In the College of the Liberal Arts, we believe that global experiences can play an integral role in your personal and career development. The Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network is available to support you in your pursuit of a global experience—including providing guidance related to program options, applications, and funding opportunities. Be sure to review the steps below and then schedule an appointment with the Career Enrichment Network through your Nittany Lion Careers account to discuss education abroad opportunities.
Participating in global experiences can help you:
- Expand your cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
- Prepare you to work in an increasingly diverse and international workplace
- Broaden your academic horizons and globalize your world view
Step 1
Think About your Education Abroad Objective
Before you begin considering the hundreds of education abroad opportunities available to you, it is important to first consider your goals and preferences for your experience. Reflecting on your preferences for program length, location, and academic focus can help you narrow down your choices so you can research programs in more detail.
Step 2
Research Education Abroad Programs
Learn about the programs, locations, and unique opportunities available to you.
- Semester Programs: View the hundreds of opportunities to pursue a semester-long program through a study center or direct exchange on the Penn State Education Abroad: Program Search website.
- Summer Faculty-Led Programs: Liberal Arts faculty members offer a variety of education abroad programs during the summer semester. Search on the Penn State Education Abroad: Program Search website by clicking on Faculty Led Programs.
- Embedded Programs: 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. Learn about embedded courses offered through the College of the Liberal Arts.
Step 3
Complete the Education Abroad 101 Module
Penn State Global offers an online Education Abroad 101 module for students planning to participate in a global experience. The module covers:
- General overview of education abroad opportunities at Penn State
- How to search for programs
- How to evaluate cost and financial aid opportunities
- Next steps in the process
Step 4
Meet with People Who Can Help you Plan your Education Abroad Experience
There are many people who can provide guidance as you plan your education abroad experience.
- A great place to start is with a Career Enrichment Network staff member who can help you consider program options through the college, the application process, and funding opportunities.
- Your academic adviser is an important person to meet with to understand how your experience will apply to your degree requirements. Be sure to complete the Education Abroad Course Planning Tool, and then schedule a meeting with your adviser.
- An Education Abroad adviser can answer questions about specific programs or help you decide between two programs.
- Education Abroad peer advisers are students who can offer perspective based on their education abroad experiences.
Step 5
Apply On Time for your Education Abroad Experience
Review the education abroad application deadlines to be sure you submit your application on time. Before applying, consider who you will ask to provide your recommendation for the program, and make sure you meet the specific program requirements.
Step 6
Finance your Education Abroad Experience
Education abroad can be expensive, but there are many programs available to help you afford the experience. Review the Penn State Education Abroad: Costs and Funding site and the Easy Guide to Study Abroad Scholarships site to learn about education abroad costs as well as opportunities to apply for need- and merit-based grants and scholarships to help fund your time abroad.
Liberal Arts Enrichment Funds
Thanks to Liberal Arts alumni, enrichment funding is available to help students afford their education abroad experience. Applicants must have at least one Liberal Arts major and be registered as full-time students either at University Park campus or World Campus. Ninety-seven percent of Liberal Arts students who apply for enrichment funding receive it!
Education Abroad Scholarships
Study abroad scholarships include funding opportunities for students participating in programs in non-traditional locations, faculty-led embedded programs, programs offered through specific providers, and more.
- 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 students must have a FAFSA on file with the Office of Student Aid for the semester of travel.
- Federal Pell Grant Guarantee: To help support students with high levels of financial need, Penn State Global guarantees education abroad scholarship funding to student recipients of the Federal Pell Grant. The minimum scholarship award is $1,000 for students participating in an approved semester-long or summer education abroad program (fall/spring/summer) and $750 for students participating in an approved embedded course.
- Gilman Scholarship Application Incentive Grant: To encourage students to consider submitting a strong application for the Gilman Scholarship, Penn State Global created the Gilman Scholarship Program Application Incentive Grant. The $200 grant is applied the semester of your education abroad experience to your Penn State bursar bill. About the Gilman Scholarship: The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. Student recipients of a Federal Pell Grant may be eligible to apply for the nationally competitive Gilman Scholarship Program, with awards typically ranging from $2,000-5,000.
Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring (URFM)
The University Research and Fellowships Mentoring Office connects students with fellowships that provide students with opportunities to study, research, or teach abroad. Fellowship opportunities include funding for global experiences for students who are Pell Grant recipients, students who are interested in specific languages or professional fields, students who are interested in teaching English abroad, and more.
Schreyer Travel Ambassador Grant
If you are a Schreyer Honors Scholar, you are eligible to apply for a Schreyer Honors College International Travel Grant.
Student Aid
Finally, if you receive financial aid during the regular academic year, then your aid should apply to the costs of your Penn State-approved education abroad program. Check in with the Office of Student Aid for questions about how your financial aid may apply to education abroad.