Sonia Izurieta, Labor and Employment Relations major with a minor in Dispute Management Resolution, took this picture in Capetown, South Africa, during her Study at Sea semester abroad.
Study Abroad in Labor Studies and Employment Relations

Many study abroad programs are open to you. Imagine spending a semester "down under" at a university in Australia, or in Dublin, Ireland, one of the most dynamic and historic cities in Europe, or in South Africa, one of the most beautiful and exciting parts of the world.

Study abroad can help you to...

  • Find great LSER coursework and curriculum
  • Understand the field of LSER from an international perspective
  • Expand your cross-cultural communication and problem solving skills
  • Prepare you to work in an increasingly diverse and international workplace
  • Broaden your academic horizons
  • Globalize your world view
Globalization has changed the fields of labor studies, human resources, and employment relations. More and more, companies operate outside the United States, and unions work with labor organizations around the world. Study Abroad exposes students to other cultures and helps them to gain experience living and working abroad, something employers are increasingly looking for in prospective employees.

Can I afford to Study Abroad?

YES! Early planning for Study Abroad helps you to make cost-effective program decisions and to prepare your finances through savings, scholarships, and financial aid. You may apply most types of financial aid that you have at Penn State to your Study Abroad program.

Penn State offers scholarships for Study Abroad, and the College of the Liberal Arts has enrichment funds that can be applied to Study Abroad. LSER also has small grants available. Furthermore, scholarships for particular geographical areas or particular groups of students are available. The International Programs Office provides resources on financial aid on its Education Abroad webpage.

"In almost every case, students return from study abroad and tell us that it was greatest experience they ever had. We want as many students as possible to have that experience."
-Paul Clark, Professor and Study Abroad Coordinator, Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations

In recent years, LSER students have studied at:

  • University College, Dublin, Ireland
  • University of Melbourne, Australia
  • City University of London, United Kingdom
  • University of Barcelona, Spain
  • University of Costa Rica

Set goals and plan for results

  • LSER students can Study Abroad at almost any time during their four years. The process of selecting a Study Abroad program is similar to selecting your major or minor.
  • Begin your planning right away. It is never too early to start planning.
  • Set some goals. There is no one program best suited for LSER students; there are many good Study Abroad programs, and the best one for you depends on what you want.
  • Prioritize your goals. Consider your long-term academic and professional goals, as well as your on-campus degree requirements.
  • Consider both short-term and long-term programs.
  • Prepare academically. You may need to take language or other prerequisite courses for your chosen program.
  • Give yourself time to research and talk to advisers and students who have studied abroad.

With proper planning Study Abroad can help you to prepare for your professional life in today's global context.

What are my next steps?

Attend a session of Education Abroad 101, on the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. in 410 Boucke Building. Or meet with a Peer Adviser in 412 Boucke Building, Monday-Friday, 10:00-4:00 p.m. Also, set up an appointment with LSER's Study Abroad Coordinator, Paul Clark.

Investigate programs by browsing the Education Abroad webpage, by attending information sessions on specific subjects or geographical areas, or by looking at the catalogs available in the Education Abroad Resource Room (412 Boucke). Find a program that fits your goals.

Discuss studying abroad with your academic adviser to determine which kinds of courses would best fit with your academic program. If courses taken abroad are to be used to fulfill major or minor requirements, get prior approval from the academic advisor in that subject. Consult the Education Abroad webpage for a list of courses that have already been accredited, showing the Penn State equivalencies.