Steps to Study Abroad
The planning stages outlined below will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad.
Complete the Study Abroad 101
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!
Meet with a Peer Adviser or Campus Liaison
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.
Visit our Peer Adviser Website
Visit our website to learn more about our 2020-2021 Education Abroad peer advisers and how to schedule a virtual advising appointment with them.
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.
Research Education Abroad Opportunities
First ask yourself, "What do I want to do?" instead of "Where do I want to go?"
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Follow our tips for choosing a program
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Understand the diverse opportunities to study, intern, or do research abroad approved by Penn State
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Use our programs search page to explore your options
Tip: Utilize the “advanced search” to compare program courses, dates, costs, and more!
Make an Academic Plan
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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.
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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.
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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
College | Name | Title | Office |
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Agricultural Sciences | Ketja Lingenfelter | Assistant Director for Student Global Engagement | 135 Ag. Admin |
Arts & Architecture | Kyrie Harding | Academic Advising Manager | 104 Borland |
Bellisario College of Communications | Mary Sergeant | Academic Adviser | 204 Carnegie |
Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) | Patricia Schempp | Academic Adviser | 121 Grange |
Education | Leila Bradaschia | Director of International Programs | 233 Chambers |
Earth & Mineral Sciences | Michael Gordon | Academic Adviser | 014 Deike |
Eberly College of Science | Vacant | Global Experiences Coordinator | 418 Kern |
Engineering | Sara Kuhlman | Coordinator of International Experiences | 208 Hammond |
Health & Human Development | Dennis Shea | Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Outreach | 345 HHD Building |
Information Science & Technology | Angela K. Miller | Director, Undergraduate Recruiting & Student Engagement | E131 Westgate |
The Liberal Arts | Susan Knell | Director, Career Enrichment Network | 101 Sparks |
Smeal College of Business | Elizabeth Labrin | International Programs Coordinator (Academic Adviser) | 202 Business |
Schreyer Honors College | Richard Stoller | Coord. of Academic Advising/International Programs | 10 Schreyer |
Meet with an Education Abroad Adviser
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.
Research Funding Opportunities
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Funding opportunities are available to study abroad students through scholarships.
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Global Programs, individual colleges, and academic departments, and other resources outside the university all have scholarships available.
Submit Your Application
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Read the instructions on our How to Apply page
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Be sure to complete all requirements by the application deadline for the term you are applying. Best of luck!