Go Global with PSU Education Abroad.
For over 50 years, Portland State University's Education Abroad Office has connected PSU students, faculty, and staff with enriching, credit-bearing international opportunities across a diverse range of programs. Whether you're seeking a short-term adventure or a full academic year abroad, our offerings span from 10 days to a full year, across over 40 countries through more than 50 specialized programs. PSU students have a diverse set of interests when it comes to studying abroad. According to data from 2018 to 2025, the most popular destinations for PSU students are Spain, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, and South Korea.
Choose the Right Fit for You
We offer several program types tailored to different goals and comfort levels:
- International Faculty-Led Programs (IFLP) – Join PSU faculty and peers on course-based experiences lasting 1–8 weeks—ideal for immersive learning during summer or breaks.
- Fully Integrated Programs at Foreign Universities – Enroll directly at a host university and study alongside local students for a deeply immersive academic experience.
- Island Programs – Study through a structured program at overseas study centers, blending supportive frameworks with global immersion.
- Hybrid Programs – Combine university-level coursework with curated study-center learning—getting the best of both worlds.
- Internships Abroad – Gain hands-on experience in your field, with options ranging from part-time to full-time placements.
Planning Made Simple
1. Attend an Ed Abroad 101 Session
Kickstart your journey with our weekly 30-minute in-person (only held while PSU classes are in session) or watch the digital version of Ed Abroad 101 anytime.
2. Access Online Advising Tools
Access exclusive pre-advising tools, program details, scholarship resources, and easily book sessions with an advisor by starting an Advising Application.
3. Work with an Education Abroad Advisor
Our Education Abroad advisors are here to help you explore your options, navigate eligibility, and align your goals with the right program fit. Find the appropriate Advisor and request an appointment.
Credits, Academics & Internships
- Earn University Studies credits like SINQ, Junior Cluster, and Capstone—making abroad experiences count toward graduation.
- Credits are awarded through PSU-accepted programs and appear as PSU in-residence credits, with up to 45 credits eligible toward your degree.
- Flexible internship opportunities allow you to gain valuable real-world experience, often for academic credit.
Funding Your Global Journey
Studying abroad shouldn't be a financial burden—it’s more accessible than you think:
- Federal Aid & Pell Grants: You can use your FAFSA-based financial aid for many programs. Pell eligibility may unlock additional Gilman Scholarships up to $5,000.
- PSU & Program-Specific Scholarships: PSU offers awards up to $1,000. Partner programs like USAC, IFSA-Butler, IE3 Global, and others offer generous options ranging from $500 to $10,000.
- External Scholarships: Broaden your opportunities with awards like Boren, Gilman, Freeman-ASIA, FEA, DAAD, Rainbow SIG, and many more.
- Other Funding Strategies: Leverage Veterans Benefits, personal fundraising platforms like FundMyTravel, and carefully planned loans if necessary.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Summary at a Glance:
| What PSU Offers | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Diverse Program Types | From structured short-term trips to immersive, long-duration experiences |
| Academic Credit & Internships | Earn PSU in-residence credits and gain career-building experience |
| Comprehensive Support | Specialized advising, orientations, tailored resources such as scholarship info sessions, support from experts on the ground while abroad, and from PSU upon return |
| Accessible Financing | Aid, scholarships, and funding strategies make travel achievable |