Explore

Students have many programs from which to choose. These resources help narrow the search:
• Study Away Fairs – occur each March and September
• Study Away 101 Sessions – provide a basic overview of program types
• Wang Center advisors – semester program advising
• PLU faculty course leaders – J-Term program advising
• Wang Center website
• Global Ambassadors – peer advising with study away alumni

PLU offers a variety of study away program options to make this important component of a PLU education accessible to as many students as possible. Narrow your search by exploring your options by academic discipline, program features, location, duration and cost.

Duration

Consider how long you want to immerse yourself in another culture. Programs range from a week to a year, and everywhere in between.

Semester and Full-Year

Get the biggest bang for your buck! Studying Away on a PLU Gateway or Featured semester program, you get to use financial aid, PLU gift aid and scholarships while earning PLU credit toward your degree. Program costs are comparable to being at PLU, plus there are study abroad scholarships available.

Semester & Full Year Programs

Short Term

J-Term

J-Term programs are led by a PLU faculty member, cover a wide range of subjects, and range in location from the Tacoma Hill Top to Tanzania. The chance to participate in these international and domestic study programs lets you immerse yourself in a country, culture or discipline that you never imagined – and get credit for it, too.

J-Term Programs

Summer

PLU faculty-led courses and some of the approved programs offer study away opportunities during the summer. Please note that not all financial aid covers summer coursework; contact Financial Aid for information.

Summer Programs

Alternative Spring Break

PLU offers one-week Alternative Spring Break courses both within the US and internationally including opportunities to participate in service learning and earn one PLU credit.

Spring Break Programs

Location

Use this map to search for programs by location. Be sure to research your destination as part of your program selection.

Program Options by Location

Important note: PLU offers study away programs all around the world, representing a variety of governments, laws, religious beliefs, cultural practices, and approaches to human rights. Our presence in a country is not an endorsement of policies and practices that we consider to be at odds with the values of PLU.  Rather, our fundamental mission is to educate for a just, healthy, sustainable, and peaceful world, both locally and globally. Engaging students in the complexity of critical global issues provides the opportunity for our students to learn responsible, respectful, and constructive international engagement.

Academic Discipline

In addition to meeting with a Study Away Advisor, discuss your plans with your academic advisors.

Program Options by Major/Minor

Program Features

In addition to discipline, location and duration, consider these program components as you research program options:

Language
Of course study away is the best way to learn language, but fear not if you are not taking language – many programs offer coursework in English to make study away accessible.

Internships & Research
Study Away is an influential experience for your resume and job interviews. Many programs take that to the next level by offering internship, research or community engagement opportunities.

Housing
Housing options vary widely. Some offer homestay, dormitories, apartments, community living and more. When comparing similar programs, consider your priorities related to your living space.

Study Tours
Many programs include excursions and other cultural immersion opportunities as part of the program. Ideally these are related to the program topic, but sometimes there are just must-see places nearby. Some programs seem very affordable, but they may not include these types of experiences. Research what is included in the program.

Direct Enroll
Study Away programs vary. Some are designed for study abroad students in a particular discipline while others allow students to enroll directly to a university; often, programs are a hybrid of the two. Direct enroll programs are ideal for very independent students. These are often affordable options, but do not include a lot of the appealing program components that many study abroad programs provide.

Cost

As part of your program planning, be sure to complete your FAFSA & meet with your Student Financial Services counselor.

Semester
PLU Financial Aid, Gift Aid and Scholarships apply toward your PLU Semester Study Away program fees.

PLU Gateway and Featured programs cost the PLU Comprehensive Fee. This includes:

  • Tuition
  • Room
  • Meals
  • Study Tours
  • Visa
  • $750 flight credit
  • Emergency insurance
  • Carbon Onset

PLU Approved Programs cost the outside provider program fee plus a $1,500 administrative fee. Approved Programs costs vary based on what is included in the program. Some include meals and study tours, others do not. The flight is an out-of-pocket expense. At a minimum, the Approved Program fee includes:

  • Tuition
  • Room
  • Emergency insurance
  • Carbon Onset

J-Term
The J-Term Study Away program fee is based on the cost of airfare, housing accommodations, some meals, local transportation, study tours, entrance fees, and other program components. There is no additional tuition charge for the 4-credits earned on a J-Term Study Away program since J-Term tuition is included in PLU’s comprehensive fee. Costs vary widely due to program location and features.

Summer
Similar to the PLU Approved Semester programs, PLU Summer Approved Programs cost the outside provider program fee plus a $200 administrative fee. This administrative fee allows students to access student loans (if eligible) and earn PLU credit (as opposed to transfer credit). The flight is an out-of-pocket expense.

Scholarships
PLU Gateway, Featured and PLU J-Term Study Away programs are PLU Global Scholar Award eligible. This is a financial need-based award that reduces the J-Term fee up to $1,000 and provides up to $2,500 for Semester out-of-pocket expenses.

Students participating on PLU Approved Semester program should apply for their program’s scholarships. Many of them offer a variety of need and merit-based awards.

There are a lot of other study abroad scholarships available, especially for longer-term experiences.

Program Finder

Search through our programs in our program finder found here.

Note: To search by academic area or other parameters use the advanced search feature.