Academics

Academic quality is an important component of any Education Abroad program, and students should select a program that will enrich their collegiate studies. The Education Abroad office encourages students to work closely with both their academic adviser and Education Abroad adviser before, during, and after studying abroad to ensure all academic matters are handled properly.

Students, academic advisers, and Education Abroad Advisers all play key roles in the study abroad process. Please review the information in this section to learn more about the responsibilities and expectations of each group.

Students' Role in Planning for Academics Abroad

You have the most important role in planning for your study abroad experience! Keep these things in mind throughout the entire process. 

Education Abroad Course Planning Tool

Use this tool to research courses and discuss your academic plan with your academic adviser to better understand how study abroad will fit into your degree requirements.

Working With Your Academic Adviser

Academic Adviser's Role The course selection process can be difficult to navigate, as students have to shuffle between their education abroad adviser and academic adviser. This section will explain the role of academic advisers in the study abroad process so that students understand what questions they should be asking and are generally well-prepared for each advising session. 

Working with Your Education Abroad Adviser

Education Abroad Adviser's Role The course selection process can be difficult to navigate, as students have to shuffle between their education abroad adviser and academic adviser. This section will explain the role of education abroad (EA) advisers in the study abroad process so that students understand what questions they should be asking and are generally well-prepared for each advising session.

Find Your University Park College Representative

Education Abroad encourages all students to contact the international programs/education abroad coordinator in their respective college on the University Park campus while planning a study abroad program. These coordinators are an excellent resource for students and can help with the following:

Course Equivalency Process

Before the Education Abroad office can post grades from your time abroad, we must have a Penn State course number established for each course you took. The course equivalency process is the manner in which we have your abroad courses reviewed for Penn State course numbers. It involves obtaining course information from you, the student, and having it evaluated by the appropriate Penn State academic department. The process must be completed through the Education Abroad office. Students are not able to graduate from Penn State until the course equivalency process is complete for all courses taken abroad. You should begin this process while abroad and expected to see your courses and grades within 2-4 months of receiving your transcript.

Grades

Policies on Grades If you are waiting to receive your grades from abroad and have questions or concerns, contact EAgrades@psu.