| University Undergraduate Advising Handbook | |
Penn State students can choose from more than 180 international programs in over forty-five countries around the world and earn Penn State credit while experiencing life in another country. Programs vary in length: semester, academic-year, and summer programs are available. For detailed information, refer to the International Programs Web site.
Eligibility
Preparation
Fulfilling Requirements
Costs
Financial Aid
Application Deadlines
Scheduling Courses for the Semester after Studying Abroad
Education Abroad (EA) programs are open to all regularly enrolled Penn State undergraduates. Applicants must be in good academic standing and show evidence of maturity, stability, self-discipline, and strong academic motivation. Most programs require a minimum 2.75 or 3.00 cumulative grade-point average (GPA); some programs require a 2.50 GPA. In addition, some programs have specific course prerequisites that must be fulfilled prior to departure. Eligibility requirements for each program are detailed on the International Programs Web site.
Planning ahead is critical in order to (1) select a program that is a good fit with the student's educational goals, (2) ensure that courses taken abroad meet the student's degree requirements, and (3) ensure the completion of program prerequisites. Students considering study abroad should contact EA and discuss their interest with an academic adviser as soon as possible to facilitate planning and appropriate scheduling. The Education Abroad Resource Center in 412 Boucke Building has general advising walk-in hours Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
EA programs offer courses that fulfill major, minor, elective, language, or General Education requirements. Some Education Abroad programs offer specific courses appropriate for particular majors or interests, while others offer a wide range of courses. Within the description of each program, the International Programs Web site includes information about courses for specific majors. Students take 12 to 15 credits during each semester abroad.
One semester in a University-approved Education Abroad program satisfies a student's Intercultural and International Competence (GI) requirement. The International Cultures requirement is satisfied by education abroad courses designated as IL.
Cost estimates that detail the anticipated program costs are provided. Note that in some cases the costs for in-state and out-of-state students are identical.
Student financial aid can be used for most Education Abroad programs. EA works closely with the Office of Student Aid to ensure that additional costs incurred by participants are considered when evaluating financial need. EA also has a modest grant-in-aid fund for qualified students who demonstrate financial need. A diversity grant-in-aid program is available for eligible minority students or students with a documented disability. Information on a variety of additional scholarships and grants specifically for overseas study may be obtained through EA.
Typically, program application deadlines are
Fall January 20 Spring September 15 Year-long January 20 Summer between February 1 and March 1
Check the specific program information to determine the deadline.
SCHEDULING COURSES FOR THE SEMESTER AFTER STUDYING ABROAD
Students should meet with their advisers prior to departure to plan an appropriate schedule of courses for the semester they plan to return to Penn State. Several course alternatives should be identified. Registration instructions and the Schedule of Courses are available on the Web. If access to the Web is limited while abroad, the student has the option of providing the necessary information to a contact in the United States and asking that person to register for him/her.
The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. Please consult a Penn State academic adviser for more detailed information.
This page is part of the University Undergraduate Advising Handbook, which is maintained by the Division of Undergraduate Studies, DUS@psu.edu.
Last Update: October 2007