Steps to Study Abroad
This page outlines the steps you should follow to choose and apply to an education abroad program. At any point you can connect with an Education Abroad Peer Adviser or find an Education Abroad Adviser and schedule an appointment through Starfish.
Step 1: Complete the Online Education Abroad 101 Module
The Education Abroad 101 Module is the recommended first step to starting your Education Abroad journey. This short online module covers:
- Choosing an education abroad program
- Application deadlines and requirements
- Funding your experience abroad
- Where to go for help
Step 1: Complete the Online Education Abroad 101 Module
The Education Abroad 101 Module is the recommended first step to starting your Education Abroad journey. This short online module covers:
- Choosing an education abroad program
- Application deadlines and requirements
- Funding your experience abroad
- Where to go for help
Step 2: Make an Academic Plan
- Review the Education Abroad Academics page of our website for more information about academic planning, working with your advisers, grades from abroad, and more!
- Meet with your academic advisers (including major, minor, or certificate advisers) to talk about how study abroad might fit into your degree plan
- Many University Park colleges and Commonwealth campuses also have education abroad representatives to help you think through the options that align with your major(s) and/or minor(s)
- Education Abroad has an optional course planning tool to help you research courses and discuss your academic plan with your academic adviser to better understand how study abroad will fit into your degree requirements
- Watch this video: Academic Planning for Study Abroad
Step 2: Make an Academic Plan
- Review the Education Abroad Academics page of our website for more information about academic planning, working with your advisers, grades from abroad, and more!
- Meet with your academic advisers (including major, minor, or certificate advisers) to talk about how study abroad might fit into your degree plan
- Many University Park colleges and Commonwealth campuses also have education abroad representatives to help you think through the options that align with your major(s) and/or minor(s)
- Education Abroad has an optional course planning tool to help you research courses and discuss your academic plan with your academic adviser to better understand how study abroad will fit into your degree requirements
- Watch this video: Academic Planning for Study Abroad
Step 3: Make a Financial Plan & Research Funding
- As you are browsing program options, review and compare program costs using the budget sheets on each program brochure page
- Watch this video: So How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
- Visit the Costs and Funding section of our website for financial tips and scholarship opportunities
- Watch this video: Scholarships & Funding Your Experience
Step 3: Make a Financial Plan & Research Funding
- As you are browsing program options, review and compare program costs using the budget sheets on each program brochure page
- Watch this video: So How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
- Visit the Costs and Funding section of our website for financial tips and scholarship opportunities
- Watch this video: Scholarships & Funding Your Experience
Step 4: Choose An Education Abroad Program
- Review our Tips for Choosing a Program
- Use the Education Abroad Program Search to explore program options
- Meet with an Education Abroad Peer Adviser or Education Abroad Adviser to talk through available options
- If you are just getting started and exploring different programs, it's best to drop in to meet with a peer adviser first
- If you have specific programs in mind and want to learn more about them, schedule an appointment with the education abroad adviser(s) for those programs
- Watch this video: How to Choose a Program
Step 4: Choose An Education Abroad Program
- Review our Tips for Choosing a Program
- Use the Education Abroad Program Search to explore program options
- Meet with an Education Abroad Peer Adviser or Education Abroad Adviser to talk through available options
- If you are just getting started and exploring different programs, it's best to drop in to meet with a peer adviser first
- If you have specific programs in mind and want to learn more about them, schedule an appointment with the education abroad adviser(s) for those programs
- Watch this video: How to Choose a Program
Step 5: Submit an Application
- Read the instructions on our Application Process page
- Navigate to the LionsABROAD program search and find the program you wish to apply to
- Click on the “Apply Now” button on the program brochure page
- Complete the requirements in the Penn State application by the stated deadline
- Program deadlines are listed at the bottom of the program brochure page
Once you have an open application, the Education Abroad office will begin communicating with you via your Penn State email.
Step 5: Submit an Application
- Read the instructions on our Application Process page
- Navigate to the LionsABROAD program search and find the program you wish to apply to
- Click on the “Apply Now” button on the program brochure page
- Complete the requirements in the Penn State application by the stated deadline
- Program deadlines are listed at the bottom of the program brochure page
Once you have an open application, the Education Abroad office will begin communicating with you via your Penn State email.
