Education Abroad

Undergraduate Education Abroad

In order to minimize institutional risk and to ensure compliance with University Policy FN20, all international undergraduate education programs offered for academic credit exclusively outside the United States must be reviewed by The University Office of Global programs and Education Abroad. Programs must secure prior approval by the dean or DAA of the sponsoring Penn State college or campus. Penn State faculty and departments wishing to organize and/or sponsor international undergraduate programs are required to submit necessary documentation as specified below. For summer programs, please note the deadline below.

New program proposals must originate from and be supported by Penn State academic units or colleges, not outside institutions or providers. Persons proposing a new full-year or semester-length (summer, fall, spring) program should contact Dr. Kristi Wormhoudt (), Academic Coordinator of Education Abroad to arrange a consultation meeting with the appropriate Education Abroad staff, including the Executive Director, Dr. Barbara Rowe. The meeting with Education Abroad will cover important topics including, but not limited to the following: overall program design; how the program will complement the existing Education Abroad portfolio; course offerings; deadlines; departmental support; risk management issues; health and safety; costs and fees; marketing; and exchange administration (if applicable). New proposals generally address academic needs not met by existing Penn State international offerings. If the program is approved to move forward, the sponsors will be asked to complete the on-line proposal process outlined below.

Step Two: Complete Online Materials

After the consultation meeting described above, the program specifics must be submitted to Education Abroad through our online application system. The proposal document addresses best practices to be considered when assessing new education abroad opportunities. The online program proposal also includes a structure to obtain approval from the appropriate Department Head and Associate Dean or DAA using electronic recommendation forms.

It is imperative that new proposals be submitted to Education Abroad 12-18 months in advance to allow for adequate review and development. Semester (fall or spring) or year-long programs designed as reciprocal undergraduate exchanges are subject to strict deadlines and must allow ample time for development. Promotional activities may begin only after the program has been officially approved.

Please note: All new summer semester program proposals must be received by Education Abroad staff by June 1. The initial consultation meeting with EA staff should be scheduled prior to submitting the final version of the proposal document.

Program Approval:

After the online questionnaire(s) is completed and approval from the Department Head and Associate Dean or DAA has been submitted, the proposal will be reviewed by the Executive Director of Education Abroad. If the program is endorsed by Education Abroad, a second meeting will be arranged with the appropriate Education Abroad staff to finalize details including the application process, deadlines, promotions, advising, orientation, and a contract with the host institution or provider. The contract will not be initiated until the entire process is completed. The Vice Provost for Global Programs will have final approval once the contract has been written and agreed upon by both parties.