Steps to Study Abroad

Attend an Education Abroad 101 session or view the online Education Abroad 101 module to learn about:

• Program options
• Application deadlines and requirements
• Costs & billing
• Financial aid opportunities
• And much more!

Peer Advisers 

Education abroad peer advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who have enjoyed their experiences so much that they volunteer their time to advise other students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each peer adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad.

During the Summer

Our peer advisers are unavailable to meet with prospective education abroad students during the summer months (May - August). Please visit our Steps to Study Abroad webpage to learn more about the process to study or intern abroad at Penn State. Check back on this webpage at the start of the fall semester for details about meeting with our peer advisers.

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. 
  • Please note that all advising appointments for the spring 2020 semester have been moved to remote advising via Zoom.
• Walk-ins: Education abroad will not be holding walk-in advising hours during the remote learning period.

• 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!