Strickler Office of International Programs
Marketing Your Study Abroad Experience: Inside the Minds of Recruiters
Blog post by Alessandra Auster, Marketing '20, who studied abroad in Seville, Spain in Spring 2019
Study Abroad
Smeal strongly encourages students to participate in education abroad and about one fourth of our graduates have this experience. Discover how study abroad will fit with your personal and academic goals. You may choose a summer or semester program and perhaps consider earning an International Business Minor. Start your journey now by navigating the timing and eligibility requirements and exploring the many diverse Penn State programs offered all around the world.
International Internships
International internship and service learning opportunities allow students to create meaning between their academic coursework, their future careers, and the world around them. Globalization is an increasingly important aspect of any business. Thus, many employers today are reported to value intercultural communication skills, global perspectives, and demonstrated adaptability that often are gained from an international work experience.
Faculty/Staff
Instructors interested in teaching a summer, Maymester or embedded study abroad program or those already scheduled to do so, may find relevant information here.
International Students
For students studying here at Penn State from another country, the International Student web page links you to many resources which may help you find answers to your questions about housing, academic concerns, jobs, or ways to meet other students. Explore the resources that can help you best take advantage of all that Penn State life has to offer.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
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Spring 2026 |
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Smeal Costa Rica Maymester Information Session Students interested in the Costa Rica Sustainability in Business Maymester program are invited to join Profs Scott Collins and Nancy McClure to learn more about the course and program itinerary. Spend three weeks in Costa Rica learning about sustainable business practices in an interactive seminar-style course. Explore how ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) principles impact people, profits and the planet - all while immersing yourself in Costa Rica’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. Pura vida! Visit the program page for more details. Deadline to Apply: January 22, 2026 |
Tuesday, 4:30 pm Business Building, Rm 214 |
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Smeal Summer & Maymester Study Abroad Information Session Join us to learn more about the many summer study abroad opportunities available at Penn State. We will talk about the different types of programs available, including Smeal faculty-led business programs, other Penn State programs and language and culture programs offered via partner institutions. Students can learn more about how credits from these programs can count towards degree requirements, what the application process looks like and ask any questions they might have. What are you waiting for? Grab a friend and start planning for your summer adventures today! Deadline to Apply: January 22, 2026 |
Tuesday, 5:15 pm Virtual - Register here. |
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Smeal Croatia Maymester Information Session
Spend three weeks exploring innovation in an international context! Learn how entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of international markets within Croatia and the European Union. Discover three different cities in Croatia, from small town Varaždin, to the capital city Zagreb to the Adriatic Coast and historic city of Dubrovnik. Open to all PSU students interested in business and entrepreneurship. Visit the program page for more details. Deadline to Apply: January 22, 2026 |
Wednesday, 5:30 pm Business Building, Rm 102 |
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Penn State Global Study Abroad in Italy Information Session Learn about studying abroad in Italy for Summer 2026, Fall 2026 or Academic Year 2026-2027. Please use the Starfish advising platform (opens in new tab) and select 'Application Questions' to sign up for this session. Please make sure to register at least 24 hours in advance. ***You must select 'Application Questions' in the Reason section for the sessions to populate in Starfish. *** |
Wednesday, |
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Smeal London Maymester Information Session Interested in the Smeal Maymester program to London? Attend this info session with Marketing professor Dr Keisha Liggett Nichols who will be teaching in London in May 2026 to learn more about the course and program itinerary. Visit the program page for more details. Deadline to Apply: January 22, 2026 |
Thursday, 5:00 pm Business Building, Rm 102 |
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Smeal involvement Fair Stop by and chat with a Smeal Global Representative about study abroad opportunities and hear first hand from students about their experiences abroad. Can't make it this day? Contact a Smeal Global Representative anytime! They have studied abroad and are happy to share tips on programs, courses, excurstions, housing, and more! |
Wednesday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Business Building Atrium |
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!!APPLICATION DEADLINE!! Summer & Maymester Study Abroad and Summer International Internships
Students must apply through Penn State Global LionsABROAD website. REMINDER: Academic Recommendation is to be received by the application deadline.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 |
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EXPLORE: Get Started! Smeal Semester Study Abroad Information Session Students interested in a full semester study abroad program for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 should start planning now. This session will give an in-depth overview of steps students can be taking now to explore program opportunities and review academic planning. Register to receive the Zoom link: Coming soon! |
Thursday, Virtual - Register here. (coming soon) |
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EXPLORE: Smeal Global Representative Discussion Panel
Hear from a panel of returned Smeal Study Abroad students. They will talk about their experiences abroad, the courses, the housing, the travel and more. Come and ask any questions you have and hear their advice as you embark on your own study abroad journeys.
See all our Smeal Global Reps.
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Wednesday, 5:15 pm Location: TBA |
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Global Careers institute (GCI) hosted by Penn State Global
Apply now! to attend this weekend professional development conference designed to prepare Penn State undergraduate and graduate students for success in the global marketplace.
Location: Barron Innovation HUB and Hyatt Place Hotel in downtown State College (Application acceptance required.)
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Friday, |
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!!APPLICATION DEADLINE!! Fall 2026 & Academic Year 2026-2027 Study Abroad
Students must apply through Penn State Global LionsABROAD website for these programs.
Academic Recommendation is to be received by the application deadline.
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MONDAY, |
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!!APPLICATION DEADLINE!! Spring 2027 Study Abroad
Students must apply through Penn State Global LionsABROAD website for these programs.Applications typically open in the end of January. it's a good idea to apply no later than the beginning to mid-April due to academic calendar and final exam conflicts!
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TBA: typically mid-May |
- International Program Photos