Delivering distance education courses with travel to destinations worldwide.
We provide students with a variety of opportunities to study in foreign countries for varying periods of time. Our objective is to offer our students a broader education than can be obtained through classroom experiences.
The programs were designed with a three-fold purpose:
- To broaden a student's world view and cultural horizons to meet new job market demands.
- To support the University's goal of students engaging in a significant international experience as part of their undergraduate years.
- To accommodate students' limited financial resources and time constraints.
About the Global Programs at Penn State Scranton
Each semester we offer a selection of courses with an embedded program. Each course in each program includes pre-travel and post-travel coursework to be completed on an independent study basis, working with the instructor through distance education technologies on one's own schedule and at one's own pace.
- Travel components of the courses are six to nine days in length, taking place during Spring Break. We aim to bring international academic and immersion experiences within the financial reach of as many Penn State students as possible. Accordingly, travel arrangements are designed to be very affordable, and Scholarship Opportunities are available.
- Trips are always scheduled during semester breaks, and are typically between six to nine days in length.
- Trip organizers try to keep the costs for flight, hotel, and breakfast under $2,000. There are optional excursions available at extra cost, but students can do most of their academic work using low cost public transportation. Off-season travel keeps costs down.
- Once abroad, students usually form small groups that may function independently. Participants experience the benefits of working in a small, spontaneous learning group and discover the advantages of teamwork that accommodates individual learning styles. The environment facilitates informal student/faculty interaction; interdisciplinary faculty cooperation is encouraged.
- Participants range in age from 18 on up. Some are seasoned travelers; others are making their first trip overseas. Students from several Penn State campuses take the courses. Faculty from various disciplines take advantage of the host country's museums and historic sites in their course offerings.