Penn State University Education Abroad: A World of Opportunities
Penn State University encourages its students to think globally, and a study abroad program is the perfect opportunity to experience new cultures and academic challenges. With over 300 programs in more than fifty countries, Penn State Education Abroad offers year-round opportunities for students of all majors and academic schedules. Studying abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience with both personal and professional benefits. One fourth of our graduates have this experience.
Why Study Abroad?
Studying abroad offers a multitude of benefits, enriching your understanding of different cultures while expanding your learning in a variety of ways. Globalization is an increasingly important aspect of any business. Participation in a study abroad program can augment the understanding of global issues through direct experience of a foreign environment.
Personal Growth
Studying abroad is often described as a "life-changing" experience, fostering personal growth and broadening perspectives. Learning in a foreign environment brings with it new perspective and context that will likely change your world view. As Charles H. Smeal notes, "Studying abroad can be a wonderfully enriching experience. Success in business requires focus, improvisation, flexibility, and adaptability."
Career Advancement
Studying abroad is also a great addition to your résumé that can give you a valuable edge when seeking advancement in your career. Employment outlooks for the twenty-first century indicate that successful candidates in the job market will possess evidence of an international perspective and a demonstrated interdisciplinary approach to education. You can gain experience working in diverse environments and among different cultures - attractive qualities to employers who promote cultural diversity and need employees with varied backgrounds. Studying in a foreign country provides this experience, and the academic credential is the International Business minor. A survey by the organization IES established the Career Benefits of Study Abroad.
Program Options
Penn State Education Abroad offers a diverse range of programs to suit various interests and schedules. From learning the Economics of the European Union in Prague to African Languages and Literature in Cape Town or even directly enrolling at Yonsei University in Seoul, you’ll find fascinating ways to add international experience to your coursework.
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Embedded Programs
Can’t leave the country for an entire semester but still want to have an international experience? Take classes while on campus and travel over breaks through embedded programs.
CIEE Open Campus Block Programs
CIEE’s Open Campus Block Programs are unique, flexible study abroad programs that give you control over the design of your study abroad experience including your courses, the length and even your destination! The Open Campus calendar is flexible and worked with all school calendars. Just simply choose to do a 6-week program (one block), 12 weeks (two blocks), or 18-week (three blocks). Some students who opt for three blocks spend each at a different CIEE location.
Internships, Volunteer Opportunities, and Research Projects
Explore this page to discover our study abroad programs for Penn State students, internships, volunteer possibilities, research projects and our signature Open Campus Block Programs. CIEE offers a range of full-time and part-time internships abroad as well as virtual internship opportunities for students. With internships spanning a wide range of fields including public policy, the arts, business administration and marketing the possibilities are endless. Opportunities abound for those wanting to make a difference. Immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with locals in a completely different way. Many students opt to discover their own path and have authentic research experiences while abroad. Students have done projects like Economic Impact of Brexit and Citizen Journalism and Online Activism.
Opportunities for Busy Adult Students
While studying abroad might seem like an opportunity that is more suited for resident students, it is in fact a viable option for adult learners. Study abroad options are available in a variety of durations and formats that may fit your needs, interests, and circumstances. Some programs involve only a week or less of actual travel, which is accommodating for students who can only be away from their jobs or families for a limited time.
Financial Planning
With proper planning and a commitment to exploring funding resources, studying abroad can be affordable for any budget. The costs of study abroad programs vary widely, depending on the length of the program, the destination, and a number of other factors.
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Scholarships
Scholarships and other forms of financial aid may be available. Did you know that 1 in 3 students receives a study abroad scholarship with CIEE? Complete one easy application to discover aid options available for each term based on your program type, academic merit, and financial need.
Application Process
Application TipsStudy abroad requires planning and organization. First, you must have at least one semester of full-time enrollment at a college or university completed to apply for a CIEE Study Abroad program. Next, students interested in participating in a semester or summer education abroad program must submit an online application through Penn State Education Abroad by the appropriate deadline. Finally, ALWAYS complete a scholarship application - one in three CIEE students received funding last year!
Getting Started
Penn State has a number of valuable resources available to help you. Education abroad advisers are your guide through the process of applying to and participating in an education abroad program. Each adviser manages a portfolio of programs and can help you through the whole experience, from program selection to returning from abroad and re-integrating back into life on campus. Education Abroad advisers can walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Stay Connected
Stay up-to-date with CIEE study abroad programs, including important deadlines, and scholarship opportunities.
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