Program Overview
The CIEE Global Institutes offer a unique opportunity for students to build their ideal program from four locations in order to maximize immersion and intensive study. The Global Institutes offers an Open Campus model which allows students to study in one or more of the following locations; Rome, Paris, London, or Berlin. Students choose one, two, or three academic blocks from any combination of the four locations offered. Select your academic track from five diverse options and then choose electives from a wide range of offerings. CIEE has generously provided special funding opportunities for the Fall 2016 semester. Read more about those funding opportunities in the Financial section of this page.
Students can choose up to three locations of the following campuses:
Global Institute - Berlin Campus
Live and learn in the heart of Kreuzberg, one of Berlin’s liveliest and culturally rich districts. Unpack in the brand new residence hall, take courses in state-of-the-art classrooms, grab a snack at the CIEE Café’, rent sports equipment at our Discover Berlin Office – everything’s right on campus! Plus, a large public market, scores of restaurants, and a variety of shops are just a few minutes’ walk away. Learn more about the Berlin Open Campus Program.
Global Institute - London Campus
Get to know the British way of life in Bloomsbury, one of central London’s most student-populated neighborhoods. Take courses at Hamilton House, which features modern classrooms, comfortable kitchen and lounge areas, and a café. Hang up your coat at the nearby residence hall, located within walking distance of the British Museum, British Library, one of the city’s largest Royal Parks, and more. Learn more about the London Open Campus Program.
Global Institute - Paris Campus
CIEE Paris Open Campus courses are taught at the CIEE Global Institute – Paris. Students will be housed within or on the very close outskirts of the city of Paris with easy access to CIEE host institutions, and the CIEE center. The CIEE Global Institute-Paris is less than a minute away from the Grands Boulevards, a 10-minute walk to the Palais Royal, and a 15-minute walk to the Louvre. The center has 4 classrooms, library space, a small computer area for student use, in addition to staff offices. The Open Campus program in Paris is designed to offer students the option to take one direct enrollment course (hybrid model) at a local host institution allowing students to take a course alongside local students. Learn more about the Paris Open Campus Program.
Global Institute - Rome Campus
The CIEE Global Institute – Rome is located in the Prati neighborhood, right at the heart of Rome. Just a few minutes away from the historical centre, and a fifteen minute walk to the Vatican City, Prati is filled with great authentic Roman trattorie and great restaurants and bars where one can go and listen to some live music. Other historical sites which are within walking distance include the Spanish steps, Piazza Navona or Campo di Fiore. The CIEE center features modern classrooms, as well as a student lounge area. Classrooms are designed to ensure the comfort and quality for a successful academic experience. Learn more about the Rome Open Campus Program.
Program Quicklinks
Course Offerings
Pre-Requisites
Housing and Meals
Program Costs
Financial Aid & Scholarships
More Information
How to Apply
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You will receive credit for all academic courses taken at this institution, and all of your grades from abroad will count toward your Penn State cumulative GPA. You may not take any courses overseas on a Pass/Fail basis. Students may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad. These courses will not be credited at Penn State. Students must register for a minimum of credits per semester; students can register for a maximum of 18 credits per semester.
Academic Tracks
Students can choose from one of five academic tracks in any of the open campus locations. The five tracks are offered across all four locations; Rome, Paris, London, and Berlin. To learn more about the academic course offerings on this program visit the CIEE Global Institutes website. Students can choose from the following tracks:
- Business
- Communications, Journalism, and New Media
- Health Sciences
- International Relations and Political Science
- Language, Literature, and Culture
Academic Block System
Students take two courses per block for 1-3 blocks allowing students flexibility in their studies as well as travel locations. Each block is 6 weeks long and students earn 6 credits per block. Students can choose to participate in up to three blocks in a single location, or mix and match blocks at the four centers to build their ideal program.
One Academic Block - 6 Credits
- One track related course and additional CIEE Electives (could be from the same or different tracks)
Two Academic Blocks - 12 Credits
- Two courses per block
- At least two courses in the chosen academic track
- Two additional CIEE electives
- CIEE Academic Project is optional during the second academic block
Three Academic Blocks - 18 Credits
- Two courses per block
- At least two courses in the chosen academic track
- Four additional CIEE electives
- CIEE Academic Project is optional during second or third academic blocks
Keep in mind you will need to complete the course equivalency process once you have been accepted to your program and after you have completed your registration abroad. To obtain specific instructions on this process visit our Course Equivalencies webpage.
Pre-Requisites
Successful applicants will satisfy the pre-requisites established by the program.
- This program is only available to regularly enrolled Penn State undergraduate students.
- Sophomore class standing or higher at time of study
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA
Housing and Meals
Your housing will be arranged by CIEE. Housing options will vary by location.
Program Costs
For more information on program costs, please be sure to review the Fall budget sheet and Spring budget sheet. These budget sheets include information on costs that are billable to the bursar bill, as well as estimated additional costs. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.
Please note that tuition rates may vary depending on major and class standing.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Penn State students studying through Education Abroad can use most components of their existing financial aid packages toward the cost of study abroad. This may include federal and state grants, VA educational benefits, federal student loans, and University scholarships and grants. Notable exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships.
The University Office of Global Programs also administers a number of grants and scholarships. Eligibility is based on academic excellence and/or financial need. There is also funding available for study abroad programs in diverse locations and for students from diverse backgrounds. In most cases, applicants should have a current year FAFSA on file with the Office of Student Aid. Funding opportunities may also be available through Penn State academic departments. For detailed information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities and application procedures, please visit the Funding Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website.
CIEE Global Institute Grants
CIEE has generously provided scholarships for their new program, Global Institutes. Awards are available for fall and spring programming. These funds are intended for students who, for financial reasons, may not otherwise be able to participate on a CIEE program. All students participating in the designated programs will be considered for these scholarships, there is no scholarship application. Eligibility requirements may vary but are based on program location and semester, as well as financial need. Financial need is established via the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with Penn State. Scholarships are not guaranteed and will be competitive.
Fall 2018
Scholarships for the fall 2018 programs listed will be issued for $5,000 per student. There is no application for this scholarship, and the University Office of Global Programs will notify scholarship recipients via email. Eligibility for theses scholarships vary, but students must study abroad in the determined semester and location, in addition to establishing financial need. Financial need is established via the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships are not guaranteed and will be competitive.
- 3 blocks at the CIEE Open Campus program in up to two locations (Berlin, London, Paris, Rome)
Spring 2019
Scholarships for the spring 2019 programs listed will be issued for $5,000 per student. There is no application for this scholarship, and the University Office of Global Programs will notify scholarship recipients via email. Eligibility for theses scholarships vary, but students must study abroad in the determined semester and location, in addition to being a full-time degree seeking Penn State undergraduate student and establishing financial need. Applicants must also be a United States citizen/permanent resident and have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Office of Student Aid. Financial need is established via the FAFSA on file with Penn State. Scholarships are not guaranteed and will be competitive.
- 3 blocks at the CIEE Open Campus program in up to two locations (Berlin, London, Paris, Rome)
For More Information
For more information about programs and education abroad at Penn State, we encourage you to meet with or contact our Peer Advisers. These study abroad returnees can explain program options, give an overview of the education abroad process, as well as provide information about his/her program. If you are not at University Park, contact your Campus Global Representative.
To learn more about the specifics of each program, schedule an appointment with the education abroad adviser for this program.
For the inside scoop on life in a foreign country, be sure to check out the Student Spotlights of Penn State students currently studying abroad.
How to Apply
If you would like to participate on this study abroad program, you will need to apply to Penn State Education Abroad by clicking the "Apply Now" button on this page.
You must complete the following materials in your application:
- Education Abroad Questionnaire
- One academic recommendation
- Signature Documents
Visit the How to Apply section of our website for more information.
Please note that you will also be instructed to complete an application with the host provider as a part of your Penn State application either at time of application or upon acceptance.
Studying Abroad with a Disability
Many students with disabilities successfully study abroad each year. Please note that other cultures may have different attitudes and available accommodations regarding disabilities. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged in consultation with our office, the Student Disability Resources office, and our partners abroad. To prepare for success, students are strongly encouraged to research the country and program location to consider if and how they will manage their disabilities abroad in advance of selecting a program. Students with disabilities and other diverse backgrounds can begin their research on our Diversity Awareness Abroad page.
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