Start Your Journey
Studying abroad is more than just traveling internationally. Because you earn credits on all Penn State-approved study abroad programs, you will need to determine how a study abroad experience will fit into your academic plan. Download the quick guide here.
Here are a few easy steps to get you started on your study abroad journey.
- Learn about the wide variety of Penn State-approved programs that are available. You can search for programs by region, major, or semester offered. We also provide lists of engineering-focused semester and summer programs.
- Meet with a Global Engineering Fellow to get first-hand information from engineering students who have already studied abroad to talk about program specifics, options, and opportunities.
- Consider the types of courses you want to take while abroad.
- If you're a first- or second-year student, talk to your academic adviser about what you'll need to take while abroad in order to stay on track to enter your major. Consider your entrance to major courses as well as GH, IL, and GS courses.
- If you're a third- or fourth-year student, meet with your faculty adviser to plan how to include study abroad within your curriculum and course equivalencies.
- Be aware that not all classes abroad are offered in both fall and spring semesters. Review both the current and historical course lists for your desired programs (provided on individual program pages) to see what may be available and how the credits have transferred back to Penn State in pervious semesters. Have backup courses in mind and prepare to be flexible.
- Review course options.
- Students will want to review course options for the semester they plan to study abroad. Details are often found via the program page.
- Next, look to see which courses have already been given a Penn State equivalent on the historical course list. This list will show you what Penn State course code the abroad course was given. If it ends in a *99 or *97 the course is not an equivalent and can sometimes be used to fulfill an elective or gen ed.
- If the courses you are interested in taking are not listed on the historical course list, you can submit the syllabus for review. To do this, fill out the course equivalency form and submit it with the syllabus that is available via the link above.
- After the courses are all given a Penn State course code, you should meet with your academic adviser. They can review what you will need to move around and if this program will offer all the courses you might need to stay on track. They can also tell you which electives those *99 or *97 courses can be used to fulfill.
- Plan your finances. Research scholarships and financial aid options to ensure that you can afford to go abroad and take advantage of opportunities that are available while you're there. Depending on your program of interest or other circumstances, you may be eligible for an Engineering Travel Grant.
- Meet with an Education Abroad Adviser for specific questions about the program or application process. Schedule an appointment via Starfish with the appropriate adviser listed for the program you are interested in.
- Apply for your desired program by the required deadline.
Questions? Email us or schedule an appointment with one of our staff via Starfish.
