Education Abroad Application Instructions

Starting in the first semester of the first year

Prepare yourself to be a better candidate

Take foreign language classes, perform well academically, and participate in student groups

At least one year before a planned study abroad

Do your research

Attend an information session, consider your priorities for what you want to accomplish during your study abroad program, examine the information provided on this website as well as through Global Programs, meet with the international engineering envoys and Education Abroad peer advisers.

Discuss courses and plans by getting courses evaluated

Look at the searchable database for courses at your desired international institution that you may want to take. Get the courses evaluated that have not been previously evaluated by the relevant department. The course evaluations are essential for the discussion with your advisor in the next step.

Meet with your academic advisor or undergraduate coordinator

Meet with your academic advisor or the undergraduate coordinator in your department to discuss the courses you plan to take abroad and how these courses will impact your progress toward your degree.

Meet with an Education Abroad advisor

Meet with an Education Abroad advisor in the Education Abroad office to discuss the administrative details of your desired program.

Plan finances

Examine the budget sheets for your desired program, and search for available funding and scholarships that may be available.

Apply for a passport

Submit your passport application early, or ensure that your passport is current if you already have one.

6-12 months before departure

Apply to your desired program

For Education Abroad programs, apply online through Education Abroad; for Global E3 programs, apply online through Global E3 and submit hard copy materials for your application to 208 Hammond; be sure to submit your application early. If you are admitted to a program through Global E3, you will also have to submit an online application through Education Abroad as an indicator to Education Abroad of your plan. Education Abroad will handle the Penn State registration for study abroad.

4-6 months before departure

Acceptance notification

You will be notified about your acceptance approximately 3 months after submitting your completed application, be sure to read through your acceptance materials carefully.

Learn about your study abroad location

Learn as much as you can about your host country so that you are well prepared to get the most out of your study abroad experience.

Review finances

Review information about costs, scholarships, and financial aid.

Schedule ENGR 301

2-3 months before departure

Review housing

Review your housing options at the location abroad, and select your preference if applicable.

Apply for visa

Apply for a student visa, if needed.

Pre-departure orientation

Attend an Education Abroad pre-departure orientation.

1 month before departure

Verification

Ensure that you are registered for your study abroad credits at Penn State and that you have submitted all required forms to Education Abroad.

While abroad

Stay in touch

Check e-mail from Penn State and stay in contact with family and friends.

Keep course syllabi

Retain hard copies of all syllabi / course descriptions for courses that you take abroad.

After you return

Submit program evaluations and get involved

If needed or requested, submit your syllabi to the Education Abroad office and make sure that your courses transferred to Penn State as expected. Submit any petitions that are needed by your department. Get involved with the international engineering envoy program, and share your experiences with other students.