The timing and length of the excursions make them particularly convenient for non-traditional students. For traditional students, the trips provide a testing ground for Penn State's longer international education courses. There are optional excursions available at extra cost, but students can do most of their academic work using low cost public transportation. Off-season travel keeps costs down and also provides opportunities to participate in local celebrations, such as Epiphany in Spain, with fewer tourists present than during peak travel times. While many experiences are enhanced by familiarity with the host country's language, all courses are in English.
Multilingual teachers are available to assist students.
Once abroad, students usually form small groups that function independently. Participants experience the befefits of working in a small, spontaneous learning group, and discover the advantages of teamwork that accommodates individual learning styles. Students from other Penn State campuses take the courses, as do students from other universities. Professors Kelley and Kirker teach courses on all trips. Kelley, associate professor of French and Spanish, teaches courses in culture and civilization.