UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will host Study Abroad Week 2020 during the week of Jan. 20-24 on the University Park campus. Students who attend can learn more about the process of applying, what funding is available, and career enrichment opportunities; and meet other students who have gone abroad.

This year, as in years past, the Office of Global Programs will partner with other departments and academic colleges on campus to host information sessions and workshops throughout the week. 

“It’s really exciting because it’s not just a Global Programs event,” said Briana Casey in Education Abroad, Global Programs. “Students will get to meet with other students who have gone abroad, members from offices like Financial Aid and the Fellowships office, and faculty from a variety of colleges.” 

The week kicks off at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, with a session about how study abroad can help students in their career goals. This workshop, like many other workshops throughout the week, is available not only students at University Park, but to students at Commonwealth Campuses as well via Zoom. In addition, some sessions are only available virtually.

“We want these resources to be available to all Penn State students, not just those at University Park,” said Casey.

Originated by Global Programs a few years ago, Study Abroad Week has grown to include partners from across Penn State. The Smeal College of Business, for example, is hosting its own expo during the week, and students will be “student exhibitors” who will share their experiences from their time abroad. 

The colleges of Agriculture, Information Sciences and Technology, Engineering, Health and Human Development, and Earth and Mineral Sciences, and the Eberly College of Science, will join forces to host a session called “STEM Students Abroad: Mapping Your Academic Experience.” STEM students routinely find it more difficult to study abroad due to strict course requirements, said Casey. Multiple representatives will be in attendance who will cover topics like course equivalency and financial aid. 

In addition to students and staff, faculty also will play an important role in the week. On Thursday, Jan. 23, a faculty-led programs fair will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the HUB-Robeson Center. More than 30 faculty from various colleges will be available to talk about their programs, which take place all over the world. 

“We are constantly energized by the engagement of the faculty in study abroad,” said Brian Brubaker, director of Education Abroad. “We’ve seen great success in faculty-led programs, especially in getting interest from students who wouldn’t normally be able or interested to study abroad.” 

Study Abroad Week takes place two weeks before the general application deadline for summer 2020 programs. The deadline is Feb. 1. However, some summer programs and all international internships have a deadline of Jan. 20 for summer.

The deadline for applications for fall semester 2020 and academic year programs for 2020-21 is March 1.

For a full list of sessions available during Study Abroad Week, visit the Study Abroad Week webpage. For more information, contact Briana Casey at bkc5202@psu.edu.  

For more information on applying for study abroad, visit the Steps to Study Abroad page.

Global Programs also hosts the Education Abroad Fair each fall.