November 2018
Advising Essentials:
Study Abroad
Studying abroad can have immense benefits educationally, professionally, and personally for students. As a faculty adviser, you might have students asking questions about the possibilities or requesting assistance with some aspect of the process.

Here is some important information you need to know:

  • Studying abroad should not extend a student's graduation timeline; students should attempt to have their experience fit into the Suggested Academic Plan for their major.

  • Credits earned through a Penn State study abroad program are Penn State credits, not transfer credits.


  • Students can use the Historical Course List for a program to see what students have taken previously and what credits they received.

  • Often, students will earn credits for courses ending in "-99." The -99 course designation signifies that the course was earned while abroad and will fulfill an International Cultures requirement.
  • A -99 course can fulfill other General Education requirements with approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs.

  • There are two study abroad info sessions offered every week during the semester.


  • All students are encouraged to apply for scholarships. Some scholarships are provided by Penn State while others are from external organizations.

  • If you have questions regarding study abroad, reach out to Ruth Pflueger, Director of the Learning Resource Center (rcp1@psu.edu or ext. 6140).
Students may have circumstances that make their study aboard unique, but most students follow the same general timeline when they are considering studying abroad.
Helpful Links
As always, the advisers in the ACPC are happy to answer any questions you might have.

Additionally, if you have requests for topics you'd like to see in next semester's Advising Essentials, send them to Becki Leonard (rkl5120@psu.edu).

Thank you,

The ACPC Advisers