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
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- This program is open to students from all majors, campuses, schools, and fields of study
- In the Spring semester prior to departure, all students are required to take a 7-week (second half of semester) online pre-departure course which includes a Saturday at University Park. CI 497 A: Building Interculturality: Language, Cultures & Communities (2 credits). Please contact faculty leaders for details.
- There is no prerequisite or minimum level of Spanish language proficiency for participation. Students will be offered language instruction according to their level and linguistic needs.
- No behavioral notations or incidents
Program Description
This program features a three-week May/June study abroad experience in Oaxaca, Mexico for Penn State undergraduate AND graduate studetns from all campuses, schools, and fields of study. Through a local partnership with Mexican university, La Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca (UABJO), the program develops equity-minded and social justice dispositions, leadership, and advocacy skills through classroom and community-based experiential learning. Students will experience multilingual and multicultural life residing and sharing daily meals in Mexican family homes and receive instruction in a local language of their choice (Spanish or Zapotec). They will have the unique opportunity to participate in class sessions, collaborative projects, and experiential learning with Mexican university student partners. This program aims to support traditionally underrepresented students through the academic contexts, program development, location and logistics.
All students accepted to the program are required to take a 7-week two-credit pre-departure course (CI 497I Language, Culture & Community: Maymester in Mexico) offered remotely during Spring semester. The course will meet synchronously two day per week and the schedule is M & W 6:00-7:30pm. (Contact program directors if the schedule might be a conflict for you). The course begins the week after Spring break (2nd half of Spring semester March 11 to April 26). It includes one in-person all day session on Sat. April 6 at University Park. We also complete a two-credit course while in Mexico which includes language instruction. The total program credits are 4 credits and both courses carry Interdomain designation for Gen Ed.
https://www.brandywine.psu.edu/story/22396/2023/08/03/penn-state-students-travel-oaxaca-mexico-maymester
https://www.brandywine.psu.edu/story/20571/2022/12/16/penn-state-goes-mexico-maymester
Dates
Summer: May 9 - June 2, 2024
Program Leader Information
- Freyca Calderon, Associate Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Penn State Altoona
- Dr. Daniela Martin - Associate Professor (Psychology), Penn State Brandywine
- Elizabeth Smolcic, Teaching Professor of Multilingual Education
Course Descriptions
Students will be enroll in CI 497 N: Summer in Mexico: Language, Culture and Community-Based Learning, for 2 credits.
Course Selection
Students are required to take the prescribed courses listed above as participants on the program. The Education Abroad Office will register you for these courses. 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.
- Understand 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
- You must enroll in 2 credits for Summer.
- 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
Housing
Homestays
Students will stay with Mexican families in homestays. Students are requested to bring their own laptop computers, but will have access to high speed internet at the homestay and university campus locations. At the university campus location, the students will also have access to a library, computer lab with top of the line desktop machines and printing facilities.
Independent housing is not permitted on this program.
Meals
Some meals will be provided.
Program Costs
Summer Costs
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.
Please note that tuition rates may vary depending on major and class standing.
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.
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.
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
-
Upon Commitment - 90 Days Prior to Departure: 25% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
-
30 - 89 Days Prior to Departure: 50% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
-
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.
General Information
Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.
Accessibility Considerations
Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.
Gender and LGBTQA Considerations
There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.
Race, Ethnicity, and Faith Considerations
When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.
Non-U.S. Citizens
It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
Steps to Study Abroad
The planning stages outlined on the Penn State Global website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Penn State Global website for more details.
How to Apply
Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!
Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Penn State Global website.
Deadlines
Please apply to the program by the deadline of February 1. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Penn State Global website. All students, regardless of the date of their application, will have to commit to participating in the program by February 24.
Contact Education Abroad
If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email educationabroad@psu.edu.
Peer Advisers
Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website.
Education Abroad Advisers
Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Penn State Global website.
Social Media
For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
