Steps to Study Abroad
Steps to Studying Abroad
1. Consider your Priorities and Interests
 Penn State students explain why you should Study Abroad (video) and how it can Affect Your Life! (video) |
- What do you want to get our of your Education Abroad (EA) experience?
- Will you fulfill major or minor requirements while abroad, or will you take general education courses?
- Will you be on a budget while you are abroad?
- Would you like to improve or learn a language?
- Would you like to live with a host family, in an apartment, or in a dorm?
- Would you prefer living in a busy city or in a quiet town?
- Will you incorporate an internship or service learning into your experience?
- Click on Programs at the top to search through the many programs available for a summer, semester, or academic year abroad. If you're overwhelmed looking through these options, meet with one of the advisers (section below)
- Browse the links to the left to learn about Academics, Finances, Health & Safety, and Parents & Family
- Talk to your folks at home. Be sure to discuss costs and financial aid as well. It is of the utmost importance to have the support of your family before and during your study abroad experience.
- Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who have enjoyed their experiences so much that they volunteer their time and advise to other students. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as tell you about his/her own experience abroad.
- Walk-in 407 Boucke, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM
- Email: peeradviser@ip.psu.edu
- Phone: 814.865.5195
- Each Penn State Campus and college at University Park has a Global Program Representative. See your representative for additional guidance on programs that fit well with your major or fitting study abroad into your academic curriculum.
- Click here for a list of representatives and the one nearest you!
Penn State students talk about: How do I start planning a study abroad experience? (video) |
- Discuss an academic plan integrating studying abroad with your graduation timeline. Which semester or summer term might be best for you to go abroad?
- Determine courses you intend to take abroad, including electives, major requirements, minor requirements, and general education requirements
- You will continue to receive financial aid and most scholarships when you enroll in a Penn State Education Abroad program
- Click here for more information on:
- Global Programs scholarships, including Grant-in-Aid, Diversity Grant-in-Aid, and the Whole World Scholarship (for non-traditional locations);
- College/department for study abroad scholarships;
- Funding databases; and,
- Finding community based funding, including service clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, religious organizations, family, and friends
After you have completed your initial research and narrowed down your program choices, EA Advisers are available to discuss your options in greater detail.
- Click on Meet Our Staff above to get each Adviser's email & phone information, or to make an appointment
- The Abroad Advisers can answer any additional questions you have about costs, finding classes you need abroad, and the programs themselves
- At this point, you may also want to talk to past participants. Their stories from recent experiences can help you imagine yourself abroad, and they can certainly help you get excited about the semester or summer ahead!
- Click on "Apply Now" on the top and bottom of the chosen program webpage
- Log in using your Penn State Web Access ID and password to view your personal homepage
- Complete the checklist by clicking on the documents for instructions and details. Your application may include:
- Material submissions, which are items to be submitted to the Education Abroad Office (e.g., Official Transcripts and/or hard copy application materials)
- Signature Documents, which are documents that you must read carefully and sign when completed
- Electronic Academic Recommendations
- Application Short-Answer Essay Questionnaire
- You may apply to only one program, but you will list 2 alternates in the Questionnaire. If you are not accepted into the chosen program, we will review your application for the alternate programs listed
- Make sure to complete all application requirements by the Deadline. Be sure to find the deadline for your particular program at the bottom of your program page as some deadlines vary
- Contact your EA Adviser if you have specific questions, or see a peer adviser and they can help walk you through the application
 Photo courtesy of Michael Michaux Paris, France; Spring 2005 |
- Applications will be evaluated on your individual merits (GPA, recommendation(s), EA questionnaire, and program specific prerequisites)
- You are selected as an individual applicant and our office cannot honor requests to study with a friend(s)
- Apply for your passport as soon as possible through your local post office (may take 2 months or longer to attain)
- Check your homepage and Penn State email on a regular basis for updates, reminders, or requests for materials you may not have submitted
- Most emails will come from help@ip.psu.edu
- To check your homepage, click on Penn State Login in the upper right hand corner of the webpage
- You will receive your decision notification through e-mail on the decision date also listed under Deadlines in the top menu and on your program page
- You will have 10 business days to accept or decline your participation in the program
- You will be required to complete a new checklist of items on your homepage to commit to your participation on the program
- By signing these documents, a non-refundable administrative fee will be posted to your Bursar Account when semester bills are posted (June for Fall programs, November for Spring programs, and July for Summer programs)
- Students may not switch programs post-acceptance
- Non-Penn State students participating as part of the Alliance for Expanded Studies in Overseas Programs (AESOP) will be billed by their home institution
- Congratulations on your acceptance! Click on the section Accepted Students as listed in the left menu to continue your study abroad process
- Remember to check your Penn State e-mail for updates and events occurring in the Education Abroad office where you may have the chance to meet international students or study abroad returnees from your chosen destination
- Interact with other students on the Study Abroad with Penn State! Web site to figure out what you will need to pack, the best way to find cheap airfare, current events, and other great tips!