Penn State is pleased to offer incoming first-year students the opportunity to study abroad during their first fall semester.  Participating students will earn 12-14 credits during a 12-week semester abroad.

For fall 2026, the First Semester Abroad program welcomes its inaugural cohort of students!  The program is available to students admitted to University Park into the College of the Liberal Arts, Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), and the Eberly College of Science.

Locations for this experience are London, UK and Monteverde, Costa Rica.

For the fall 2026 Lion Launch: First Semester Abroad cohort, the following eligibility requirements apply:

Admission as a fall start student at University Park campus into Penn State's the College of the Liberal Arts, Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), or Eberly College of Science
Commit to attending Penn State via the Admissions portal (MyPennState) by May 1
Must be at least 18 years old by the start date of the program abroad (September 28, 2026)
Participants must have a valid passport by the start date of the program
Commit to participating in First Semester Abroad by May 1

Official registration to participate in the Lion Launch: First Semester Abroad program will be coordinated by Penn State Global in conjunction with Penn State Admissions.  Note that students must commit to attending Penn State via the Admissions portal (MyPennState) by May 1 to be eligible to participate in the First Semester Abroad program.

Check back to this site for updates on registration! Contact firstsemesterabroad@psu.edu for more information.

Stay tuned for details on virtual information sessions that are open to interested students and their parents and families!