Program Selection

Embedded Courses

This is a course that is offered in the spring or fall and includes an overseas field trip.
Length of the field trip is approximately 10 days.
Costs are generally between $1,800 and $2,500.
College and University scholarships are available.
Faculty members who teach the course also lead the field trip.
GPA is not a criterion, but a faculty reference is often required.
Instructor approval is required.
Students of all semester standings may participate.
These programs can satisfy the study abroad requirement for International Business majors.

Programs range in time from 3 to 9 weeks.
Total cost, including tuition, can range from $6,000 to $13,000.
College and University scholarships are available. Other scholarships may be available depending on program, location, and length of time abroad.
Some are led and taught by Penn State faculty; others are courses taught in English at foreign institutions.
Minimum GPA is 2.5, but some programs have a higher GPA requirement.
Most programs are open to students of any semester standing.
Credits range from 3 to 9, depending on the length of the program.
Available courses vary by program, with some programs requiring specific courses to be taken.

The semester and academic year is very similar in length to Penn State, but classes may start, or end, on a different date than at Behrend. This could impact plans for internships, jobs, or graduation.
Programs can be more or less expensive than a normal semester, depending on whether a student pays in-state or out-of-state tuition and the program selected. Most, but not all, contracted programs charge only in-state tuition, even if you are an out-of-state student (i.e. IES, CIEE, Arcadia, etc.).
Total costs can range from $17,000 to $28,000 for a semester.
College and University scholarships are available. Other scholarships may be available, depending on program and location.
Minimum GPA is 2.5, but there are a limited number of programs available. A 3.0 GPA will ensure access to nearly all but a few honors programs.
Most programs are designed for fifth semester or higher students, but a few are available to sophomores.
Programs in non-English speaking countries offer language courses as well as courses in the major delivered in English. Language proficiency is often tested on-site.
Courses include those to satisfy requirements for your major or a minor, complete general education requirements, continue language study, or enhance your application for a graduate program.
A semester abroad is an excellent experience if you’re planning to apply for a Fulbright or other prestigious fellowship.
Some programs have unpaid internship options.