Studying abroad is one of the most enriching experiences you can have as a student.
Immerse yourself in Italian-speaking cultures, improve your language skills, and make lifelong memories. We offer programs in a variety of regions to suit your interests and academic goals.
Funding Opportunities
The Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese
The Passaic Family Undergraduate Scholarship in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese endowment is intended to support undergraduate students who are majoring in or planning to major in Spanish and are participating in an education abroad program in Spain.
The SIP Study Abroad Travel Award supports financial assistance to outstanding undergraduate students enrolled in the College of the Liberal Arts, and who are majoring or are planning to major in Spanish. Award amounts will range from $1000–$1,500 per student.
College of the Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts Enrichment Funds Application: If you are a Liberal Arts student, you can apply.
Global Programs Study Abroad
You can also apply to the University Office of Global Programs (410 Boucke Building). Eligibility is based on academic excellence and/or financial need.
Global 'All In' Scholarship
This scholarship is intended for outstanding students who may not traditionally include an education abroad program in their undergraduate career.
Diversity Grant-in-Aid
This grant is included within the application.
Office of Student Aid
NAFSA
US Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants List
Schreyer Honors College
Schreyer Ambassador Travel Grant
Advising
Advising Roles
Advising Roles
Advising Roles
Advising Roles
Advising Roles
Advising Roles
Appointments
Please make an appointment if you need help with:
- Your next semester schedule (language pre-majors and majors)
- Concurrent major planning (feasibility, courses needed)
- Academic difficulty
- Faculty Senate petitions (retroactive withdrawal or registration, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I study abroad?
Italian advisers urge students wishing to study abroad in Italy to do so as soon as possible – ideally in the summer after freshman year or during the sophomore year. The reasoning is simple: Italy is a great place to finish your elementary and intermediate Italian language courses while fulfilling General Education or Bachelor degree requirements in other disciplines. Why not study art history while gazing on the actual Italian masterpieces in museums, churches, and other sites, rather than in textbooks? Why not see where Caesar crossed the Rubicon or what Roman monuments look like on site? Lots of disciplines, including archaeology, music, nutrition, and architecture offer opportunities in Italy that may not be available in central Pennsylvania.
On the other hand, many programs in Italy do not offer 400-level Italian courses, so it is not a good idea to plan to complete very specialized advanced Italian coursework in the Italian major or minor during one’s semester abroad.
How do I get started with education abroad?
Penn State’s Office of Global Programs (410 Boucke Building) is the clearinghouse for information on many study abroad programs opportunities, including all programs in Italy. Students interested in study abroad in Italy should start at the Office of Global Programs to determine which programs best correspond to their academic abilities, personal preferences, and financial situations. Some programs are offered during the academic year (for one semester or two); others are intensive programs offered during the summer. Deadlines and qualifications vary widely. Financial aid is often available.
What programs are available?
Two programs in Italy are Penn State’s own: the summer programs in Todi and Salerno. Many courses are taught by Penn State faculty members and all courses offered directly correspond to Penn State’s current curriculum. Other programs are Penn State-affiliated, that is, they are offered through:
- IES (in Milan, Rome, or Siena)
- The Temple University consortium or Pantheon Institute (in Rome)
- Umbria Institute (in Perugia)
- The ISI consortium or Florence University of the Arts (in Florence)
These programs have already been approved for Penn State transfer credit. Still other programs are available to Penn State students, but transferable coursework must be approved on a case-by-case basis.
What's my next step?
IMPORTANT: Once you have visited the Office of International Programs and collected information about the program(s) that interest you most, make an appointment with an Italian adviser to discuss your choice. Italian advisers can help you to determine how courses taken abroad can fit into your academic plan and provide helpful advice for planning to study abroad.