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Dubrovnik: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
 Education Abroad Adviser: 		Renata Horvatek
Minimum GPA: 		3.0
Class Standing: 		2 - Sophomore
Grad/Undergrad: 		Undergraduate
Language of Instruction: 		English
Language Requirement: 		0 semesters
Internship Available: 		No
Fields of Study: 		Art History, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Sciences, History, Hospitality Management, Information Sciences and Technology, Information Systems, Security and Risk Analysis, Visual Arts
Program Description:

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 

Program Description 

This program is primarily open to students in the College of Information Sciences and Technology and Hospitality Management majors at Penn State, but is also open to students from any college.

IST Students will enroll in IST courses at the RIT Croatia campus in Dubrovnik. Academic courses in the RIT abroad program are similar to programming and design courses in the College of Information Sciences and Technology’s Information Systems: Design and Development (ISDEV) option in the Information Sciences and Technology (IST) major. Students who follow the approved curriculum plan for this study abroad program will continue to make progress in their course of study in the College of IST. Academic courses in the RIT abroad program also include general education courses that students can use for Penn State general education requirements.
Other students (non-IST students) may select from the general education course list (see the Academics Page). Many of these courses can be used for Penn State general education requirements.

HM students will enroll in HM courses at the RIT Croatia campus in Dubrovnik. Academic courses in the RIT abroad program are similar to courses in the SHM curriculum.  HM students who meet with the SHM International Studies advisor and plan their study abroad will continue to make progress in their course of study in the School of Hospitality Management.  HM students can also take courses at RIT Croatia that fulfill General Education requirements.

Dates

Fall: late August - late December
Spring: mid January - mid May

Refer to the program website for the specific dates.

Location

RIT Croatia’s campus in Dubrovnik is located just a few steps from the main entrance to Old Town, a historic section of Dubrovnik. The RIT Croatia building contains classrooms, faculty and staff offices, student lounges, a copy center, library, computer labs and is fully equipped with the latest technology including wireless internet access.

Dubrovnik, also known as “the pearl of the Adriatic” is no longer the world’s best-kept secret. This unique destination magnificently combines the natural beauty of the pristine Adriatic Sea and mountainous Croatian landscape with medieval architecture and old-world city planning. No wonder it is the place where the magical and popular series Game of Thrones is filmed. The stunning city of Dubrovnik with its historic Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. The gleaming marble streets are lined with baroque buildings and Renaissance fountains. The history of Dubrovnik is a fascinating study of the rise of a great maritime power that lived in peace and prosperity for nearly five centuries. Dubrovnik is much more than a fascinating Old Town. It is a first-class Adriatic resort complete with beautiful pebble beaches and a vibrant nightlife.           

When you are in Dubrovnik, your learning will continue beyond the walls of the classroom. Visit the ancient Roman salt flats that are still in production today. Attend numerous cultural festivals that are unique to the Dalmatian Coast. Simply sit at one of the many sidewalk cafes and listen to the stories of your classmates. Walk atop the city walls, go for a hike, or take a ferry to one of the many nearby islands.

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.

Academics

Course Listings/Options and Prerequisites 

  • Pathway 1 is for ISDEV students in the College of IST – Fall of sophomore year – no prerequisites required, but IST 140 strongly encouraged; and students should have taken all recommended first-year courses in the ISDEV roadmap, so as not to fall behind after the semester abroad.
    • 2-3 General Education courses
    • ISTE-140 Web and Mobile I (This course counts as IST 250 and fulfills a Support Course in the Option within the IST major.)
    • NMDE-111 New Media Design Digital Survey (This course would be brought in as IST 299 and fulfills a Support Course in the Option within the IST major.
  • Pathway 2 for ISDEV students in the College of IST – Fall of junior year – students must have already taken IST 250 (to be counted as Support Course for the Option within the IST major), with a C or better grade; and students should have taken all recommended first-year and second-year courses in the ISDEV roadmap, so as not to fall behind after the semester abroad.
    • 2-3 General Education courses
    • ISTE-260 User Experience (This course counts as IST 331 and fulfills the requirement for the IST major.)
    • ISTE-434 Data Warehousing (This course would be brought in as IST 299 and fulfills a Support Course in the Option within the IST major.)
  • Pathway 3 is for any Penn State student – Fall or Spring semester of any year – no prerequisites required
    • 4 General Education courses
      • A full list of available general education course and semester eligibility is included here: List of GE Classes 2018 2019 Dbk.xlsx.
      • Students can choose any GE course offered.
      • Some GE courses require prerequisites.
  • HM students will enroll in HM courses at the RIT Croatia campus in Dubrovnik. Academic courses in the RIT abroad program are similar to courses in the SHM curriculum.  HM students who meet with the SHM International Studies advisor and plan their study abroad will continue to make progress in their course of study in the School of Hospitality Management.  HM students can also take courses at RIT Croatia that fulfill General Education requirements.  
To learn more about the courses offered at RIT Croatia, follow the instructions on their website.  You will need to access their SIS System, it looks similar to LionPath.  Make sure you change the Campus to "RIT Croatia" and Location to "RIT Dubrovnik" so that you are looking at the current courses.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the host program page before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program website
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with RIT Croatia

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 12 credits and a maximum number of 17 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
A A
A-  A-
B+  B+
B  B
B-  B-
C+  C+
C  C
D  D
F  F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 credits per course 3 credits per course
 

Housing and Meals

Housing

You will live in fully equipped apartments coordinated by the RIT Croatia International Student office staff. Apartments are available only as double shared bedroom apartments. Utilities are included in the price of the housing. Students are responsible for cleaning, taking out garbage to the designated bins/dumpsters, making sure that broken or damaged house items are immediately reported to International Student Office staff and to the landlord. Students will be provided with House Rules with more details at the Orientation.

All apartments are equipped with bedding, linens, towels, kitchen appliances, dishware and glassware, wi-fi connection, clothes washer, television, and wifi. None of the apartments have clothes dryers (most people dry their clothes on a clothes rack). Local bus service is reliable, easy to use and affordable, which allows unlimited travel within the region.?

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.

Meals

The apartments have kitchens so you will be preparing your own meals and shopping at a nearby grocery store.

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Fall Costs
Spring Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
 

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website. 

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2019 03/01/2019
03/13/2019 09/01/2019 12/20/2019
Spring 2020 09/10/2019
** 		Rolling Admission 01/08/2020 05/09/2020
Fall 2020 03/01/2020 03/12/2020 TBA TBA
Spring 2021 05/01/2020 06/05/2020 TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Indicates that deadline has passed