, it's possible for most students, regardless of major, to study abroad! Set up an appointment with an advisor in your major to figure out a four year plan that includes some time studying abroad.

A: Studying abroad is an invitation to learn more about your host county, culture, and its people. So feel free to travel all the time or none of the time, have adventures in your host country and see what you find. Do you travel every weekend now? No! Do you know how tired you would be if you travelled every weekend? Very! Consider what you would miss out on in the place you decided to study in the first place! Maybe you'll find some good gelato, maybe some friends, and *disclaimer for this wild thought* maybe yourself (Shhhh this is the best kept secret about studying abroad but I'll share it just with you).

A: Think back to the week before you started New Student Orientation at Pepperdine. As you were packing up your suitcase and saying goodbye to friends and family, did you start to feel nervous at the thought of starting school in a new place? Maybe you felt butterflies in your stomach as you pulled up to campus, or that surge of panic as you walked into the caf for the first time. Just as you may have felt nervous before or during your transition to Pepperdine, transitioning to your study abroad location can create feelings of nervousness, homesickness and culture shock. The good news is that you're not alone! We have helped thousands of students successfully transition to their IP locations since 1962, so we know a thing or two about handling cold feet. Read on to hear how your fellow Pepperdine students managed their pre-trip jitters.

Managing Cold Feet when Studying Abroad - Embrace the Process

Nerves are NORMAL!! Even though it may feel like you're the only one feeling nervous about studying away, we promise that almost every single person experiences nerves at some point in their study abroad experience. Don't believe us? Take it from the IP Ambassadors who just came back from being abroad:

"Cold feet is something everyone experiences. Moving across the world can be terrifying, no matter how many times you've travelled or how excited you are. I think the most important thing to remember is that everyone is feeling the same way as you ~ you're all in this together." - Mackenzie Winslow, Lausanne Ambassador

"It is completely normal to have cold feet. I think some level of nervousness is good because that's how you know you are about to do something that will change your life forever." - Brock Petty, Heidelberg Ambassador

"Honestly, I am not the person to ask about cold feet. I didn't want to go abroad. I tried to drop my program but it was too expensive, and the few days before we left I spent crying my eyes out. However, going abroad was the best thing that has ever happened to me. It gave me confidence and life lessons, my group of gal pals, my boyfriend, and now the ambassadors and all my friends from the IP office. In a sense, going abroad gave me the rest of my life. Being completely uprooted is what made me feel grounded, and if I'd let the cold feet win (actually, if I'd let the IP contract breaking fee win), I wouldn't be the person I am proud to be today." - Ashley Stephens, Florence Ambassador

Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone, which means that growth by it's very definition is UNCOMFORTABLE! When you start to feel nervous, try to look at it as the first step towards growth. It helps to take a step back and remind yourself that the challenges or nerves you are facing are temporary, and that by embracing those challenges now you are strengthening yourself for what lies ahead.

Go Back to the Very Beginning

Going abroad takes courage, but for one reason or another, you decided to take the leap and apply. Maybe you wanted to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Maybe you wanted to learn more about another culture or language, or meet new friends. Thinking back to the reasons you first chose to study abroad can help remind you of your goals, and help you to start to replacing your nerves with excitement. When you start to feel nervous, try looking at photos or videos from your program (shoutout to @pepperdineip on Instagram!), or making a list of all the places you want to visit.

Here are some of the things we hear from IP alum, about how they grew from their abroad experience:

"It was a life-changing experience that broadened my perspective and got me excited about different cultures, people, food and the world around me."

"It was cool to learn a new language and live in a new place. I never thought I would get to experience that but I'm so glad I did."

"I loved having a language partner and meeting other local friends that I still keep in touch with. The other Pepperdine students I met abroad also are now my closest friends and I can't imagine going through life without them."

Lean on Your Support System

It takes courage to be vulnerable and admit when we're scared. But often when we start to put our fears into words or on paper, we also start to realize how to overcome them. By sharing your cold feet feelings with family, friends or other students going abroad, you will feel less isolated and instead start to formulate a plan on how to move forward.

If your trepidation hits after you've arrived in your abroad location, your RAs, Faculty-in-Residence and program staff are also great resources to lean on. Here's what our ambassadors had to say:

"It can be so easy to talk yourself into cold feet when in reality, you are just in your own head. Do not let that fester but rather talk to someone about it. Very often just talking about it can help you see more clearly what are legitimate concerns and what are non-issues." - Brock Petty, Heidelberg Ambassador

"For me, being honest with myself helped me to manage those cold feet feelings. Talk about it with your friends, your family, God... whoever you turn to for comfort." - Mackenzie Winslow, Lausanne Ambassador

"Whether it is your Faculty-in-Residence, your RAs, or the program staff, if you ever feel overwhelmed or stressed you will know that the Pepperdine community will always be there to support you." - Carolina Borjas, DC Ambassador

Identify Your Coping Skills

What is your go-to when you're feeling stressed? Before going abroad, it's a good idea to think through how you will cope when things get a little too real. Here are some ideas: journaling, self-care, prayer, meditation, going outdoors, rest, peer support groups, friends or family.

"Every time you feel like you shouldn't do something, that's just the voice in your brain that's afraid of growth talking. Every time you take a risk, you're going to change in so many ways. and living abroad is definitely a risk, no lie about it. You go to a place that's completely different than everything you're used to, but that's the exciting thing about it. Knowing already that there are going to be small and big challenges along the way, and taking on each day with the attitude that you'll get through them, is an amazing feeling. I promise you that when you look back on your study abroad experience, you probably might not even recognize the nervous person that was even worried about studying abroad in the first place." - Emily Tran, Shanghai Ambassador