International Opportunities
Through “embedded” courses or numerous study abroad programs at Penn State, students may gain exposure to different situations that help them open their minds, and possibly change their lives. Such experiences prepare students for the global professional environment of the 21st century.
Embedded Programs
Embedded courses allow students to complement a semester of classroom work with a focused week of study and hands-on work in a foreign country. An embedded course exists in each of our five majors, and those spring semester courses combine a classroom experience on campus with a working spring break trip.
COMM 402 International Reporting
This program is designed to give student journalists experience in reporting the news in a foreign country. In previous years, the international reporting class has traveled to numerous countries, including Argentina, China, Cuba, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Scotland and Turkey.
In Spring 2027, the class will travel to South Korea.
Students may join our team of foreign correspondents and explore the DMZ and geopolitics, ultra-modern tech, K-pop and more!
Info Session: 6 p.m. Thursday Sept. 17 / 162 Willard Building
COMM 419H Comparative National Media in a Global Context
In Spring 2027, the class will travel to Taiwan.
Visit media companies and creative industry parks, meet media professionals and university students; visit historical and cultural sites; bike the Tamsui waterfront; explore local tea farms and sustainability economy; and experience local cuisine.
COMM 437A International Documentary Production
Students research and produce a short documentary film to be shot during their abroad experience. Previous filming locations have included Amsterdam, England, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Ireland and Peru.
In Spring 2027, the class will travel to Budapest.
Participants will spend spring break making documentary films in “Hollywood on the Danube,” a major international production center where films including "Dune," "Blade Runner 2049," "Poor Things" and "The Brutalist" were shot.
Students will develop projects remotely with Hungarian and international film students earlier in the semester before traveling to Budapest. In addition, studens can explore Hungary’s changing political and cultural landscape working with Central European University, the Invisible University for Ukraine and Freeszfe Association, to name a few options. International teams will continue collaborating remotely after the trip to complete their films by the end of the semester.
Click here to express interest in the course. Dates of info sessions coming soon!
COMM 450 Digital Advertising
In Spring 2027, the class will travel to Rome.
Students will have the opportunity to explore Rome as a traveler and a communicator. They will explore how emerging technologies, digital media, advertising and storytelling shape the way people discover and experience one of the world's most iconic destinations.
Study Abroad
A traditional study abroad program will open your mind and change your life. It will also prepare you for the global professional environment of the 21st century.
CzechMates
Students interested in a media related experience during the summer should consider the CzechMates program, an approved program sponsored by Penn State.
For students interested in a semester-long media related experience that includes internship placement, the CzechMates program also offers many opportunities.
Of course, locations around the world with other program provide many options — and many resources exist to support students.
Study Abroad: Resources
- Office of Global Programs
Lists all programs, options and available financial aid.
- Peer Advisers
Students who have studied abroad will consult on a walk-in basis in 422 Boucke Building.
- Education Abroad Advisers (EAAs)
After talking to a peer adviser, make an appointment with an EAA to discuss: choice of program, the application process and financial aid. EAAs are also located in 422 Boucke Building.
- Bellisario College Academic Advising
Advisers in 204 Carnegie Building and the faculty adviser in your major will help make study abroad courses fit your course of study.
Study Abroad: Need to Know
A traditional study abroad program will open your mind and change your life. It will also prepare you for the global professional environment of the 21st century.
Planning and preparation represent a big part of the process when considering study-abroad opportunities.
- Your degree requirements.
See an adviser to go over your degree audit to ensure your abroad program aligns with your graduation plans. - How your credits abroad will count.
Studying through a Penn State international program or through a non-Penn State international program differ in terms of accreditation and transfer of credits. *World Campus is not affiliated with Global Programs and is not an Education Abroad approved study abroad program - Your financial aid situation.
If you wish to receive financial aid or have received financial aid in the past, discuss your study-abroad plans with the financial aid office to understand how studying abroad works with your financial aid qualifications and obligations. Go to the Financial Aid Office, 314 Shields Building, or call 814-865-6301. - Your internship possibilities and obligations.
If there is a possibility of an internship abroad, it is extremely important for you to understand all the internship obligations before going abroad. You must meet with Assistant Dean for Internships and Career Services Bob Martin (208D Carnegie Building, 814-863-4674) prior to going abroad or your internship will not be approved for credit.
