Process

The study abroad process includes setting goals, researching available education abroad programs, academic issues, and consulting with resource offices to assist you with their individual expertise. Then the application process and planning courses abroad are addressed.

Study Abroad Process

Set Goals

Consider what you want to accomplish during your study abroad.  Common goals include following an interest like music or art, exploring your heritage, improving language fluency or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Some Smeal students want to pursue highly business-focused programs while others try to satisfy general education credits or take classes in other areas of interest. Study abroad can look very different for each student and we encourage you to take this opportunity to explore broadly to find something that motivates you!

Research

Additional Penn State resources for exploring study abroad are offered by Penn State Global. Complete an online Education Abroad 101 module to learn about available programs, their eligibility requirements, course choices, program structure, and financial information.  Peer Advisors in 422 Boucke Building will discuss and compare programs abroad.

Meet with a Smeal Adviser

An appointment with the Strickler Office of International Programs is recommended during the program selection process to ensure your goals fit well with the chosen program.  It is recommended that students have completed the Education Abroad 101 module or researched a few programs before meeting. A Smeal International Programs Coordinator can help you:

  • review a study abroad location or program(s)
  • consider international internship opportunities
  • learn how to select courses abroad that meet major/ minor requirements
  • plan for the International Business (IB) Minor and course requirements
  • process course equivalencies and adjust your IB Minor audit once you have returned from abroad

 

Academics Abroad

Meet with academic, international, and minor advisers to plan how available courses will fulfill degree requirements. Some departments will give special permission in advance to use one or more classes from abroad for a minor. The Education Abroad Planning Worksheet form can be helpful during these meetings. Smeal major courses must be taken at University Park.  Credits taken in programs abroad that are approved by both PSU and Smeal may fulfill:

  • International Cultures (IL)
  • US Cultures (US) – extremely rare
  • Inter Domain (ID) – may be completed abroad if a course is taught entirely abroad, has content primarily focused on the region of study and is a general education domain.
  • Arts (GA)
  • Humanities (GH)
  • Social and Behavioral Science (GS)
  • Natural Science (GN) – not commonly offered abroad
  • Language – at the appropriate level
  • Electives
  • International Business Minor requirements - these may often double count with general education and elective credits.

 

Application Process

The online application must be completed through PSU Global before the deadline for your first choice program. This is a competitive process for some programs that have more applicants than can be accepted, so carefully consider the second and third choices you include on your application. 

For over-subscribed programs selection will be based on an applicant's academic record (not just GPA) including, but not limited to, evidence of academic planning in consultation with academic advisers, recommendation, and application essays. Essays should be well written, personal, and address the questions in an insightful manner, with answers specific to the program to which the student is applying.

World Campus

Penn State World Campus is NOT a Penn State Study Abroad program. Please read this brochure for a better understanding of the differences. We strongly encourage all Smeal students to participate on approved Education Abroad programs for a more enriching and supportive experience abroad.

Non-Penn State Education Abroad Programs

Credits earned abroad during fall or spring semester at a non-PSU program will NOT be accepted toward any Smeal degree requirements including general education and electives. Credits toward Smeal majors will be accepted from programs on the full list of Penn State Education Abroad Office programs.

Students with strong academic motivations for considering a non-PSU program may be interested in petitioning for credits to count and should meet with a member of the Strickler Office of International Programs.

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