Office of Student Aid : Parents of Students : Parent Newsletter

Volume 5, Issue 7--November 2007

Study Abroad Opportunities at Penn State

Most students who study abroad during their college careers report that the experience was both positive and life-changing. Students who successfully navigate--and conquer--the challenges of living in a foreign country typically return home with increased maturity and self-confidence, a deeper self-awareness, a greater understanding of the world around them, and an appreciation for cultures other than their own. The University Office of International Programs at Penn State offers more than 150 programs in more than 40 countries around the world. More information about these programs (and eligibility requirements for participation) is available at the University Office of International Programs Web site.

Please encourage your student to consider a study abroad experience during his or her time at Penn State! If your student participates in a study abroad experience offered through the University Office of International Programs, he or she will remain registered as a Penn State student while abroad and therefore will still be eligible--in most cases--to receive his or her student aid as usual. Please note that students who participate in Penn State-sponsored study abroad programs may also be eligible for additional scholarships through the University Office of International Programs. Consult their Web site for more information. You and your student are also encouraged to compare the relative costs of study abroad programs before your student chooses and applies for a particular program.

If you and your student are still concerned about the cost of studying abroad, please consider the following:

• Program type - Exchange programs (in which Penn State students switch places with a student at a foreign institution) tend to be less costly than one-way programs or programs offered through a study abroad provider (e.g., CIEE, IES, Arcadia), which often include additional academic fees and costs for field-trips and other activities provided by the program.
• Program duration - Study abroad programs that last only a few weeks or a month or two are almost always less expensive than fall or spring semester programs or year-long programs.
• Program location - It is usually more expensive to study in Western Europe, Australia, or New Zealand than it is to study in most countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America. If your student really wants to study in a country in which the cost of living is relatively high, he or she might find it more affordable to choose a program in a smaller city rather than a larger one. For example, the cost of living in London, England or Sydney, Australia is much higher than the cost of living in a smaller city in either of these countries.

Please note that, due to visa and immigration laws overseas, it is usually not possible for students to obtain part-time paid employment while studying abroad. In most countries, students must be able to show Immigration authorities in the host country--upon arrival--that they have sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their study abroad period.

If your student is interested in study abroad, please encourage him or her to:

• Look at the University Office of International Programs Web site to learn more about Penn State-sponsored education abroad programs.
• Meet with an Education Abroad Adviser (if your student has additional questions or concerns about the study abroad application process).
• Be aware of the relevant application deadlines for the semester in which he or she wishes to study abroad.
• Contact the Office of Student Aid concerning his or her eligibility for student financial aid.
• Print (as applicable) the Fall Semester Steps, Spring Semester Steps, or Summer Session Steps to Student Aid for Study Abroad Students and follow the instructions.*

*Students will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software in order to print the above Steps to Student Aid for Study Abroad Students in PDF format. Free software is available for download at the Adobe Acrobat Reader site.