FAQ

Yes. Every Panrimo partner university is accredited by the host country’s Ministry of Education. Please see the host country section for complete university descriptions.

Because Panrimo partners only with accredited universities, individual courses are subject to the review process set forth by the host country’s Ministry of Education. In many instances, student opinions and ratings of courses can be found online. Panrimo asks all of their students to participate in a course rating survey at the end of the session.

Yes. Panrimo study abroad programs are all-inclusive and cover host university tuition and fees for a typical full-time course load. The program cost does not include additional fees imposed by the home university.

Knowing a dedicated supervisor, clean work setting, and substantive work awaits a student upon arrival for an internship is key. Included in all Panrimo internship programs abroad is the guarantee that a Panrimo cofounder has met with in person or interviewed through Skype, email, and phone. We also cross-reference the company or nonprofit and supervisor with other colleagues in the field. Once a mutual agreement is made between Panrimo and the company/nonprofit abroad, Panrimo cofounder Tony Amante Schepers discusses further with them the student’s expectations, Panrimo’s overseeing role of the internship, and expectations of the contact abroad. If requested, Panrimo staff can schedule a phone conference between the US university advisor and potential overseas supervisor before the student starts the internship.

Being in a new environment is a challenge for everyone. Working alongside new coworkers in a different country compounds frustration and heightens emotion. If a student is having difficulty in his or her internship setting, Panrimo staff are available onsite and back in the US to hear the student’s issues and provide suggestions. Oftentimes cultural barriers take place, and students should discuss these openly with the supervisor abroad. Tony Amante Schepers, Manager of Panrimo’s internship programs, is in constant contact with supervisors to ensure expectations and comfortable work environment are in place throughout the student’s experience.

The direct “boss” of a Panroamer in an internship abroad is the man or woman working for the company or nonprofit that is partnered with Panrimo. This supervisor speaks English, and has been prepped by Panrimo staff to act as a positive guide and person of understanding for the student. The supervisor provides constructive feedback to the student, and remains in contact with Tony Amante Schepers, Manager of Panrimo’s internship programs.

Panrimo works with the advising and curriculum staff at both the home and host university. Although the final decision and responsibility for credit transfer rests with the student’s study abroad or academic advisor, Panrimo helps expedite and simplify the process by providing students with an 8-Step Credit Transfer Process Guide and coordinating with the host university to provide:

• Printed course descriptions
• Syllabi
• Teaching Staff Credential
• Grading Criteria and Summary
• Student and advisor credit transfer letter of understanding
• Expedite official transcripts for future employment or graduate studies needs

A thorough onsite orientation prepares students to travel safely and wisely. Panrimo continuously monitors the safety of the nations and cities in which it offers programs, adjusting or even cancelling the program if safety issues are evident. In many instances, Panrimo contacts the U.S. Embassy or nearest liaison in area’s where its students study or intern, or are engaged in Panrimo-sponsored excursions. Students are subject to host country and host university regulations. Panrimo has instituted a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for students who choose to disregard those rules. In the event a student is removed from the campus or is incarcerated, Panrimo will abide by the decisions of local authorities. Before leaving for a study or intern abroad experience, each student discusses with his/her Panrimo advisor or Skype chat common practices and policies regarding alcohol consumption, fines for jay-walking, riding public transport without a ticket or pass, shoplifting, drug consumption and other risky behaviors.

Going abroad is a vital and life changing experience that can be appreciated by every student, even those with certain needs. Some countries are better equipped to accommodate students with special needs while other cities are particularly difficult to navigate, or pose threatening and predatory situations. Panrimo makes every effort to match students with disabilities to programs and coordinators best equipped to meet their needs. Because securing a good match may take some time, we encourage students with disabilities to explore their options with us well in advance of program deadlines.