The opportunity to study abroad can be exciting, and can also offer a variety of personal and professional rewards. You would have an opportunity to enrich your educational experience, while also immersing yourself in another culture. An important professional bonus is that you’d get the chance to gain experience working in diverse environments and among different cultures — which is attractive to employers who promote cultural diversity and need employees with varied backgrounds.
Although busy adult students often worry that these opportunities may not be feasible for them due to geographic limitations, time commitments, or other practical considerations, we’re happy to tell you that these programs can be a great opportunity for you. In fact, Penn State World Campus students are very active in study abroad programs.
Penn State Education Abroad offers nearly 300 programs each year to many countries spread across six continents. With so many options from which to choose, there are sure to be at least a few that fit your interests and meet your needs.
Program lengths vary widely. Even though it may be impossible for a working parent with several children to participate in a six-month program, spending just a few days in another country might be far more feasible. Some of our programs involve only a week or less of actual travel, which can be perfect to accommodate students who can only be away from their jobs or families for a limited time. Of course, if you are able to travel more extensively, some programs last for the summer, a semester, or even for an entire academic year.
The costs also vary widely, depending on the length of the program, the destination location involved, and a number of other factors. Scholarships and other forms of financial aid may be available. Each program provides detailed information about the costs involved. Education Abroad advisers can also walk you through the budgeting tools that help you calculate the anticipated costs and outline a plan to pay those expenses. Get more information about the costs and funding resources for study abroad programs.
Again, you should also consider the possible professional rewards for you as a result of this investment. A study abroad experience is personally enriching, but can also make you a stronger applicant because of your willingness to immerse yourself in diverse populations.
Applying for study abroad opportunities is probably easier than you think. The Education Abroad office strives to make the process as quick and simple as possible. You would start by browsing the list of available programs, which are easily searchable on the Education Abroad website. Once you find programs that interest you, follow the specified application procedure. Be sure to pay attention to critical deadlines! Most programs allow you to complete the entire application process online.
Undergraduate students can also learn more details and get answers to many questions about studying abroad by attending our upcoming study abroad webinar.
