Abington students grow career skills in 10-day, affordable study away courses

ABINGTON, Pa. — Short-term study away delivers long-term career impact for students at Penn State Abington, where courses with travel components are a pillar of the campus-to-career-focused Abington Experience. Designed to minimize time and cost, these faculty-led programs immerse students in building skills employers value: adaptability, collaboration and working effectively with teammates who have a variety of experiences.

Each year, students travel to Hof University for a 10-day academic project in southern Germany. The specific content evolves and blends business and technology, but the goal remains the same: apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges alongside international peers.

Computer science major Robert Jajko chose the course because it made studying abroad achievable.

“What stood out to me was the different cultures of the students we worked with. Some were from India, Kenya and Albania,” he said. “Traveling, especially outside of the country, can be daunting, but I think it’s a great way to see the world and build confidence in yourself while traveling.”

For recent graduate Chastidy Joanem, a design thinking-focused version of the course expanded her professional outlook and served as “a defining moment” in her college journey.

“Being immersed in a different culture, engaging with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds, and experiencing a global perspective on education and technology broadened my horizons,” she said. “It reinforced my adaptability and problem-solving skills while giving me a deeper appreciation for international collaboration.”

Because these courses, sometimes referred to as embedded, are taught by Abington faculty who travel with the group, students are mentored while navigating new academic and cultural environments — strengthening both their expertise and professional confidence.

The course with travel to Germany is frequently led by Joe Oakes, associate teaching professor of computer science and information technology; Jake Benfield, professor of psychological and social sciences and recreation, park and tourism management; and Peter Hornberger, lecturer in management/entrepreneurship and director of the Penn State Abington LaunchBox.

Cybersecurity analytics and operations major Natalie Sylvester traveled to Hof twice for different courses, working on projects that mirror industry demand, including designing a model for a fictional company’s transition from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud.

A cross-disciplinary course also brought Sylvester to Abertay University in Scotland, where exposure to cyber forensics clarified her professional path.

“Before this course, I wasn’t sure what area I wanted to go into because with cybersecurity, there are endless opportunities," she said. "I’ve always been really interested in forensics, and at Abertay, we explored forensics. It showed me that a career in cyber forensics is what I plan to do."

"These courses force you to be adaptable because you are working with people from different backgrounds, and you learn to overcome cultural barriers. It absolutely gives you a perspective on education and culture and really shows you there is so much to learn outside the class,” Sylvester continued.

Recent graduate Lauren Berg, a criminal justice major, enrolled to strengthen her technology skills and quickly realized the learning model required increased independence.

"In America, we are given step-by-step instructions, while in Germany, the students are given a task and expected to follow through and figure it out on their own," she said. "That's how we worked at Hof. It was hard, but I'm using it."

“This course also highlighted how you need all sorts of skills and all sorts of people to solve problems,” Berg said. "It gave me perspective, experience and knowledge."

Beyond project work, students explore landmarks, delve into local and shared traditions, and build friendships and professional networks.

Scholarships and financial aid may help offset the cost of travel, which typically occur during semester breaks. Upcoming courses include travel to Poland, Costa Rica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Short-term study away can shape a student’s confidence, clarity and career trajectory for years to come. Along with internships, research with faculty and leadership development, these pillars of the Abington Experience build the in-demand skills and confidence proven to increase job offers, salaries and lifelong success.

About Penn State Abington

Penn State Abington, home to nearly 3,000 students and just minutes from Philadelphia, offers 26 four-year majors and 14 NCAA Division III athletics teams. The Abington Experience launches students from campus to career through internships, leadership development, short-term academic travel and faculty-led research. Penn State Abington — where the city’s energy meets the best of the suburbs.