Academic & Professional Growth
- Apply classroom learning to real-world, international business challenges.
- Gain exposure to global markets, economies, and industries beyond the U.S. context.
- Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving.
Career Advantage
- Differentiate your resume with global experience valued by employers.
- Expand your international professional network with peers, faculty, and industry leaders.
- Enhance your ability to adapt quickly to new environments.
Cultural Competence & Leadership
- Build cultural agility.
- Develop inclusive leadership practices by working with diverse perspectives.
- Learn how cultural context shapes decision-making, negotiation, and teamwork.
Penn State partners with WorldStrides to offer a variety of trip options. We invite you to explore all of the destinations and also make a note of the important information below regarding payment and registration. Read more on how Short-Term Study Abroad Leads to Impactful Learning.
From company visits abroad to cultural exploration, Global Immersion gives Smeal students the chance to learn business where it happens. Watch Global Immersion: Expanding Perspectives at Smeal on Vimeo to get a glimpse of the experience that awaits!
- $2700 for shared occupancy
- $635 for optional single room upgrade
Check out scholarships offered by WorldStrides. If you plan to use financial aid, please review FAQs below.
October 15 - 1st Payment due
November 15 - 2nd Payment due and roommate selection available
December 15 - Final Payment due
All payments made directly to WorldStrides
The single room cost must be paid in full upon selection and is non-refundable upon receipt. The option will become available to select and pay for after the October payment deadline.
Cancellation Policy
- If canceling on or between December 15, 2025 - December 29, 2025: 15% of program fee is non-refundable.
- If canceling on or between December 30, 2025 - January 28, 2026: 50% of program fee is non-refundable.
- If canceling on or after January 29, 2026: 100% of program fee is non-refundable.
- 7-8 Business Visit Immersions
- Common arrival transfers from the airport to the hotel
- Private coaches to/from planned cultural activities and business visits
- 7 hotel nights
- Daily breakfasts
- Group lunch during your cultural tour
- Group welcome dinner
- English-speaking guide
- 24/7 emergency support
- Embedded medical insurance
- 2 program leads
- Pre-departure advising
NOTE: Students should budget for most lunches and dinners, plus any personal shopping or free-time activities.
Long haul flights are not included in program fees.
- September 3 at 7pm EST – Information Session for non-Residential MBA students. (Recording of Session)
- September 26 at 9am EST – Registration opens for Residential MBA students, and link to registration will become available on this site. Deposit due upon registration.
- September 30 at 9am EST – Registration opens for all non-Residential MBA students. Deposit due upon registration.
- October 15 – Registration & Deposit Due
- October 24 – Roommate or single room upgrade selection will become available. Full costs will be added to your account. Instructions on how to add roommate and options. Rosters will be made available here.
- October 31 - Global Immersion Student Information Form due (available at this link: Global Immersion Student Information Form 2026 – Fill out form )
- November 14 at 12pm EST – Global Immersion Student Information Session. (Recording of Session)
- November 15 – Second Payment Due. Instructions on how to add roommate and options.
- December 15 – Final Payment Due and roommate/single room upgrade selection will no longer be available
- Once approved - Book flights and upload flight itinerary
- January 10 – All flights must be uploaded to your WorldStrides account
- January 21 – Participate in PSU Global Programs orientation
- January 28 at 7pm - 8:30pm EST – Global Immersion Student Information Session (Recording of Session)
- February 18 at 7pm - 8pm EST – Global Immersion Student Information Session
- February 28 – March 7, 2026: Participate in the Global Immersion international experience
NOTE: Spring Break is the week following the immersion. There will be no classes March 9-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
DESTINATION SELECTION
Q: I'm only interested in one destination. Am I guaranteed a spot on my preferred destination?
A: Destination selection is on a first come, first serve basis. There is a maximum number of 25 students on each trip. If you have a preferred destination, we recommend registering as soon as you are allowed. Residential MBA students will be able to register starting September 26 as the Global Immersion is required for them to join. Non-residential MBA students will be able to register as early as September 30.
Q: I'm registering and don't see my preferred destination as an option.
A: There is a maximum number of 25 students allowed on each immersion. If you no longer see your preferred destination as an option, then that Immersion is full. Residential MBA students must select another available destination. Non-residential MBA students are encouraged to choose an alternate destination.
PAYMENT & WAITLIST
Q: What does it mean to be on the waitlist?
A: There is a maximum number of 25 travelers per trip. If no spots are available, then you will be able to register for the waitlist at no cost. While the waitlist option will always be available to select, there is no guarantee that you will be placed on your preferred immersion (or even your second choice). We recommend selecting from available options and only selecting the waitlist when all trips are completely full.
Q: When can I select the waitlist option?
A: Residential MBA students are required to select a destination. Non-residential MBA students, for whom the immersion is optional, may choose the waitlist option at any point. If you have a viable second choice, we encourage you to select a destination that is available to guarantee a spot on an immersion of your first or second choice. Waitlist will be closed and assessed on October 15.
Q: How does destination selection and waitlist selection work?
A: When you register in the WorldStrides account, you'll be given an option to select your preferred immersion followed by a waitlist selection option. If your preferred choice is available, select your preferred immersion and within the waitlist options, select 'I have selected my preferred destination above.'. If your preferred immersion is not available to select, then select your second choice to secure your spot on an immersion and indicate your first choice by selection the waitlist for that specific immersion. There is no guarantee that you'll be moved to your first choice.
Q: When do I find out about waitlist placement?
A: If you selected the waitlist, you will be contacted with instructions and next steps by October 31. Please monitor your email in the last week of October for more information.
Q: How do I pay for the Global Immersion program?
A: Payments are made directly to WorldStrides. At the time of registration, a payment of $900 is required in full, which also secures your destination selection. After 12:00pm EST on October 23, the remaining balance may be paid either in full or in installments, provided that an additional $900 is submitted by November 15 and the final $900 is paid by December 15. If you choose a single room, the $635 supplement must be paid in full at the time of selection.
Q: I want to use financial aid. Who do i contact for help on this matter?
A: If you plan to use financial aid to help cover the Global Immersion costs, please contact the Enrollment Services Center at esc@psu.edu. They will work with you directly and add any necessary items to your To-Do List in LionPATH.
LOGISTICS
Q: Are flights included in the program cost?
A: No. Students are responsible for booking their own flights, and they should plan to arrive no later than 8pm local time on February 28, 2026 and depart no earlier than the morning of March 7, 2026.
Q: Is there free time?
A: Yes, some afternoons are left open for personal exploration. Refer to the itinerary on the destination page for a general timeframe you can expect free time.
Q: Can family members join the trip?
A: Due to PSU risk management policies, guests (spouses, family members or friends) may not attend program events or use program transportation.
ACADEMICS AND BUSINESS VISITS
Q: Will I know which companies we’re visiting in advance?
A: Final business visits are confirmed closer to departure, but you can expect a mix of multinational corporations.
Q: How do the visits tie into our MBA coursework?
A: Visits are selected to align with program goals, giving you direct insight into international business practices you can apply in class discussions and assignments.
Q: Do I have to attend all events?
A: Yes, all planned activities noted in the itinerary are required.