Study Abroad Application Process & Deadlines

As you explore program options, consider your academic and personal goals. Once you know why you want to study abroad, it will make it easier to decide where you will study abroad. Thinking through these questions will help you navigate the many exciting program options.

Questions to Consider:

• Why do I want to study abroad?

• What are my main goals for when I am abroad?

• How will this experience help my overall learning and future career?

There are also a number of ways to learn more about program options and the student experience. Follow these important links to learn how different programs fit within your personal and academic goals:

• Information Sessions and Events

• Hear from Past Participants

• Explore Penn-Approved Program Options

• English Speaking Programs

Studying abroad for an academic term or year will require careful planning. Application deadlines for programs vary, but generally follow the following timeline:

• Fall Term/Academic Year: mid-January to mid-March
  (start your application process in November of the calendar year prior)

• Spring Term: early September to early October
  (start your application process in April of the calendar year prior)

• Summer Term (open to SEAS & WH only): February 1
  (start your application process in November of the calendar year prior)

There are some deadlines that fall earlier than the usual timeline, so it is important that you review specific program information in PASSPORT to confirm application deadlines. You can also learn about the program and get updates by joining our mailing list.

Note: The last day to request an application be opened is 3 days before the program application deadline. Please plan accordingly.

To study abroad, you must meet certain general eligibility requirements that apply to all programs. Please refer to the Study Abroad Academic Information page for a comprehensive list of these requirements.

Additionally, individual programs may have their own GPA minimums, language prerequisites, and/or course-specific requirements. For program-specific eligibility requirements, please refer to program brochures within PASSPORT.

Studying abroad is a rewarding experience that will require a high level of personal investment from you, the student, and guidance from Penn Abroad. The expectations laid out on this page are critical to having a successful term or academic year abroad. Every student participating in a Penn Abroad program, regardless of location, is required to abide by all the expectations and conditions set forth below:

• Patience, flexibility, and open-mindedness throughout all phases of the study abroad application process and experience abroad.

• Personal investment in all phases of the study abroad experience. This includes but is not limited to:

• Taking ownership of the experience from start to finish; do not expect others to complete any aspect of the study abroad process on your behalf

• To serve as an ambassador of the University of Pennsylvania and accept your responsibility to act as a global citizen while studying abroad.

• Active engagement and participation in the host university/program and local community.

• Willingness to adapt to local academic and living conditions, even when this is difficult or inconvenient

• Uphold the highest standards of precautions and concern for the health and safety of the global communities you join, including any health and safety standards set by Penn for your destination.

• Engage in appropriate social behavior that abides by the rules and guidelines set forth by Penn and your host university/program, including but not limited to, organizing, hosting, or attending gatherings on or off-campus, consuming alcohol, and using drugs. Alcohol consumption and recreational drug use will not be considered an excuse for unauthorized risky behavior.

• Regular communication with Penn Abroad and your host institution throughout your time abroad. When prompted for a reply, Penn Abroad expects a reply from all students within 24 hours. Additionally, at any time, should you – the student – feel unsafe or not properly cared for, it is expected you contact Penn Abroad and your host institution/program to rectify the issue.

• Constructive and thoughtful feedback on your experience abroad

Attending a general advising session is the first step to opening a study abroad application.

MEET WITH AN ADVISOR

Once your application is open, you are required to complete the materials checklist by the listed deadline. Through your application homepage, you will be able to track the status of your application from anywhere.

In addition to meeting with a Penn Abroad Global Programs Manager, you are also required to meet with your home school academic advisor for study abroad. During this meeting, you will determine academic eligibility, course choices, and begin the course approval process. Additionally, students in the College of Arts & Sciences are required to obtain approval from their major. Select your school to get in touch and schedule a meeting with your home school academic advisor for study abroad: 

• The College of Arts & Sciences

• The Wharton School

• The Huntsman Program

• Penn Engineering

• Penn Nursing Science