Whether you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran who receives Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education and Training Benefits, participating in an education abroad program requires close communication with the Penn State Office of Veterans Programs and your Penn State education abroad adviser. By working with both offices to explore available opportunities, you can choose a program that aligns with VA education benefit requirements and your academic goals. The earlier you start this process, the better!
Using VA Education Benefits for Study Abroad
VA education benefits can only be used for certain types of education abroad programs under requirements established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Penn State’s Office of Veterans Programs has reviewed our education abroad offerings to identify programs that meet these requirements.
Explore Education Abroad Programs Eligible for VA Education Benefits (List last updated October 2026)
If you plan to use VA education benefits for study abroad, we encourage you to connect with the Office of Veterans Programs and your Penn State education abroad adviser early in the planning process.
Questions to Consider
- If I receive VA education benefits, can I use them for my selected education abroad program?
- If not, what other funding options are available, and can I afford to pay for my selected education abroad program out of pocket?
- If applicable, will I need to disclose my military service when applying for a student visa?
- Is there an active U.S. military presence in my host country, or was there historically? How might that impact the way I am perceived as a veteran or family member of a veteran?
- Am I comfortable discussing my military service or my connection to a veteran?
- How might my previous international experiences influence my perspective on my host location, university, or education abroad as a whole?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office
- Plan your finances: VA education benefits can only be used for certain types of education abroad programs. If you receive VA education benefits, work with the Office of Veterans Programs and the Education Abroad office early in the planning process to understand how your benefits may apply.
- Research your host country: Familiarize yourself with the history and culture of your host location, especially any history of U.S. military presence. Understanding this historical context may help you better understand cultural perspectives you encounter while abroad.
- Rely on and expand your network: If you have connections in your host country, consider reaching out to them for support or just to meet up! You may want to expand your network as well by connecting with other veterans, military-affiliated students, or local community organizations.
Resources
Whether you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran who receives Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education and Training Benefits, participating in an education abroad program requires close communication with the Penn State Office of Veterans Programs and your Penn State education abroad adviser. By working with both offices to explore available opportunities, you can choose a program that aligns with VA education benefit requirements and your academic goals. The earlier you start this process, the better!
Using VA Education Benefits for Study Abroad
VA education benefits can only be used for certain types of education abroad programs under requirements established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Penn State’s Office of Veterans Programs has reviewed our education abroad offerings to identify programs that meet these requirements.
Explore Education Abroad Programs Eligible for VA Education Benefits (List last updated October 2026)
If you plan to use VA education benefits for study abroad, we encourage you to connect with the Office of Veterans Programs and your Penn State education abroad adviser early in the planning process.
Questions to Consider
- If I receive VA education benefits, can I use them for my selected education abroad program?
- If not, what other funding options are available, and can I afford to pay for my selected education abroad program out of pocket?
- If applicable, will I need to disclose my military service when applying for a student visa?
- Is there an active U.S. military presence in my host country, or was there historically? How might that impact the way I am perceived as a veteran or family member of a veteran?
- Am I comfortable discussing my military service or my connection to a veteran?
- How might my previous international experiences influence my perspective on my host location, university, or education abroad as a whole?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office
- Plan your finances: VA education benefits can only be used for certain types of education abroad programs. If you receive VA education benefits, work with the Office of Veterans Programs and the Education Abroad office early in the planning process to understand how your benefits may apply.
- Research your host country: Familiarize yourself with the history and culture of your host location, especially any history of U.S. military presence. Understanding this historical context may help you better understand cultural perspectives you encounter while abroad.
- Rely on and expand your network: If you have connections in your host country, consider reaching out to them for support or just to meet up! You may want to expand your network as well by connecting with other veterans, military-affiliated students, or local community organizations.
