Pennsylvania State University (commonly referred to as Penn State) is a large multi-campus institution offering innovative education since 1855. It has more than 160 majors and is consistently ranked as a premier public research university.

With its administrative and research hub at the University Park campus, Penn State comprises of 11 colleges at Penn State University Park and 6 others throughout Pennsylvania.   The University Park Campus offers comfort and safety in a traditional university town with beautiful wooded mountains nearby. Penn State's University Park Campus is ranked 11th best among public national universities.

In a typical academic year, more than 80,000 students, including 2500 international students representing 100 countries attend the university with over half in University Park.

Language of Instructions: English

Course Restrictions:
There are rigid enrollment restrictions in: College of Arts and Architecture (especially Architecture and Landscape Architecture studio courses); College of Communications (especially studio and production courses); Smeal College of Business Administration (especially accounting, finance, management and marketing courses); College of Information Sciences and Technology; College of Education; Music; Dance; Kinesiology; and Exercise Science.

Course Description: http://www.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/$lookmenu.htm

Course Schedule: http://schedule.psu.edu/

Academic Calendar:

• Fall Semester: late August to mid December
• Spring Semester: mid January to early May

Application Deadlines:
Please obtain information on deadlines and application procedures from your faculty's Student Exchange Program (SEP) Administrator/Coordinator.

On-campus Housing:
Exchange applicants planning to apply to live in University housing must create a Friends of Penn State Account (FPS) https://fps.psu.edu/ to receive a special e-mail address connection that will facilitate communication from the Housing Assignments Office. The exchange application materials include an Intent to Live in On-Campus Housing Form from International Student Services (ISS) on which applicants must write the FPS e-mail account. Once all of the exchange application materials have been approved, applicants would be sent an on-line housing contract, a legally binding agreement.  

Off-campus housing:
There are almost always adequate and affordable off-campus accommodations available in the local area, although it is quite expensive to rent an apartment without financial assistance from roommates. Assistance with locating off-campus accommodations is offered by ISS during the Orientation Program. Students who are not required to live on campus and desire to prepare their own meals and/or have their own private bedroom are urged seriously to consider off-campus options. More information is located at http://www.sa.psu.edu/ocl/.

Useful Links:

• University homepage: http://www.psu.edu
• Exchange Student Handbook for 2008-09 available online at http://sa.oip.upenn.edu/handbook
• Daily Collegian: http://www.collegian.psu.edu newspaper for Penn State student news
• University Office of International Programs: http://www.international.psu.edu/
• Pre-Arrival Guide: http://www.international.psu.edu/iss/pdf/Pre-A_UP.pdf
• FAQ: http://www.international.psu.edu/iss/frequent_topics.html

Health Insurance:
All international students are required to have health insurance that meets the Penn State guidelines. You must either come prepared to purchase health insurance upon arrival to the University or apply in advance to be considered for a waiver. Those applying for a waiver must also provide a copy of their insurance policy. The policy must meet all of the Penn State guidelines. You must be prepared to purchase health insurance deemed acceptable by Penn State if your alternative policy is not approved. Information about the mandatory insurance policy requirements, waiver standards, and the health insurance coverage and exclusions can be found at: http://www.international.psu.edu/iss/health_info_p.htm

Estimated Cost of Living Per Academic Year: