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.
of Penn State’s embedded programs are housed in the College of the Liberal Arts.
Spring 2023 Programs
These are the embedded course trips that took place this semester over spring break. Check back soon for 2023–24 embedded programs!
Previous Embedded 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 the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network and Penn State Global, but students can also explore funding opportunities through your academic department, the Student Engagement Network, or Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring.
Enrichment Funding through the Career Enrichment Network
Liberal Arts students participating in a Liberal Arts embedded program are eligible for up to $750 through the Enrichment Fund. (Liberal Arts students participating in a non-Liberal Arts embedded program are eligible for up to $500.) Students must complete the Official Embedded Program Financial Commitment Form for their program before applying for Enrichment Funds—and they must submit a screenshot of their commitment form to upload as their “acceptance letter” in their application. (Please note, the “acceptance letter” can be an official email acceptance from the faculty leader.) Students should submit their application for the semester in which the travel experience will take place.
Education Abroad Embedded Programs Scholarship
Penn State Global offers one $1,000 scholarship for embedded programs. This competitive scholarship supports Penn State undergraduate students participating in officially recognized faculty-led embedded programs.
The main factor for consideration is an applicant’s financial need. All applicants must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Office of Student Aid at Penn State. Your FAFSA must already be on file for the semester of travel. International students are encouraged to apply and, in lieu of the FAFSA form, must complete an International Student Special Grant Application, located on the scholarship website.
Please note the scholarship application will only be available during the appropriate semester.
