Academic Options >> Study Abroad >> Step by Step

Penn Abroad: Step by Step

Step 1: Attend a session of Penn Abroad 101 (preferably during the semester prior to the application deadline)

• • Sessions are held approximately three times a week during the academic terms.
• • Prepare to stay the full hour of these mandatory sessions.
• • Penn Abroad applications are discussed with 101 participants. These applications are required for all sites and are available online.

Step 2: Research your options

• • Spend time in the Penn Abroad Library (at 3701 Chestnut St.) and online reviewing program materials and student evaluations.
• • Consult with the College study abroad advisor and faculty in departments/programs relevant to your interests abroad.
• • Confer with peer counselors, past participants, exchange students.
• • Take note of program pre-requisites listed on program brochures.
• • Think about who might write your letters of reference, and ask professors early.

Step 3: Meet with a Penn Abroad Overseas Program Manager in the Office of International Programs

• • In the semester preceding that of the application deadline, make an appointment with the appropriate Penn Abroad Overseas Program Managers.
• • Come to your appointment on time and be prepared to discuss what you have learned about your options.
• • Prepare a list of questions.
• • Come to Suite 1W, 3701 Chestnut St., or call 898-9073 to cancel and/or reschedule appointments.

Step 4: Apply on line

• • Read all application instructions thoroughly.
• • Have your transcript sent from the Registrar to the Penn Abroad Office, Suite 1W, 3701 Chestnut St. You are entitled to one free transcript per semester.
• • Obtain letters of reference. Be sure to give your referees at least 2-3 weeks notice.
• • Select abroad courses from appropriate site catalogues. Consult the list of course precedents for abroad programs using the College’s XCAT (External Course Approval Tool). This list includes all College courses that have already been approved for credit at Penn. You may request College credit for courses not found on this list at any time after your Penn Abroad application has been accepted.

Step 5: Meet with College study abroad advisor who oversees the Study Abroad Program to which you have applied

• • Click here to determine the College study abroad advisor who oversees the study abroad program to which you have applied.
• • Discuss how your course choices fit with your overall academic plan at Penn.
• • Make this appointment well in advance of the deadline by calling 898-6341 or stopping by Cohen 120.

Step 6: Course approval process 

• • Each course taken abroad will appear on your Penn transcript.
• • You must request College credit for each course through a Penn department using XCAT (External Course Approval Tool). When requesting credit from Nursing, Engineering, and Wharton, please consult the study abroad academic advisor in the appropriate school for their course approval process.
• • You must request abroad credits no later than the end of the fifth week of the first full semester after you return to Penn.