Study Abroad Programs

Applying for....

Group Study Abroad

You will fill out the Step 1 Application for Group Study Abroad. You will submit this either to the Study Abroad Coordinator or to the Faculty Leader. The Faculty Leader will review the application.

Exchange Programs

1. You will complete the Step 1 Application for Individual Study Abroad. This includes a letter of intent and two faculty references. Your application will be reviewed by the Study Abroad Committee. They will decide if you are a good candidate for participation in our exchange program with one of our sister universities abroad.

The Study Abroad Coordinator will contact the sister university to assure that they are able to accept one of our students the semester or summer that you are applying to study abroad.

2. You will complete the Application for the sister university that is required of prospective exchange students. This will usually require that PSU send a letter that states you have been approved to participate in the exchange program; therefore, this step will follow your application to the Study Abroad Committee.

PSU in Paraguay

1. You will complete the Step 1 Application for Individual Study Abroad. This includes a letter of intent and two faculty references. Your application will be reviewed by the Study Abroad Committee. They will decide if you are a good candidate for participation in PSU in Paraguay.

Affiliate Programs
Programs on the Suggested List

1. Just as with our exchange universities, you will have to submit a Step 1 Application for Individual Study Abroad which includes a letter of intent and two faculty references. You will also state on this application the program you are intending participate in. This will be reviewed by our Study Abroad Committee.

2. Usually at the same time or after you have been accepted into the study abroad program by the PSU Study Abroad Committee, you will apply to the affiliate program. The Study Abroad Coordinator will review your application before submission to assure that it is ready for submission.

Other Programs
Programs NOT on the Suggested List

1. You will follow the same steps as if you had chosen an affiliate program. However, in addition to your Step 1 Application for Individual Study Abroad, you will hand in a Petition form to Participate in a non-suggested program that explains why you have chosen a program from outside of our list, the details of the program (sponsor, time, academic standard, health and safety concerns,  etc), and other information the Study Abroad Committee requires in order to have confidence the program is a good program. The Study Abroad Committee will review the petition and application.

Steps for pre-departure preparation

All programs

Extra steps for:

Group programs

Individual programs

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Paperwork for Individual programs is due

November 1st for spring programs

April 1st for summer and fall programs

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For all types of programs

There are several items to be taken care of once you have been accepted. You will work with the Study Abroad Coordinator to assure that you have completed all of them and will have a smooth transition in and out of your study abroad program.

            These steps are for all study abroad participants no matter the program:

• Attend the Study Abroad Pre-Departure Meeting:
  In this meeting, the Study Abroad Coordinator and other staff from PSU will cover pertinent topics to your success abroad like preparation for departure, health and safety abroad, cultural adaptation, money matters abroad, etc. Parents are welcome to attend this meeting.
• Meet with Financial Assistance:
  If you would like to apply for aid to pay for the program, you will meet with officers in the Financial Assistance office that work with study abroad students to discuss what options you will have.
• Submit Step 2: Emergency Contact Information
• Acquire International Insurance:
  All PSU students studying abroad must be sufficiently covered. There are certain benefits that are specific to international travel. There is an International Insurance plan available to be purchased through International Programs & Services at PSU.
• Complete the Gorilla Wellness Check:
  You will make an appointment with the nurses at PSU Student Health Services or your home physician to assure you are healthy for travel. Also in this visit, the physician should review that you have the appropriate vaccinations and information to be healthy in the country of your destination.

Steps specific to Group Programs

• You will most likely have one to three meetings with your Faculty Leader in order to prepare your group for the study abroad experience and to learn about the city and country of your destination.
• You will work with your Faculty Leader to apply for Visa’s which may be needed to enter certain countries.

Steps specific to Individual Programs

• You will work with the Study Abroad Coordinator and host institution to assure that you have completed all the steps the host institution requires.
• Course Credit Transfer Process:
  You will work with your advisor and Department Chairs to approve courses that you will take abroad and how they will transfer back to PSU. This document is submitted to the Registrar's office so they know how to input your transcript from abroad when it comes at the end of the summer or semester program.
  You must have this form completed before meeting with Financial Assistance.
• Acquire International Student ID Card (ISIC):
  You will purchase an ISIC card with serves as an ID abroad and also can be used to get discounts at museums, stores, restaurants, and more abroad. It also provides supplemental insurance.
  The ISIC Card can be purchased in the Office of International Programs and Services at PSU. It costs $22.00. You must supply your own ID picture.
• Passport and VISA:
  Passports should be acquired as early as possible. If study abroad is just an idea in your mind, it is a good idea to apply for a passport. The Study Abroad Coordinator will help you find out if you need a Visa and tell you how to find the information you need to be able to apply. Your direct questions about the Visa process should be directed to the Consulate of the country of your destination.

Coming soon...