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How do I get started?

A good way to learn more about education abroad programs is to attend one of our weekly info sessions, which are held on Wednesdays from noon to 1pm in East Hall Rm. 223. You are able to drop in anytime between noon and 1pm, and one of our staff members will give you a broad overview of the programs PSU has to offer, along with resources to help guide you in the decision-making process.

Types of Programs

PSU offers several different kinds of international options. If you are interested in a certain type of program, talk to an Education Abroad Advisor about which programs fall into the category you prefer.

Short-term faculty-led programs offer the opportunity to go abroad with a PSU faculty member and a group of fellow PSU students to complete a course or community project for credit. Programs range in duration from one week to five weeks. Some faculty-led programs also offer Capstone credit.

Fully integrated programs at foreign universities allow students to take classes together with local students and enroll in courses offered by the host university providing for a sophisticated understanding of the country and provides the experience of total immersion in a different educational system. Some course or language prerequisites are generally required.

Island programs are organized for US students and are designed exclusively for American college students and can provide opportunities that may not be available through the regular curriculum of a foreign institution. In many cases courses are taken only with other American students and the program may be housed at a study center rather than a university.

Hybrid programs aim to combine the best features of fully integrated programs and programs specifically organized for American students. These programs offer a combination of regular university courses and courses designed especially for program participants.

Choosing a Program

PSU offers over 100 different programs in more than 40 countries around the world.
In choosing an appropriate program, it is important to consider the following questions:

Location

Where do you want to go? Why? Do you want to study in a developed or developing country? Do you want to be in a big city or a small town or rural area?

When and For How Long?

In general, you should work with your academic advisor to plan for a study abroad experience. There is no set time to study abroad. However, students are generally not eligible to study abroad during their freshman year. Depending on academic goals and timeline, students can study abroad during their sophomore, junior, or senior year, or as postbaccalaureates, and in some cases as graduate students.

Do I Want to Intern Abroad?

Through The Oregon University System's IE3 Global Internships, Junior, Senior, and Graduate students can participate in an international internship.

What Kind of a Learning Experience Am I Looking for?

Some programs allow you to study alongside foreign nationals, taking classes taught either in English or the host national language, while other programs offer the opportunity to study and travel together with a group of fellow American students.

What Types of Courses are Available?

Courses vary depending upon the program you select. Some programs allow students to direct-enroll at a university. In this case, course offerings will be quite broad and varied. Other programs are more limited in nature and students will have a more narrow selection to choose from. Most programs list the available courses in their program brochure and on their website. Many students will study language, culture, and other social sciences. Increasingly, science and business majors have been able to take related courses overseas.

What Kind of Living Arrangements are Available?

Most programs offer at least two types of living arrangements. These include: apartment living, dormitory living, and host family living. However, there are some programs which only offer one type of living situation. You can find out what type of living arrangements are available in the program brochure or website.

Do I Have to Know a Foreign Language?

You may be surprised to know that some education abroad programs do not require proficiency in the host language. Some programs are offered in countries where English is the official language. Other programs offer many or select courses in English, though the host national language is different. However, if you are hoping to develop strong language skills, many study abroad programs can provide you with experiences where this goal can be achieved.

Am I Eligible?

Most programs require for you to be at least a sophomore prior to departure. Some programs ask for a more advanced academic standing. All programs have a minimum GPA requirement, which varies from program to program. In addition there may be other requirements, such as foreign language proficiency, and certain course prerequisites. Students are selected based on academic performance, maturity, and motivation.

How to Apply

The deadlines for most education abroad programs range from February to April for fall term and academic year programs. The deadline for winter/spring programs is typically set for mid-to-late October. Many programs have rolling admissions policies, so the earlier you submit your materials, the better your chance of securing a space in the program. In general, it is a good idea to begin the application process at least six months before you intend to study abroad. Please check the Education Abroad website for the most current program deadlines. If you are planning on applying for scholarships, earlier submission of an application is strongly encouraged.

For most programs, the application consists of, but is not limited to the following:

• Completed application form
• Two references (from an academic advisor and/or faculty member)
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended (including PSU)
• Statement of purpose
• Non-refundable application fee

After the completed application has been submitted, you will have an interview with an Education Abroad Advisor.

Credit

You are guaranteed PSU credit for all PSU-approved programs. If you are hoping to fulfill degree requirements while abroad, you are strongly encouraged to speak with your departmental academic advisor to determine what programs and classes best fit into your degree program. While you are abroad, you are required to submit the syllabi for all your classes to your Education Abroad Advisor, who works with the academic departments at PSU to determine the closest fit of your overseas courses to PSU equivalent courses. Your transcript will reflect the grades you earned overseas, which will be calculated into your overall PSU GPA. The credits you earn overseas are considered PSU credits, rather than transfer credits.

Cost

The cost of each education abroad program depends on length of stay, program site, living arrangements, etc. As each program is unique, it is important to check the Education Abroad website to determine the current program cost. When figuring actual program expenses, you should accurately compare all costs of living in Portland (tuition, housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, food, entertainment, etc.) with the overseas program expenses. You may find programs comparable in cost to staying in Portland.

Program Payment

In general, PSU charges the program fee of an overseas program to your PSU account. Once this fee has been paid by you, PSU issues payment to the program provider. The fees are charged at the beginning of the term you have selected to study overseas and should be paid according to PSU's schedule of payment for each term. Your Education Abroad advisor will go over specifics in detail during the interview or orientation process.

Financial Aid

If you are participating in a PSU-sponsored education abroad program, you may use your financial aid award toward the cost of the program. There are no additional federal financial aid funds available specifically for studying abroad. Some students are able to receive funding equal to their total program costs, but in many cases study abroad costs are higher than the federal financial aid funds they receive. Some students may be eligible for non-federal "alternative loans" to meet their remaining need. These loans are based on the student's credit and income status, so not all students qualify.

Other Funding Sources for Education Abroad

There are many options for assistance in funding a study abroad experience. These range from program provider scholarships and private scholarship programs, to government-sponsored programs. Please check the Education Abroad website and the website of your program provider for details.