Global Experiences Tips & Resources

PREPARE TO GO GLOBAL

Get ready for your global experience.

 

Student Information on Global Experiences

Check off these tasks and take advantage of these tips, the earlier the better.

  • Attend informational meetings sponsored by the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence.
  • Meet with your academic advisor to determine if this course meets your educational goals.
  • Meet with faculty leading the course.
  • Check with Financial Aid to determine what costs will be covered.
  • Apply for scholarships. Merit and need-based scholarships are available to students who meet eligibility requirements. Many federal grants and loans may also be an option.
  • U.S. College and University Students: check out USA Study Abroad.

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Be in good financial standing. Contact the Bursar's office to confirm that you have no financial obligations
  • Do not have any disciplinary actions.
  • Be 18 years of age or over.
  • Satisfactorily completed one semester of study at Penn College, including successful completion of FYE101. Student-athletes must follow any additional NCAA guidelines prior to travel.

If at any point prior to travel, a student is no longer in good standing, they may be removed from the course. (per Pennsylvania College of Technology Policy P4-60 Global Experiences and International Travel)

Passport

  • Passports are required to exit and enter countries around the world.
  • Apply for your passport as soon as you register for the course, as it takes approximately 4-6 weeks to process.
  • Use this link to download form DS-11: U.S. passports | USAGov.
  • Must have proof of citizenship (birth certificate).
  • Apply at your local post office, library, or local government office.

Once you receive your passport, send a copy to djc40@pct.edu at Penn College.

ETA/ETIAS

(Electronic Travel Authorization/European Travel Information and Authorization System)

Once you receive your approval, save the email and also forward the email to djc40@pct.edu at Penn College.

Penn College Travel Documents

Once you have registered for your travel course, the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence will send you an email with documents that must be completed before you travel.

  • Sign the Travel Release and Waiver of Liability.
  • Complete the Traveler Medical Form (include all allergies and medicines).
  • Complete the Emergency Contact Form.

Send completed forms to djc40@pct.edu at Penn College.

  • Consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service that will send you emails with updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. If there's an emergency where you are, you will receive instructions on what to do.
  • Research the country(ies) you are traveling in. Become familiar with their customs.
  • Attend all mandatory meetings. The Hudock Center has two mandatory pre-travel meetings.
  • Contact your doctor or local/state health department regarding immunizations at least 6-8 eight weeks before travel.
  • Add international coverage to your cellular phone plan to stay in touch with family and your faculty members.

Every student should have the chance to explore the world. Here, you'll find tips, funding options, and support designed to help you make studying abroad a reality, no matter your background or the challenges you face. Our goal is to make global experiences accessible and welcoming for everyone.

First-Generation College Students

You’ve already accomplished something extraordinary by being the first in your family to attend college, and now you have the chance to take that achievement even further by studying abroad! This is your moment to explore new horizons and gain global perspectives.  To get started, we’ve gathered resources and tips to help you confidently plan your study abroad journey and make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Getting Started: Steps for a Smooth Study Abroad Journey

1. Connect with Your Advisor - Make sure the program you’re interested in aligns with your academic plan and degree requirements.

2. Meet with the Financial Aid Office - Verify available funding and understand how your financial aid applies to study abroad programs.

3. Embrace Challenges - Cultural differences and new environments can feel overwhelming—but they’re also opportunities for growth, resilience, and developing global competence.

4. Ask for Help When You Need It - You’re not in this alone. Faculty, program chaperones, and the Global Office are available to support you 24/7.

Additional Resources for You and Your Family

The First-Generation Students Study Abroad Guide - A comprehensive guide designed specifically for first‑generation travelers, including benefits and advice for navigating study abroad.

I'm First!  - A supportive online community featuring information, videos, and personal stories from first‑generation students who have studied abroad.

Gilman Program - Scholarships to Study or Intern Abroad - A U.S. Department of State grant supporting students with financial need who want to study or intern abroad.

Find a Scholarship or Program | IIE - Includes Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants for students from diverse backgrounds participating in academic, internship, or service‑learning programs abroad.

Going Abroad Scholarship - Open to U.S. citizens and residents enrolled full‑time at accredited institutions of higher learning.

Fund for Education Abroad - Provides scholarships for students with financial need, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Going Abroad Scholarship | Study Abroad - The Going Abroad Scholarship is open to any citizen and/or resident of the United States (and its territories and possessions) who is enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning.

 

  • Guard your passport! Keep your passport with you at all times.
  • If you experience an emergency, immediately seek local assistance. Learn the Emergency '911' number for the country you are visiting. Contact your faculty or call the Penn College police. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State International Travel site for Emergencies.
  • Share your location with family, friends, and faculty members.

Parents and Family Global Information

Family plays an important role in supporting their student through the global travel experience.

  • Ask your student to share information that has been received from the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence and Global Experiences course faculty.
  • Assist them in staying on top of important deadlines and due dates.
  • Discuss the financial costs of the program.
  • Help your student set expectations for budgeting for personal travel, spending money, and souvenirs while abroad.
  • Encourage your student to self-advocate if they need assistance during the process and while abroad.

  • Students who participate in study abroad programs gain exposure to foreign cultures in a way that can't be accomplished in a classroom.
  • Students gain classroom credit while abroad.
  • Students are able to interact with various organizations and companies which could lead to job opportunities.

  • The Global Experiences programs offered at Penn College vary in cost, depending on the features and duration of the program.
  • Students' accounts are billed through the Bursar's office at Penn College. Fees include the course fee (per credit) and the travel fees.
  • Travel fees include airfare, shuttle (if applicable), insurance, housing, and tour group fees (if applicable).
  • Research funding and scholarship opportunities are available. Students should watch for outreach from the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence. Check with Financial Aid to see if additional funding is available.
  • Additional aid websites include: Find Scholarships for College and Trade School | Fastweb; Find Scholarships for College; and Apply for Grants | My Rotary.

The Hudock Center for Academic Excellence and faculty advisors give support and guidance to your student through all stages of their global experience. Even with this support, it is expected that your student attends all mandatory meetings, completes paperwork, and talks to their advisors and course instructor about any concerns.

How can my student stay safe and healthy abroad? 

Penn College considers the health and safety of our students a top priority. Please review the resources in this section for information about specific topics:

  • Confirm your student has all necessary medications and prescription documentation before traveling.
  • Most global experience trips have insurance included in the course travel fee. Check your insurance provider's policy for global travel coverage.
  • A few useful websites for you and your traveler are: U.S Department of State Travel; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC; and Smart Enrollment Program | STEP.
  • Your student will be given a business card with contact phone numbers of the faculty leading the trip, Penn College Police, '911' numbers, and the US Embassy of each country they are visiting.

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