Study Abroad Grades

<p>Can anyone (parent or student) comment on grades received while studying abroad? I know that grades received in "Pomona approved" study abroad programs are posted to the transcript and calculated into the GPA, and that grades from non-Pomona study abroad programs are not. I am wondering how grading in the "approved" study abroad programs compares to grading for on campus courses. The reason I am asking is that my family (American) has lived abroad, and our experience was that grading was much harder than in the States. For example, a "C" really was the typical, predominant grade. I would be reluctant to participate in an "approved" study abroad program where the grading scale is harder than it is on campus.</p>

<p>Most Pomona students find their study abroad program to be easier than Pomona, even at competitive programs like UCL and Oxford. Pomona students wouldn’t be selected into an academically rigorous study abroad if they weren’t likely to do well. Don’t worry about this at all.</p>

<p>Expanding on the previous comment:
While coursework during study abroad can be much easier, getting into the study abroad program can be another story altogether. For example, Oxford is pretty competitive so your GPA has to be high in order to have a chance, and you also have to go through an internal interview/application process in addition to the Oxford one. </p>

<p>Oxford GPA requirement: 11.10 = 3.7.
<a href=“http://www.pomona.edu/administration/study-abroad/pomona-programs/england-oxford.aspx”>http://www.pomona.edu/administration/study-abroad/pomona-programs/england-oxford.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>-Pomona Class of 2013</p>

Does anyone have experience with study abroad in Australia? In particular, am interested in learning more about:

  1. Melbourne program - what types of classes and how easy/hard were the classes/grades?
  2. Sydney - I know this would require special approval - has anyone does this? Which school?

Would love to get input from students who’ve been to AU or parents of students. Thanks!