Advising for Education Abroad
This information is to help PSU departments and academic advisors answer general questions about PSU’s Education Abroad programs. For detailed information along with extensive help and guidance, students should be referred to the Education Abroad (EA) Office:
Education Abroad @ Office of International Affairs
East Hall 101
http://www.oia.pdx.edu/ea
(503) 725-4094
Advisors
- Ron Witczak – Assistant Vice Provost of International Affairs
- Alyse Collins – Programs in Latin America, Asia, Internships
- Blythe Knott – Programs in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East
- Rachel Goff – Programs in Europe
Information Sessions and Education Abroad Advisors:
- Please encourage students to attend an Education Abroad Information Session – a group meeting, held on a weekly basis, where students learn more about education abroad programs, costs, processes, and are able to ask questions. The date and location are listed on our website.
- If a student has more questions or wants help in finding an education abroad program, the student can make an appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor. PSU Education Abroad Advisors are divided by region – listed above. Advisors are able to help students find and apply for a program, compare costs, apply for financial aid or scholarships, and receive academic credit.
Program Types:
- Exchange – Two or more universities agree to exchange a selected number of students. Exchange students pay PSU fees while attending a host university, making study abroad possible for approximately the cost of studying at PSU.
- Faculty Led – PSU faculty organize and lead academically focused student programs to sites that enhance traditional coursework.
- Study Abroad – Programs organized by another university or independent program provider. Students pay a program a fee to cover tuition, housing, excursions, and other expenses.
- Internship Programs – Credit bearing internships abroad are available for most majors.
Timeline:
Students should begin the application process at least six months before they intend to study abroad. They should check the Education Abroad website for the most current program deadlines. If a student intends to apply for a scholarship, earlier submission of an application is encouraged.
Academic Credit Approval Process
- Students participating in PSU sponsored Education Abroad programs receive regular PSU credit. The process for receiving credit is as follows:
- Student selects a program
- Student registers for classes on that program
- Student is registered for placeholder classes at PSU while on the education abroad program
- Student sends all course syllabi to their Education Abroad Advisor
- Education Abroad Advisor sends syllabi to relevant departments for course equivalencies
- Education Abroad Advisor receives transcript of student coursework taken overseas
- Education Abroad Advisor changes placeholder classes to the PSU course equivalent classes on student PSU transcript
- This process can take between 3-6 months to complete
Costs and Financial Aid
How much does an education abroad experience cost?
The cost depends on the program. Exchanges are the least expensive full semester programs and cost about as much as studying in Portland. Other programs generally cost more than the equivalent time at PSU, but it is important for students to keep in mind that costs often include such things as housing, meals and textbooks, which are not factored into tuition costs at PSU. The cost of a faculty-led program depends primarily on the program’s location and duration. Most financial aid applies and scholarships are available.
Financial Aid requirements:
- The Education Abroad office approves the program that the student has selected.
- Education Abroad provides the Financial Aid office with detailed program costs.
- The Financial Aid Office revises the student’s aid award package, if possible.
Re-Entry Shock for Students Returning from Abroad
Students often suffer from re-adjustment issues when they return from abroad. You may wish to ask your students how they are doing. If they are having problems, encourage them to contact Education Abroad – we have a re-entry program as well as opportunities for them to share their experience with others: serving as a peer advisor.