Travel Logistics

There are many considerations students must contemplate before traveling abroad for a study abroad program. Understanding passports, visas, and international travel tips, will help you make the most out of your experience abroad. 

Preparing to Travel

There are many steps to take in preparing yourself to study abroad. Follow this checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Passports and Visas

Passports Passports are an official identity document issued by your own government.  All students must have a passport in order to participate in any education abroad program, and it must be valid for at least 6 months past the end date of your program of study.

International Travel Tips

Packing Tips Due to personal differences in packing styles and the wide variety of Penn State program locations (and climates), it is difficult to recommend a definitive packing list.  Instead, please follow these general packing tips:

Making the Most of your Experience Abroad

Top 10 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Study Abroad Experience 1 - Make Local Connections Many students tell us when they return to Penn State that making friends with host nationals was not easy to do, but that it was the most rewarding aspect of their study abroad experience.  Please keep in mind that socialization patterns are different across cultures and the way one goes about developing and nurturing a friendship can be quite different from here at home. Consider volunteering while abroad or joining local clubs or student organizations to connect with local college students and community members.