Embedded Study Abroad
A faculty-led embedded program is a short-term education abroad experience that is offered as a component or supplement to an academic course taught in residence on a Penn State campus. Smeal faculty may be interested in developing a course they currently teach into an embedded course option.
A faculty-led embedded program is a short-term education abroad experience that is offered as a component or supplement to an academic course taught in residence on a Penn State campus. The international component is typically scheduled during a semester break or early summer, and it generally lasts 7-14 days.
We encourage Smeal faculty to consider whether they might want to develop an education abroad experience for their currently taught residential courses.
Benefits of Embedded Courses
- Do not need to develop an entirely new course - travel component is integrated into existing course.
- Target audience are upperclassmen already in their major with more business background and experience.
- Shorter program - embedded travel is generally 7-14 days.
- Travel can be anywhere in the world - take advantage of your university and corporate contacts overseas to create a meaningful experience.
Faculty Responsibilities of Embedded Courses
SOIP can help advise along the way, but faculty must take the lead in this endeavor.
- Meet with SOIP and Jeff Sharp in order to receive college approval for the proposal.
- Two-step proposal process through Global Programs.
- Create an itinerary for the trip, with specific destinations and visits. Faculty are also responsible for determining housing and transportation during the program - there are many vendors who provide these services and we can help you identify one to work with.
- Recruit students.
- 24/7 responsibility for students, with support from PSU Global Programs if needed.
Please review the Global Programs page for more details including deadlines to submit a proposal: Develop a Faculty-Led Embedded Program
For more information or to schedule a meeting with SOIP, please contact Vanessa Hausmann (vxh27@psu.edu) or Ellie Labrin (elf103@psu.edu).