Current Student Resources

Study Abroad

Through “embedded” courses or numerous study abroad programs at Penn State, students may gain exposure to different situations that help them open their minds, and possibly change their lives. Such experiences prepare students for the global professional environment of the 21st century.

Embedded Programs, Spring 2026

Embedded courses allow students to complement a semester of classroom work with a focused week of study and hands-on work in a foreign country. An embedded course exists in each of our five majors, and those spring semester courses combine a classroom experience on campus with a working spring break trip.

COMM 402 International Reporting

This program is designed to give student journalists experience in reporting the news in a foreign country.

In Spring 2026, journalism students will travel to Argentina and immerse themselves for nine days in the capital of Buenos Aires, a large diverse city known for its beautifully preserved European-style architecture and its world-renowned culture which ranges from the literature of Nobel Prize winning author Jorge Luis Borges to the art of tango and the ardent devotion to fútbol.

In this three-credit course, each student will pursue an individual story. They will research, report and produce a significant piece of journalism that sheds light on some aspect or issue that is helping to define modern Argentina.

Argentina is rich in natural resources and has a well-educated workforce that has helped the country develop South America's second largest economy. The country has long been a magnet for immigrants from around the world, and similar to the United States, is considered a melting pot of ethnicities, races, and genders.

Argentina’s current president Javier Milei is a populist who is often compared to US President Donald Trump. Since his 2023 election, he has introduced significant changes in government that he has billed as "the reconstruction of Argentina." Students will have the opportunity to observe and study the country’s evolving political economy, along with its history of military coups, and its vibrant multiculturalism.

Upon their return from Argentina, students will produce print, broadcast, photographic, and multimedia stories for publication in professional media that will put a spotlight on the world’s eighth largest country.

In previous years, students in the course have traveled to Brazil, China, Cuba, Estonia, Greece, Israel, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Panama and South Africa.

COMM 437A International Documentary Production

Students research and produce a short documentary film to be shot during their abroad experience. Previous filming locations have included Amsterdam, England, Iceland, Israel, Ireland, Peru and Hungary. In spring 2026, students will travel to Scotland to produce short documentary films.

In spring 2026, students will travel to Edinburgh, to produce short documentary films. Students will work in groups, focusing on preproduction before spring break. 

When they arrive, they will hit the ground running and create their films! Students will return from Edinburgh with first-hand knowledge of the culture, traditions, history, current events, and/or politics through their unique films as well as cultural activities. 

Previous filming locations have included Amsterdam, Barcelona, Iceland, Mexico City and Poland.

COMM 450A International Digital Advertising

As part of capstone course for the digital media trends and analytics minor, students will travel to Dublin to work with an Ireland-based nonprofit client.

Students will use real-world platforms to set up campaign parameters, landing pages, and campaign tracking analytics with tools like Google Ads, Google Analytics and Swipe Pages. They'll also create and run campaigns using a Google Ad Grants account while developing cultural fluency and working with a client from another country.

CzechMates

The multifaceted CzechMates Program, led by Michael Elavsky — an award winning faculty member at Penn State before bringing the program in the Czech Republic to life — offers a variety of options for students to study abroad in Central Europe. If you are looking for a study abroad program that will deliver more, allowing you to go beyond in terms of the personal and professional development that one expects from foreign study, the CzechMates Program — with its wide spectrum of study and international internship opportunities — might be right for you!

Study Abroad

A traditional study abroad program will open your mind and change your life. It will also prepare you for the global professional environment of the 21st century.

Study Abroad: Resources

1. Office of Global Programs

   Lists all programs, options and available financial aid.
   

2. Peer Advisers

   Students who have studied abroad will consult on a walk-in basis in 422 Boucke Building.
   

3. Education Abroad Advisers (EAAs)

   After talking to a peer adviser, make an appointment with an EAA to discuss: choice of program, the application process and financial aid. EAAs are also located in 422 Boucke Building.
   

4. Bellisario College Academic Advising
   Advisers in 204 Carnegie Building and the faculty adviser in your major will help make study abroad courses fit your course of study.

Study Abroad: Need to Know

A traditional study abroad program will open your mind and change your life. It will also prepare you for the global professional environment of the 21st century.

Planning and preparation represent a big part of the process when considering study-abroad opportunities.

1. Your degree requirements.
   See an adviser to go over your degree audit to ensure your abroad program aligns with your graduation plans.
2. How your credits abroad will count.
   Studying through a Penn State international program or through a non-Penn State international program differ in terms of accreditation and transfer of credits. *World Campus is not affiliated with Global Programs and is not an Education Abroad approved study abroad program
3. Your financial aid situation.
   If you wish to receive financial aid or have received financial aid in the past, discuss your study-abroad plans with the financial aid office to understand how studying abroad works with your financial aid qualifications and obligations. Go to the Financial Aid Office, 314 Shields Building, or call 814-865-6301.
   
4. Your internship possibilities and obligations.
   If there is a possibility of an internship abroad, it is extremely important for you to understand all the internship obligations before going abroad. You must meet with Assistant Dean for Internships and Career Services Bob Martin (208D Carnegie Building, 814-863-4674) prior to going abroad or your internship will not be approved for credit.