Study Abroad

Steps to Study Abroad

Steps Prior to Departure Details
1. Sophomore  or Junior Year

** Study abroad eligibility requirements include a minimum 3.0 cumulative average in addition to a minimum 3.0 average every semester.

 Decide to study abroad.
2. Visit Penn Global’s Penn Abroad Website.
3. Schedule an appointment with a Penn Global Advisor to open an application Penn Global Advisors can help with program selection, as well as programs that you may have to petition. They are available to answer any questions for your preparations to go abroad
4. Schedule a meeting with your department undergraduate program coordinator to help with course selection for going abroad . Plan out your semester abroad, as well as the remaining semesters, so upon your return, you are on track to fulfill your major requirements. Be prepared to discuss specific programs, courses that can satisfy your major requirements
5. Schedule, to an appointment with Sonya Gwak, Director Student Life and Undergraduate Education, to complete the online Academic Approval on Penn Abroad application To make an appointment, you can email Sonya Gwak at sgwak@seas.upenn.edu

Please note: this step should take place after you have opened your application and have met with your home department
6. Submit all course approval requests via XCAT. The department to which the request is routed will decide whether or not to approve the course(s).

As you complete this step, be sure to meet again with your home department to discuss course offerings abroad and how they count toward your degree requirements.

 Be sure to upload a syllabus for every course for which you are requesting approval. This way, the department has enough information to make an informed decision regarding course approvals.
7. Complete all items specified in application. Take note that you must complete a second application to the host university in addition to the Penn Abroad application. The second application can be found in the Penn Abroad application system under the Materials tab. Check your applicant homepage and Penn email account on a regular basis for reminders and updates from Penn Abroad. Your official acceptance to your program will be delivered via email.