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Start Now - Eligibility and Timing

Start now to learn about the steps in the study abroad process at Smeal. See when to go, when to apply and how to plan course work around the time spent in your chosen education abroad program.

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Eligibility Requirements

Established with the support of Charles H. Whiteman, Dean of the Smeal College, and Jeffrey M. Sharp, Dean for Undergraduate Programs, the following policy applies to eligibility of pre-Smeal and Smeal students who seek to elect a semester of education abroad as part of the PSU experience. This policy applies to all students planning a Smeal business major. There are no exceptions.                                                        --Dr. Austin J. Jaffe, Director, Smeal Office of International Programs

Semester Abroad

Students that are planning for a Smeal major (BA and DUS) must complete MGMT 301, MKTG 301 and FIN 301 and be in their major before they leave for a fall or spring semester program.  Minimum GPAs and other prerequisite courses are required for some programs.

Summer Abroad

Summer study abroad programs are possible to attend earlier in the academic career, but careful attention must be paid to required "class standing" and any course requirements listed for a summer program.  Application deadlines vary, and usually are early in the spring semester before departure.

 

Timeline

Careful planning to include an educational experience abroad from the first year at Penn State will contribute to a timely graduation.

First Year

Tell your Smeal or DUS Adviser if you want to study abroad and they will help you reserve course requirements to complete abroad.

Sophomore Year

Set goals, research programs, review course offerings and decide which semester to study abroad.  Then, apply by the program deadline; many deadlines are almost a year in advance of departure.

Junior Year

Plan specific courses to take abroad with your Smeal Adviser and your advisers for any minors.  Complete minor applications and get department permission if you want to take any courses abroad for the minor. Save syllabi from all courses taken abroad.

Senior Year

Share your experiences with other students and get your course equivalency paperwork completed so courses may be placed into your degree audit for your major and any minors.

Schedule an Appointment

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.