Office of International Affairs

    How do I get started?

    Learn More

    Join us:

    • at one of our Study Abroad Drop-in advising sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the year;
    • in Fall Quarter only, for one of our Study Abroad 101 Info Sessions offered each week (during Fall Quarter) in East Hall.
      • Check in for both forms of advising sessions is at East Hall, Room 101 (632 SW Hall Street).
    • We provide an overview of the programs PSU offers along with resources to guide your decision-making process.

    Types of Programs

    Consider which types of programs are appealing to you and talk with an Education Abroad Advisor for more information.

    • Short-term Faculty-led Programs- Complete a course or community project for credit with fellow PSU students and a PSU faculty member. Duration ranges from one to five weeks and may offer Capstone credit.
    • Fully Integrated Programs at Foreign Universities- Experience total immersion by attending courses with local students at host university. Some course or language prerequisites generally required.
    • Island Programs for US Students- Designed exclusively for American students, these programs provide opportunities that may not be available through the regular curriculum of a foreign institution. These may be housed at a study center rather than a university.
    • Hybrid Programs- Combining the best features of the fully integrated and island program options, our hybrid programs offer a combination of regular university courses and courses designed for program participants.

    Choosing a Program

    PSU offers over 100 program in more than 40 countries. Consider the following important questions when choosing the program that is right for you:

    • Location- Where do you want to go? Why? Do you prefer a developed or developing country? Big city, small town, or rural area?
    • Timing and Duration – Eligible students may study abroad after their freshman year is completed. Some programs allow postbaccalaureates and graduate students. Work with your academic advisor to plan the best timing and length of stay for your study abroad experience.
    • Internship Possibilities – Through the Oregon University System’s IE3 Global Internships, junior, senior, and graduate students may participate in an international internship. Some programs offer internships alongside study abroad experiences.
    • Types of Learning Experiences – Consider if you prefer to study alongside foreign nationals, whether you seek classes taught in English or the host national language, and if you prefer to travel with a group of American students or as an individual.
    • Types of Courses Available – Consider the course offerings available to you with each program and how they will fit with your degree requirements.
    • Living Arrangements – Apartment living, dormitory living and host family living are options to consider. Many programs offer more than one option.
    • Foreign Language Fluency – Many programs do not require proficiency in the host language, while other programs are located in English-speaking settings. Some courses may be available in English where the host language is different. Immersion in the host language is also available in some programs.
    • Eligibility – Programs vary in their eligibility requirements with consideration of academic standing, minimum GPA requirements, foreign language proficiency, and course prerequisites. Most do not allow freshman. Students are selected based on academic performance, maturity and motivation.

    How to Apply

    See the individual program pages for application requirements, forms, and deadlines. Generally, it is best to begin the application process at least six months in advance. The earlier you submit your completed application, the better your chance of securing your place in the program and receiving any scholarships for which you may apply. After you submit your complete application you will be interviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor.

    Academic Credit

    You will receive PSU credit for all PSU-approved programs. We strongly recommend that you work with your departmental academic advisor to determine which programs and classes best fit your degree program. While abroad, you will submit all of your course syllibi to your Education Abroad Advisor who works with PSU departments to determine the closest PSU equivalent courses to your overseas courses.

    Cost

    Program costs vary depending on their individual requirements. Check the Education Abroad website for specific program costs and see Can I Afford to Study Abroad? for more information about costs and funding options.

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