Start Now - Eligibility and Timing
Eligibility Requirements
Established with the support of Charles H. Whiteman, Dean of the Smeal College, and Felisa Preciado-Higgins, Associate 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.
~Terrence R. Guay, Associate Dean for International 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. Candidates for the International Business Minor must attend a program on the Choosing a Program list. Students with compelling academic motivations for considering non-PSU study abroad programs may contact the Office of International Programs to inquire about a petition process.
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. Penn State World Campus is NOT a Penn State Study Abroad program. Please read this brochure for a better understanding of the differences.
Summer Abroad
Summer study abroad programs are possible to attend as early as after the first year (two completed semesters), but careful attention must be paid to required "class standing" and any course requirements listed for a summer program. Check with your advisor to ensure you do not risk exceeding the entrance-to-major credit window by adding summer credits.
Application Deadlines
Fall & Year Abroad - March 1
The Fall 2022 and Academic Year 2022-2023 deadline is March 1st*.
*Exception - These programs have a January 20th deadline: IES: Nagoya, Nanzan University, IES: Oxford, St. Catherine's College (Fall, Academic Year, and Spring applications), Mito: Ibaraki University, Kuala Lumpur: Monash University Malaysia
Spring Semester Abroad - May 1 Priority Application Deadline
The Spring 2023 first priority application deadline is May 1st. If programs fill at this date they will be closed to applicants in later application cycles. Final deadline for application is September 10th. We highly recommend students submit all materials by May 1st.
Summer International Internships - January 20
The Summer 2022 deadline for all PSU-approved International Internship programs is January 20th*.
*Exception - These internship programs have a February 1st deadline: CzechMates: Brno, Internship and Summer Course (Summer), CELA: Belize (Summer), and Arcadia STEM Summer Research.
Summer Virtual International Internships - February 1 & March 1
Apply by February 1st to be considered for Penn State Global Programs Scholarships.
Apply by March 1st as the final deadline. Scholarship consideration depends on remaining funding and is not guaranteed.
Summer Study Abroad - February 1
The Summer 2022 deadline for all PSU-approved study abroad programs is February 1st.
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. Consider a summer study abroad program as many are open to students completing their first year at Penn State.
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 courses and other program specifics.