Meet With an Advisor

Not sure what programs we offer or what is the best option for you?

• Attend an event or information session to explore and learn more about the different types of global opportunities available to Penn students. Penn Abroad hosts weekly PA101 sessions throughout the semester to help you learn more and to ask questions.
   

• Participate in drop-in hours. This is an opportunity exclusively for students who have not yet selected a program or region of interest. You will be able to learn more and ask questions about a variety of global program options to meet your academic, personal, and professional interests.

A Semester Abroad advising session is required before you can open an application. All students interested in semester abroad are welcome to join an advising session. 

Appointments cannot be guaranteed and are based on availability. Appointments fill to capacity quickly, so please plan accordingly and register early. If no appointments are available before your program’s application date, please contact goabroad@upenn.edu. Penn Abroad staff will do their best to accommodate your advising request prior to the deadline, but if no meeting times are available, you will not be eligible to apply for the desired program.  

You are encouraged to attend advising, apply, and fully complete your study abroad application early. The number of spaces available for students to study at each Penn Abroad program varies by location. Penn Abroad will open a maximum of 40 applications per program each semester. Programs will stop accepting new applications once this maximum number has been reached, even if the Penn Abroad deadline has not yet passed. To ensure your application is considered for admission to your desired host program abroad, it is best to start the study abroad process as soon as possible.  

Fall/Year Semester Programs: 

• Advising begins in November of the preceding academic year. 
• Applications are generally due between January and early March (always refer to the program brochure for the exact program deadline). 

Spring Semester Programs: 

• Advising begins in April of the preceding academic year. 
• Applications are generally due between May and early October (always refer to the program brochure for the exact program deadline). 

Accommodations Information

In-person appointments in our office require the use of stairs. For assistance or to request accommodations, please contact goabroad@upenn.edu.

Step 1:

• REQUIRED. Attend a group Semester Abroad Advising session
  • Register on Calendly:
    • Fall & Spring Term Sessions at 3539 Locust Walk 
    • Summer Sessions on Zoom 
       
  • Arrive on time or you will be turned away. Advising lasts approximately one hour. Please plan to attend the full session. 

Step 2:

• After attending an advising session, contact the relevant Global Programs Manager to open your application. The application must be for a specific program location and semester. The Global Programs Manager will check your academic eligibility prior to opening the application.

Step 3:

• RECOMMENDED. Attend an additional group information session to understand your program options in certain regions or disciplines.  Group sessions will be offered and are highly recommended for the following locations:
  • Australia & New Zealand 
  • Ireland 
  • Spain 
  • United Kingdom 

Follow-up advising is available but not required for all other regions. You must open an application prior to attending follow-up advising. Your GPM will share a registration link for follow-up advising upon opening your application.  

Step 4:

Complete and submit your Penn Abroad application prior to the deadline!

Please note that Semester Abroad advising is unavailable annually from October – early November and March – early April for application review. During these timeframes, all students can come to drop-in hours and/or look out for upcoming events to learn more. If you have a question, please contact  goabroad@upenn.edu. 

Still deciding or exploring Penn’s global opportunities more broadly? Visit our Why Go Abroad resources to begin defining your goals and exploring program options. We also offer a variety of events and drop-in hours exclusively for those who are just beginning to navigate the programs available and how to apply. If you have a question, please contact goabroad@upenn.edu.

Interested in learning more about the Global Research & Internship Program for Summer 2024? Attend an upcoming information session to ask questions and get advice about choosing a placement and preparing your application. You can also sign up for drop-in hours or attend a PA101 session exclusively for those who are beginning to navigate the programs available and how to apply.

Questions can also be directed to intern-abroad@upenn.edu. You are also invited to join our mailing list to receive reminders, updates on programs, events, and future application deadlines.

An advising session is not required as part of the Penn Global Seminars application process. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about the Penn Global Seminars program, we offer a variety of events, PA101 sessions, and drop-in hours exclusively for those who are beginning to navigate the programs available and how to apply. You are also invited to join our mailing list to receive reminders, updates on programs, events, and future application deadlines. Advising is available by appointment by contacting pgs-abroad@upenn.edu. 

Note: Advising meetings are a great way to learn about the Penn Global Seminars courses and the application process. They are not intended to provide applicants with advice related to program competitiveness or how to gain an advantage over another applicant.