Embedded courses are Penn State courses taken on campus or online that include a short-term international travel component, typically during spring break or Maymester. Embedded courses are an excellent opportunity for students who are seeking a shorter, more affordable alternative to a traditional education abroad program. For many students, embedded courses serve as a great introduction to international learning that spark a desire to pursue additional global experiences in the future.
Students from all majors are welcome to participate in Liberal Arts embedded courses, though the course may have certain academic prerequisites as determined by the faculty leader. International students are also welcome to participate in embedded programs and should be aware of any visa requirements that may be necessary for their program location.
Students should consult with their academic adviser about how a specific course may fit in with their degree plan. Programs will only run if they meet the requirement for minimum number of students.
of Penn State’s embedded programs are housed in the College of the Liberal Arts.
Upcoming Programs
Fall 2025
To participate in a fall 2025 embedded program, please submit the program’s Official Financial Commitment Form by Tuesday, July 1.
AFR 499
Development and Sustainability in Morocco
Dates: November 20–30, 2025
Spring Break 2026
Registration is now closed for the spring break embedded programs. If you are interested in going abroad this summer, consider applying for a faculty-led program.
Maymester 2026
To participate in a Maymester embedded course trip, please submit the program’s Official Financial Commitment Form by Wednesday, January 22.
Fall 2026
To participate in a Maymester embedded course trip, please submit the program’s Official Financial Commitment Form by Wednesday, January 22.
CAMS/AFR/JST 199/499
Carthaginians, Romans, and the History of Tunisia
Dates: November 22–29, 2026
Winter 2026–27
To participate in a Maymester embedded course trip, please submit the program’s Official Financial Commitment Form by Wednesday, January 22.
CAMS/AFR 499
Carthaginians and Romans in Ancient Tunisia
Dates: March 9–16, 2025
RUS 197/297/497, UKR 197
Cultural Immersion in Post-Soviet Armenia
Dates: March 7–17, 2025
ARAB 99/499
Youth Life in Egypt
Dates: December 27, 2023–January 6, 2024
Past Programs
Read stories about recent embedded course trips.
Funding for Embedded Programs
There are several official avenues for embedded program funding within the University. The primary ways are through Liberal Arts Enrichment Funding and Penn State Global, but students can also explore funding opportunities through their academic department and Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring.
Liberal Arts Enrichment Funding
Liberal Arts students participating in an embedded program are eligible to receive enrichment funds. Students must complete the Official Embedded Course Financial Commitment Form for their program before applying for enrichment funds. When applying for enrichment funds, students must submit email confirmation from the faculty leader for the program documenting their acceptance into the program. Students should submit their application for the semester in which the travel experience will take place.
Penn State Global Scholarships for Embedded Programs
Pell Grant Guarantee
Penn State Global guarantees education abroad scholarship funding to student recipients of the Federal Pell Grant. The minimum scholarship award is $750 for students participating in an approved embedded course. Students must be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant and have a FAFSA on file with the Office of Student Aid for the semester of travel. Eligible students will be automatically considered. For more information, please see Pell Grant Guarantee.
Education Abroad Embedded Programs Scholarship
Full-time undergraduate students participating in an approved Penn State embedded program may be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship is need-based and competitive. The main factors for consideration are a student’s financial need and GPA. Students must have a FAFSA on file with the Office of Student Aid for the semester of travel. Eligible students will be automatically considered for this scholarship. There is no application required. For more information, please see Embedded Programs Scholarship.