- International Students & Scholars
International students who choose to participate in an education abroad program during their time at Penn State face the unique and exciting challenge of navigating multiple cultural landscapes. Work closely with your education abroad and international student advisers to ensure a smooth transition. Understanding visa requirements, cultural differences, and academic expectations in the host country is crucial. Stay informed about how your international status might affect your travel plans and take advantage of opportunities to immerse yourself in another cultural setting.
*Important: International students in F and J visa status are encouraged to start preparing early if they are interested in participating in an education abroad program while at Penn State. It is recommended that you begin researching and applying for education abroad opportunities at least one year prior to your expected semester abroad.
Questions to consider:
- How will my visa status impact my ability to study, intern, or conduct research in another country?
- What type of visa do I need for my host country?
- Are there additional legal or documentation requirements that I need to prepare for that are specific to my international student status?
- How does my selected education abroad program align with my academic goals and degree plan at Penn State?
- What funding opportunities are available to me as an international student to help cover the costs of an education abroad program?
- What resources are available to support me on-site in my host country?
- What are the social, cultural, and academic expectations in my host country? How do they differ from my home country and from the United States?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office:
- Understand visa requirements: Make sure you're familiar with both your current student visa status and the visa requirements for your host country. If you have questions about your visa status, connect with your ISSA adviser.
- Plan your finances: Look into scholarships that apply specifically to international students abroad. You may want to check our External Scholarships page to start that search.
- Connect with global communities: Engage with local and international student networks to build a support system in your host country.
- Utilize support services: Reach out to your ISSA adviser, your education abroad adviser, and/or your program leader/provider to prepare for your time abroad.
Resources:
International students who choose to participate in an education abroad program during their time at Penn State face the unique and exciting challenge of navigating multiple cultural landscapes. Work closely with your education abroad and international student advisers to ensure a smooth transition. Understanding visa requirements, cultural differences, and academic expectations in the host country is crucial. Stay informed about how your international status might affect your travel plans and take advantage of opportunities to immerse yourself in another cultural setting.
*Important: International students in F and J visa status are encouraged to start preparing early if they are interested in participating in an education abroad program while at Penn State. It is recommended that you begin researching and applying for education abroad opportunities at least one year prior to your expected semester abroad.
Questions to consider:
- How will my visa status impact my ability to study, intern, or conduct research in another country?
- What type of visa do I need for my host country?
- Are there additional legal or documentation requirements that I need to prepare for that are specific to my international student status?
- How does my selected education abroad program align with my academic goals and degree plan at Penn State?
- What funding opportunities are available to me as an international student to help cover the costs of an education abroad program?
- What resources are available to support me on-site in my host country?
- What are the social, cultural, and academic expectations in my host country? How do they differ from my home country and from the United States?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office:
- Understand visa requirements: Make sure you're familiar with both your current student visa status and the visa requirements for your host country. If you have questions about your visa status, connect with your ISSA adviser.
- Plan your finances: Look into scholarships that apply specifically to international students abroad. You may want to check our External Scholarships page to start that search.
- Connect with global communities: Engage with local and international student networks to build a support system in your host country.
- Utilize support services: Reach out to your ISSA adviser, your education abroad adviser, and/or your program leader/provider to prepare for your time abroad.
Resources:
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