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Preparing for Life Abroad

There are many considerations students should make before departing for their education abroad program. From travel essentials to exploring how your identities might be received in another cultural context, make it an easier adjustment to life in your host country by learning about your host culture(s) in advance, making important pre-departure preparations, and considering how to navigate unfamiliar and potentially uncomfortable interactions.

There are many considerations students should make before departing for their education abroad program. From travel essentials to exploring how your identities might be received in another cultural context, make it an easier adjustment to life in your host country by learning about your host culture(s) in advance, making important pre-departure preparations, and considering how to navigate unfamiliar and potentially uncomfortable interactions.

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I'm Approved... What's Next?

After receiving approval from Penn State to study, research, or intern abroad, there are additional tasks you need to complete. Before you begin your travel planning, make sure that you've completed all parts of the Penn State Education Abroad pre-departure process.

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    A group of students sitting in a line on the bank of a body of water, with a mountain range in the background.

    Education Abroad Travel Essentials

    To help you have a successful journey and make the most of your time abroad, we've included the travel essentials here: from pre-departure preparations to immigration documents to international travel tips.

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      group of students standing in front of The Kelpies statues in Scotland. The students hold a Penn State flag and a Scottish flag.

      Your Identity Abroad

      At Penn State Global, we recognize that every student's identity is multi-dimensional, shaped by various intersecting factors. To prepare you for what to anticipate abroad, we want to provide you with information and resources related to social identities and global experiences.

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        Six students standing in front of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain

        Education Abroad Student Spotlights

        To learn more about other Penn State students' experiences abroad and get insight into how to make the most of your own education abroad opportunity, explore some of our Student Spotlights. 

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          Group of students trying local food in Morocco

          Cultural Adjustment Abroad

          Being in a new location and cultural context can bring about unfamiliar situations and challenges. The Education Abroad team is here help you prepare to navigate how to deal with these situations while empowering yourself to grow from them. 

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