Academics

Penn State New Kensington offers global learning opportunities for students

Becoate collaborates with Penn State Global to broaden access to intercultural, civic and career-focused experiences

Penn State students pose together after arriving at Walt Disney World Resort. Credit: Amanda Becoate. All Rights Reserved.

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — Amanda Becoate, associate director of student affairs at Penn State Greater Allegheny, has partnered with Penn State Global to provide students with free or significantly reduced-cost programs related to intercultural competency, civic engagement, sustainability and career development throughout the 2025-26 academic year.

Programming began in September, when Becoate led a workshop in which students had the opportunity to receive their passports. Later that month, students measured how likely they are to successfully navigate cultural barriers through the CQ assessment. This was followed up with another workshop in October, in which Global Engagement Coordinators taught students how to improve upon and apply cultural intelligence in real-world situations.

November began with students participating in Global Sustainable Action Weekend at University Park, and concluded with a eventful experience at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Becoate accompanied students through seminars illustrating how global perspectives are practiced in locations such as Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Universal Studios.

Continued programming

Becoate and Penn State Global have an assortment of events planned for the upcoming spring semester, including an alternative spring break experience in Italy. Learn more about New Kensington’s Global Leadership Pilot.

Last Updated December 17, 2025

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