Sophmores: Study Abroad

Every year, more than 899 Penn students spend a semester or year abroad as an enriching part of their formal undergraduate education on programs offered through Penn Abroad, one of the most extensive study abroad networks of any Ivy League university. The many options from which to choose provide international experiences that are carefully and deliberately designed to complement the curriculum on campus. Read more >>

Step 1. Attend a session of Penn Abroad 101 (preferably during the semester prior to the application deadline). Read more >>

Students who are beginning to consider a study abroad semester will need to make use of the resources below. It is generally recommended that a student begin to explore study abroad options a full year in advance of the semester in which they would like to be abroad.

Once you have completed the first five components of Study Abroad: Step by Step you are ready to seek approval for your study abroad courses. Read more >>

XCAT is the online External Course Approval Tool used to determine transfer, credit away and study abroad courses for all students across all four undergraduate schools. To request credit from Wharton, Nursing or Engineering, please contact the advising office for that school.

Transfer credit is used for courses taken before matriculation at Penn. Study abroad credit includes courses taken at a Penn Abroad program. And credit away courses are courses taken outside of a Penn-approved program after matriculation at Penn.

A student must secure approval for credit away courses through the XCAT system BEFORE taking them.

Through this system, students submit requests for Penn approval, departments make determinations regarding approval and credit and home school advisors and the Registrar's Office post credits to the Penn transcript.

If you have questions about departmental approval please speak with the appropriate department contact for credit evaluation.

If you have questions about the XCAT system contact Dr. Molly McGlone or Dr. Gary Purpura in the College by email or by calling 215.898.6341.