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Why should I Study Abroad?
There are many benefits to studying abroad. You will grow as a person because when you are abroad you will be living in a new culture. This will open you up to new experiences, customs, foods, languages, and much more. It will give you a new perspective of people in other countries, people in your own country, international students on PSU's campus, and yourself. You will have the chance to reevaluate the social and cultural stereotypes that you may have.
Studying abroad will also set you apart from other college students. Less than ten percent of all college students study abroad. You will stand out to employers, graduate schools, and other organizations because you took the initiative to do a study abroad program. Hopefully, it will help you get that interview that may lead to a job or place in a graduate program.
Finally, studying abroad will give you a chance to travel and see a new part of the world. Many students go on cultural excursions while studying overseas.
How can I find out more about Study Abroad?
There are several ways to find out about PSU study abroad programs.
1. Come to the Study Abroad EXPO held every October.
Faculty who are leading Group Study Abroad Programs will be there along with exchange students from universities you could study at abroad, other study abroad organizations, and of course the Study Abroad Coordinator.
2. Come to a Study Abroad Info Session.
The schedule for sessions can be found on our Main Page and also on the Study Abroad bulletin board outside of the International Programs & Services Office in Whitesitt Hall.
3. Ask your professor to have the Study Abroad Coordinator come to your class.
Julia Helminiak, the Study Abroad Coordinator, visits classes throughout the school year to talk a little about study abroad at PSU.
4. Make an appointment with Julia Helminiak the Study Abroad Coordinator.
Email, phone (ext. 4221), or stop by Whitesitt 118 to set up a time to talk with her about your study abroad options and questions.
I want to study abroad, how do I find a program?
Check out the programs page for information on PSU Group Study Abroad programs, PSU in Paraguay, exchange options, and other programs.
When you are choosing a program there are a lot of different factors to consider to make sure you are picking a program that fits your needs. Some questions to ask yourself are:
Where in the world do you want to go?
Do you prefer a big city or a small town?
Do you want to go with a group of PSU students or individually?
What types of courses do you want to take abroad?
How much will the whole study abroad experience cost including Visa costs, airfare, food, housing, travel costs, etc?
When is the best time academically for you to go?
What language do you want to take class in?
How do I apply to Study Abroad?
The way you will apply for study abroad depends on the program you decide to study abroad with.
If you want to go on a Group Study Abroad Program, you will contact the faculty leader of that program. He/she will give you details on how to apply to the program. Most likely he/she will have you complete the Step 1: Application for Group Study Abroad.
If you want to go on an Individual Study Abroad Program, the application process changes depending on the type of program you are applying to go on. Regardless of your choice you will need to complete the Step 1: Application for Individual Study Abroad. You must complete this by October 1st for Spring study abroad and March 1st for Fall and Summer study abroad.
For more information on the specific process click on the following links:
Exchange program: Study for a semester or summer at one of PSU's sister universities.
PSU in Paraguay: Study General Education course in Paraguay.
Affiliate program: Study for a semester or summer at one of the programs on PSU's Suggested Study Abroad programs list.
Other programs: None of the programs suggested by PSU fit your needs so you find a study abroad program not on the list.
How can I fund my Study Abroad?
For information about specific institutional, government, and private scholarships check out the Funding page.
NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, has put together a good FAQ page about Study Abroad funding.
For Individual and Group Study Abroad Programs, consult with the Study Abroad Coordinator to find out your options for financial aid and scholarships. You may also consult Financial Assistance to get advice about loans and scholarships.
Here is what other PSU students have had to say about their study abroad experiences.....
Coming Soon....
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