Work Abroad Application Process
Starting in the first semester of the first year
Prepare yourself to be a better candidate
Take foreign language classes and participate in activities that will enhance your resume. For example, do well academically, participate in student groups, gain engineering work experience, or study abroad.
Set up your account on eCareer
Set up your account on eCareer, the online job posting system for Engineering Career Resources & Employer Relations
At least one year before a planned work abroad
Do your research
Attend an information session, consider your priorities for what you want to accomplish during your work abroad program, and meet with the international engineering envoys.
Look into possible programs
Search eCareer for available positions and learn more about companies with international locations
Meet with your academic advisor or undergraduate coordinator
Meet with your academic advisor or the undergraduate coordinator in your department and the Engineering Career Resources & Employer Relations office to discuss how your work experience abroad may be used to meet degree requirements.
Plan finances
Examine the costs 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
Submit your application
Search eCareer for jobs for which you are eligible and follow the online application instructions.
4-6 months before departure
Schedule ENGR 301
Register for ENGR 301 for the semester prior to your planned work abroad experience.
Review finances
Review information about costs and financial aid.
Apply for visa / work permit
Determine if a visa or work permit will be needed, and apply for one if necessary.
2-3 months before departure
Communicate with international contacts
Plan your travel arrangements, determine dress code, normal work hours, and rules and regulations with your employer.
Review housing
Review your housing options at the location abroad, and select your preference if applicable.
Prepare and verify
Learn as much as you can about your host country so that you are well prepared to get the most out of your work abroad experience, and verify living arrangements with your contacts overseas.
1 month before departure
Co-op program requirements & course registration
If you are registering for credit during your work abroad experience, ensure that you are registered for the appropriate internship or co-op credits and that you have submitted all required forms to the Engineering Career Resources & Employer Relations office.
While abroad
Stay in touch
Check e-mail from Penn State and stay in contact with family and friends.
Document your experiences
Keep a journal of your experiences abroad, both inside and outside the workplace.
After you return
Submit reports and get involved
Submit your report to the co-op office (if you registered for credit), get involved with the international engineering envoy program, and share your experiences with other students.