Study Abroad

Gain global perspective by participating in an immersive study abroad experience!

Nursing-centric study abroad allows students to reflect on their experience with cultural stereotyping while gaining a better understanding of people of other cultures and ethnicities. Many nursing students also experience personal growth that contributes to self-confidence and a sense of autonomy.

Students can study abroad through programs offered by the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and related disciplines. Due to the sequential nature of the Nursing curriculum, students who wish to stay “on time” with their program may study abroad only during the summer or semester breaks, or with an embedded program of shorter duration. There are numerous ways to complete a study abroad experience.

An embedded program is a course taken at a Penn State campus that includes an international, credit-bearing travel component. The embedded programs described below are examples of programs currently or previously offered through Penn State. Program availability varies from year to year. Students may earn credit for participation in some of the programs. In the rare event that programs are oversubscribed, students are selected by lottery. Costs range from $1,500-$8,000 depending upon the destination, credits allotted, and duration of the program.
Students can consider joining the Penn State chapter of Global Brigades, the world’s largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Global Brigades offers medical, public health, and other chapters that are relevant for nursing students. Trips are offered all over the world and can focus on water, the environment, nutrition, education, or health care. For more details, visit http://www.psugmb.org/
Other summer international experiences can be arranged through Global Penn State. More information can be found at https://global.psu.edu/students

NOTE: Nursing students who pursue experiences abroad during the full fall or spring semesters will find themselves a year behind in the curriculum.

For additional information on travel opportunities, contact Natalie Barlick-Reed (nab5316@psu.edu), Global Studies coordinator for the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.

Honduras

During certain spring semesters, Penn State Schuylkill partners with Healthy Niños Honduras for NURS 499, a course that allows students to study nursing issues in foreign countries and also visit and volunteer in the country for one week of the semester. Take advantage of this opportunity to travel abroad while serving and learning from native Hondurans. Click here for more information.

Costa Rica

This program explores Costa Rica’s rich culture and diverse environment during spring break. Previous adventures have taken students to Costa Rica’s capital, hot springs, and active volcanos, and have included boat tours of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge where students saw rare and endangered animals that have made the refuge their home. Click here for more information on the 2025 trip to Costa Rica.

Panama

This seven-day program in Panama for nurses in training from at least their second year engages in a sequence of clinical and community nursing experiences that deliver health services to resource-limited communities in rural settings in Panama. Click here to learn more.

Ireland

This 6-day program in Ireland is for nurses in training so they can engage in a cultural experience in Ireland and their delivery of healthcare services. The nursing students will participate in in-classroom activities and lectures, SIM lab, and have opportunities to have community nursing experiences at outlying facilities in Ireland. Click here to learn more.

London

Students will be introduced to global health concepts while exploring London and Chester. Participants will gain insights into the healthcare system in the United Kingdom while developing a practice improvement project that applies to the UK and US. Click here to learn more.