Fee Policy for International and Domestic Programs
All international and domestic program participants are charged Pomona College tuition and the standard room and board for the semester off-campus. The Associated Students fee is not charged. The comprehensive Pomona fee is billed in the usual manner, and covers:
- the academic program,
- standard housing (as defined by the program) and food expenses (as recommended by the program for periods when classes are in session),
- program application fee, if charged by host program, and
- administrative costs incurred by Pomona for each semester.
For International Programs, the fee also covers:
- an international travel allowance, which is a contribution towards the cost of round-trip transportation from the closest international airport of the student's home city to the program site,
- carbon offsets for flights,
- a local transportation allowance if specified by the program provider as necessary for commuting to and from class,
- a visa or residence permit, if required for study, and
- international travel insurance which provides worldwide travel assistance, personal security services, medical assistance, and emergency travel assistance.
For Domestic Programs, students receiving financial aid may also be eligible for financial assistance with the following costs, if needed:
- a travel allowance, which is a contribution towards the cost of round-trip flight, train, or bus transportation from the student's home city to the program site,
- carbon offsets for flights, and
- a local transportation allowance if specified by the program provider as necessary for commuting for class and academic purposes.
On some programs where housing and/or food are not provided directly by the program, Pomona provides an allowance for these expenses. There is no reduced meal plan for international and domestic programs. Generally, the fee excludes housing, food, and travel during vacation periods.
Students on payment plans may request continuation of the service while studying off-campus.
Financial Aid
Financial aid continues for eligible students during the program. The IDPO maintains a list of additional scholarships for study away. Students should discuss how additional outside aid may impact their existing aid package with the Financial Aid Office.
Pomona College Community Engagement Grant for study away
Thanks to the generous contributions of Pomona alumni and friends, the International and Domestic Programs Office has a small amount of funds to award students with demonstrated financial need to assist with expenses or activities that will help students explore and deepen their engagement in their local community off-campus. See our Scholarships page for more information.
Insurance
Students must provide proof of sickness, hospital, and accident insurance equal to the coverage available through The Claremont Colleges before studying off-campus. Students must carry an insurance policy that provides coverage while away. Students participating in domestic programs should check to see whether their insurance covers them in the state their program takes place. They may need to purchase additional insurance. The Claremont Colleges Student Health Insurance Plan covers students outside California as out-of-network.
Personal Expenses
Students are responsible for commuting costs not expressly included in the program fee, and incidental expenses such as books, clothing, personal supplies, medications, laundry, entertainment, personal travel, postage, gym/sports fees, internet fees, and telephone calls. These costs are likely to be higher than in Claremont. Circumstances and local costs vary considerably from site to site and from year to year. Pomona College is not responsible for fluctuating exchange rates.
The program fee also does not cover transportation to/from the airport or departure station, medical fees, immunizations, purchase of bedding or cooking equipment, refundable housing deposits, supplemental housing fees, and passport fees. These fees vary. Students are responsible for damage done to housing while on a program. All debts must be settled before departing the program.
Other Claremont Colleges Students
Students from other Claremont Colleges pay regular tuition, housing, and food fees to their home college, and in return have the following expenses covered while on a Pomona Program: tuition, housing and food, co-curricular activities and excursions, airfare, visas (if necessary), and local transportation (if necessary). Students receiving financial aid should make arrangements with their home college before going abroad.
Withdrawal from an International or Domestic Program
Students who choose to withdraw from an international or domestic program after submitting the signed contract must notify the IDPO in writing. In the event of withdrawal from a program, the refund policy of the program provider will apply, and students will be liable for any unrecoverable expenses incurred on their behalf by Pomona College. Additionally, Pomona College will require repayment of any funds paid out directly to the student.
Students who find it necessary for medical or personal reasons to leave a program once it has begun should consult with the on-site director as well as with the Pomona College Director of International and Domestic Programs. Students must submit a written statement to the IDPO requesting a leave, which will be forwarded to the Pomona Dean of Students Office for approval. The written statement should include: the reasons for departure from the program, a plan for the leave period, and plans for returning to Pomona. The IDPO will negotiate decisions on credits, grades, and financial implications following approval of the leave.