Steps to Study Abroad

Attend an in-person Study Abroad 101 session or view the online Study Abroad 101 module to learn about: 

• Program options
• Available regions
• Application deadlines
• Scholarships
• Financial aid
• And much more!

Peer Advisers 

Education abroad peer advisers are returned study abroad students who volunteer their time to advise their fellow students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. They can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, and provide information about their experience abroad.   

Peer Advising Walk-Ins and Office Hours 

Boucke Building  
4th floor, outside of the Education Abroad suite (room 422) 

Office Hours  

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 11:00 am - 4:00 pm  

• Thursdays from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

No appointment is necessary - you can just walk right in! Learn more on our Peer Adviser Website.

Not at University Park? Email educationabroad@psu.edu  to set up a phone appointment. 

Commonwealth Campus & World Campus Contacts 

Each of the Penn State campuses has an education abroad liaison who can provide guidance on the study abroad process. Fill out the Education Abroad Interest Form or look up the liaison and links to other resources on your campus to learn more. 

First ask yourself, "What do I want to do?" instead of "Where do I want to go?"

• Follow our tips for choosing a program 

• Understand the diverse opportunities to study, intern, or do research abroad approved by Penn State

• Use our programs search page to explore your options 

Tip: Utilize the “advanced search” to compare program courses, dates, costs, and more!  

• Education Abroad Course Planning Tool: Use this tool to put together a list of primary and alternate courses that fit into your 4-year academic plan. 

• Working with your academic adviser: Bring the completed Education Abroad Course Planning Tool to your academic adviser to discuss how the courses you plan to take abroad will fit into your degree requirements. 

• College Representatives:  Many Penn State colleges have advisers that can help you choose a program that matches your personal and academic goals. These advisers can also help 2+2 students planning to transfer to University Park.  

Find Your University Park College Representative

Education Abroad encourages all students to contact the international programs/study 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:

• Selecting a program that will fit with the student's academic plan
• Identifying programs that are tailored to the student's major
• Notifying the student of any college- or department-specific policies regarding study abroad

Education abroad advisers work with a specific regional portfolio and can help answer questions about your country of interest including program selection, the application process, academics abroad, pre-departure processes, and cultural preparation. 

• Scheduled appointments: You can meet with an education abroad adviser individually by scheduling an appointment with the appropriate adviser in Starfish. Phone and video-chat appointments are available for students not located at University Park. 
• Walk-ins: Education abroad advisers are available to answer general questions during walk-in advising on Mondays from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm or Thursdays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in 422 Boucke Building.  Please note you will not be able to meet with a specific adviser during walk-ins. 

• Funding opportunities are available to study abroad students through scholarships. 

• Global Programs, individual colleges, and academic departments, and other resources outside the university all have scholarships available.  

• Read the instructions on our How to Apply page 

• Be sure to complete all requirements by the application deadline for the term you are applying. Best of luck!