Summer Term
Study abroad for a term over the summer.
About
Looking to go abroad but the academic year schedule makes it hard?
Interested in having a summer study abroad experience in addition to semester or academic year international programs? Penn Abroad has you covered! We offer study abroad programming at multiple institutions across the globe that fit perfectly into a summer schedule and allow you to bring academic credit back to Penn.
Key Features
- Programs on three continents providing access to a variety of academic coursework
- Chinese University of Hong Kong (College, Engineering, Wharton)
- Copenhagen Business School (Wharton)
- Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (Engineering, Wharton)
- Ibero American University of Mexico (Wharton, Math)
- Polytechnic University of Valencia (Computer Science, Math)
- Seoul National University (College)
- Courses running from 4 – 10 weeks in duration
- Possible financial aid available
- Two rounds of applications to help align with coordinating other summer plans:
- Priority (February 1)
- Standard (March 1)
Understanding the Summer Term Application Process
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand that your Penn Abroad summer application has three key phases: 1. Penn Abroad application preparation and submission, 2. Acceptance & Financial Aid Package Review and, 3. Host Institution Application & Predeparture.
This is where you outline your study abroad goals, confirm your program’s eligibility requirements, and select your summer program.
Application Deadlines
There are two rounds of application deadlines for summer – you can choose to apply in the one that makes sense for you. Here are considerations when deciding when to apply
Priority Deadline: February 1
- More program space
- More potential for financial aid
- Longer turnaround time to complete some application components
Standard Deadline: March 1
- Reduced program space
- Limited or no financial aid from Penn Abroad
- Quicker turnaround required on all application components
For both deadlines, the following components must be submitted with your application. Applications without these items will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed:
- Major Advisor Approval (CAS only for declared majors)*
- College Intake Form (CAS only)
- Home School Advisor Approval (All Schools)*
- Passport Confirmation
- XCAT Course Requests
*Advisor approval typically includes meeting with your Major and/or Home School Academic Advisor for Study Abroad to confirm the term abroad fits your academic plan and degree requirements. Please plan accordingly to allow enough time to meet with your advisor before the deadline.
Application Process
Step 1: Watch the Study Abroad General Advising Videos
We’ve created a series of short videos that walk you through the essentials of getting started on your study abroad journey. These videos cover key topics including PASSPORT Navigation – Eligibility Requirements – Finances – XCAT – and more! Taken altogether, these videos provide the foundational guidance you’ll need to get started with the study abroad application process.
Students should watch these videos, which are self-paced and available on demand below and via Vimeo, before attending a regional advising session.
Step 2: Explore Program Options on PASSPORT
Now that you have a broad understanding of the study abroad process, it is time to narrow down the programs that interest you! Use PASSPORT to compare program details and find the best matches for your academic goals and personal interests. Be sure to connect with your major and academic advisors—they can help you determine which programs fit your academic needs.
As you explore, think about why you want to study abroad. Knowing your goals will make it easier to choose where you want to go. Along with your top choice, make sure to identify three (3) alternate options.
Step 3: Summer Regional Advising
After watching the videos and beginning your program exploration in PASSPORT, sign up for a Regional Advising session. Advising for study abroad in summer term is offered between November 1 and January 31 and February 15 and February 28. You must attend one regional advising session before opening your application.
Important Note about Advising:
Advising is only valid for the application cycle for the term you plan to go abroad. If you don’t go abroad this summer, you will need to re-attend during the next advising cycle.
Step 4: Open Your Summer Term Application
Once you have attended advising and identified your program of interest, click Apply on the brochure page of your program – it is time to begin the application process!
As you work through each part of the application, your application will move through a series of status stages. The Summer Term Step-by-Step Application Guide outlines what each status means, what’s happening at that stage, deadlines, and what you need to do next for summer programs!
Important Notes about Your Study Abroad Application
- You can only have one study abroad application open at a time.
- Opening or submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.
- Programs that fill during the Priority (February 1) deadline review will not be available to students applying to the Standard (March 1) deadline.
- When applying to the March 1 deadline, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Once a program has reached capacity, it will close to new applicants, even if this occurs before the stated application deadline.
- If a program reaches capacity before you submit your application, your incomplete application will be withdrawn, and you must start a new one.
- Programs marked “Selective” on PASSPORT often receive more applicants than space available. As a result, applicants to these programs are reviewed by a selection committee, which determines which students advance in the applicant pipeline.
Step 5: Apply
Once your application is open, you will gain access to instructions for completing your Penn Abroad application. Begin working on your application immediately to ensure you have ample time to address any questions with your Penn Abroad and academic advising contacts and submit them before the deadline listed on the PASSPORT program brochure.
As part of the application process, you must meet with your home school academic advisor for study abroad and you may need to meet with your major advisor. During this meeting, you will:
- Review your academic eligibility
- Discuss course options
- Begin the course approval process
College of Arts & Sciences students with a declared major must also obtain academic approval from their major department.
Schedule these meetings early, as advisors’ schedules fill quickly, and they are not required to accommodate last-minute requests.
Additional Resources
Acceptance & Financial Aid Package Review
Upon the summer deadline, Penn Abroad will review applications for student eligibility and program space. Then applications will be accepted if eligibility criteria are met. Some programs, if more students apply than space available, may go to Selection Committee (see Step-by-Step Application Guide).
If your application is accepted, Penn Abroad will inform you of any potential financial aid available to you for study abroad during summer term. After reviewing your financial aid offer, you must commit to the program or withdraw your application by the deadline below:
Priority commitment deadline: February 15
Standard commitment deadline: March 15
Host Institution Application
Congratulations! Once you commit to studying abroad during the summer term, you must complete the application to your host institution by the required deadline:
Priority Deadline: February 20
Standard Deadline: March 20
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to two summer opportunities simultaneously (for example, GRIP and Study Abroad in summer term?)
Yes, you can apply to different summer opportunities concurrently while applying to study abroad. However, if you are accepted and then commit to study abroad during summer term, you are required to drop any other summer commitments (internships, GRIP placements, etc.) that overlap with your study abroad opportunity.
Does Penn financial aid cover summer tuition and costs?
In summer, Penn Abroad offers some financial aid to aided students. SRFS may also provide summer tuition and study abroad fee funding for some students. You are encouraged to contact SRFS directly to ask if your financial aid covers summer tuition and fees.
Note: Penn Abroad funding will be extended to aided students who apply by the Priority February 1 deadline. Funding from Penn Abroad is not guaranteed for aided students applying to the Standard deadline (March 1).
If I start an application with Penn Abroad for summer and then withdraw before the deadline, will that impact my chances of getting accepted to future study abroad opportunities?
No! If you begin or submit an application before the deadline and ultimately withdraw before committing, it will not impact future opportunities for studying abroad.