Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- Priority will be given to applicants within the College of Engineering
- STS 115 (1 credit) Spring 2024 prerequisite asynchronously course
- For more information or to enroll in this program, please email: international@engr.psu.edu
Program Description
Participants of this program will learn how to deliver effective technical presentations in a European setting and are introduced to the Italian language and the culture. Students will stay in Como near the foot of the Alps in Italy’s stunning Lake District near the Swiss border. This program may include explorations of nearby villages and cities where participants will learn about local economies, typical products, customs, history, and traditions which they will serve as a foundation to develop technical and intercultural communication skills.
Dates
Summer: May 7 - May 25, 2024
Course Descriptions
Students will earn 5 credits in summer 2024 through the abroad experience and an additional 1 credit prerequisite (in spring 2024) pre-departure and post-program components. Please email: international@engr.psu.edu with questions regarding the courses and prerequisite enrollment.
STS 199 | Cross-cultural Engagement and Technical Presentation for Engineers (3 credits)
The Cross-cultural Engagement and Technical Presentation Summer Study Abroad Program is a College of Engineering initiative that develops global competencies. Students will acquire and apply knowledge of how to deliver effective technical presentations in a European setting. In addition, participants will gain cultural insights and employ knowledge of local societies during a variety of cultural engagement activities and international team collaborations.
STS 199 | Cross-cultural Engagement for Engineers in a European Context (2 credits summer term and 1 credit spring term)
This course consists of two components 1) a required spring pre-departure orientation course (1 credit) to equip participants with the tools and knowledge essential to successfully embark on productive experience abroad and 2) an in-country portion (2 credits) to allow students to build upon meaningful connections between the program’s technical content and critical issues in the global context, including local language, culture, behaviors, and societal issues. This course fulfills the G.S requirements.
Course Selection
Students are required to take the prescribed courses listed above as participants on the program. To determine how these courses will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
- Research courses offered on your program
- Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements
- Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
Academic Policies
- Students must take a total of 5 credits while abroad (and 1 credit during the spring term)
- You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
- If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation
Program Costs
Summer
For more information on program costs, please be sure to review the budget sheet. These budget sheets include information on costs that are billable to the bursar bill, as well as estimated additional costs. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
For Engineering-specific funding, you may contact international@engr.psu.edu for further information.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. Note that the below may not be applicable to this virtual experience.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. For faculty-led freestanding programs, there is a specific withdrawal penalty schedule.
Education Abroad makes every attempt at keeping the program and administrative costs to a minimum. However, when you commit to participating in a program, Education Abroad begins to make financial commitments on your behalf. In case of withdrawal, the following fees will be charged to your Bursar account
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Upon Commitment - 90 Days Prior to Departure: 25% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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30 - 89 Days Prior to Departure: 50% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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29 Days - Departure Date: 100% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
Following the start of the summer semester, any adjustment of tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. More information can be found on the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
