Process and Resources

Study Abroad Processes

Set Goals

Consider what you want to accomplish during your study abroad.  Common goals include following an avocation like music or art, exploring your heritage, improving language fluency or setting yourself apart from your peers while having an incredible adventure in an exotic locale.

Research

Learn about available programs, their eligibility requirements, course choices, program structure, and financial information.  Study abroad staff in the Boucke Building will discuss and compare programs abroad.

Consult Resources

An appointment with the Smeal Office of International Programs is recommended during the program selection process to ensure your goals fit well with the chosen program.  As you narrow your choices find out more about program specifics.

Academic Issues

Meet with academic, international, and minor advisers to plan how available courses will fulfill degree requirements. The Education Abroad Planning Document form can be helpful during these meetings.  Smeal major courses must be taken at University Park.  Classes abroad may fulfill:

• Arts (GA)
• Humanities (GH)
• Social and Behavioral Science (GS)
• Natural Science (GN)
• Global Awareness and Understanding (GAU)
• Language
• Electives
• International Internships for Smeal students:
  There are several programs on the IB Minor list that offer an international internship. While this may be a worthwhile opportunity for students, there are several issues that must be kept in mind.
• Internship credits for Smeal students will show on the Penn State transcript as IB 199.
• These credits count toward the 15 credits required by the education abroad program.
• The grade received in IB 199 will count toward semester and cumulative grade point averages.
• IB 199 cannot be used toward Penn State graduation requirements. The course will appear on the major degree audit under “OTHER COURSES (NOT COUNTED IN MINIMUM CREDITS REQUIRED)”.

Some departments will give special permission in advance to use one or more classes from abroad for a minor. The Pre-Departure Agreement form completed with your Adviser will help you understand how the courses will be used toward your graduation requirements.

International Business Minor

Smeal OIP staff will discuss how IB Minor requirements may be met at PSU and abroad. The education abroad program you attend must be on the list of approved study abroad programs to qualify for the IB Minor.

Apply to One Program

Online applications must be complete before the deadline for your first choice program. This is a competitive process and some programs have more applicants than can be accepted, so carefully consider the second and third choices you include on your application.

Resources

Smeal Office of International Programs

355 Business Building
814-865-4264

Contact Us

To discuss how your goals fit with available programs, please call to make an appointment to meet with us, either in person or a telephone appointment. We also administer the International Business Minor and can help plan how to fulfill its requirements at PSU and abroad.

University Office of Education Abroad

410 Boucke Building
814-865-7681

College/Campus Representatives List

This office manages Penn State's education abroad programs, online application process, eligibility requirements, course choice, program structure and financial information. This is the appropriate place to get information about program specifics and logistics: application details, accommodations, location, campus characteristics, size, program structure, and costs.

Peer advisers are available to talk about their education abroad experience M-F 10-4:00, answer questions, share literature and give more detailed information about the program in which they participated. Staff Advisers, assigned by region, are also available to discuss programs and offer advice to narrow or focus your choice. Appointments can be made online.

Smeal Undergraduate Advising Center

202 Business Building
814-863-1947

See "Adviser Scheduling"

Smeal students may consult their Adviser about academic and degree requirements relating to study abroad courses, recommendation letters, course exceptions, financial aid, and course transfer procedures. All students should consult with their Adviser to plan ahead each semester.