Pre-Departure Orientation Process

Once you have committed to your education abroad program, it is time to begin preparing for your experience overseas. All students going abroad through Penn State are required to complete an orientation process that covers a variety of topics intended to prepare you for your time abroad. Students will find out more information about the pre-departure orientation for their program in the LionsABROAD portal upon approval. 

Overview of Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation

Each pre-departure orientation session will cover the following pre-departure preparation and logistics topics:

  • General education abroad processes
  • Health, safety, and wellness
  • Long-term travel basics
  • Cultural and social adjustment
  • Reminders and next steps

After students are approved and committed to studying abroad, they must select and attend one of the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation sessions. The session options and deadlines will be available in the LionsABROAD portal.

Attendance at a session and completion of a follow-up knowledge check in the LionsABROAD portal are required. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the program.

Students unable to make it to any available session due to a significant conflict must notify Penn State of the reason by the deadline stated in their LionsABROAD portal. An alternative Pre-Departure Orientation option will be provided for those with significant conflicts.

Optional Workshops

Students may also be invited to participate in several orientation workshops the semester prior to study. Those students will be notified via their Penn State email of optional sessions and workshops.

Additional Orientations

Some education abroad programs may have additional orientation sessions specific to their programs depending on program type, location, and duration. Students should keep an eye out for emails from their adviser, or faculty leaders about additional sessions.

Most students will also receive an orientation upon arrival in their host country. Attendance at the on-site orientation is often mandatory.

Note for embedded program participants: Students participating in an embedded education abroad program will have a different pre-departure orientation process. You will receive more details prior to your program’s departure.