Short-Term Study Abroad with Penn State in Turkey
Spring 2026
Ortaköy
Turkey, a secular state with a Muslim majority, ranks 12th in global purchasing power. The tech sector expanded 83% in 2025, hitting $35 billion. Coupled with a booming $1.89 billion medical tourism industry, it's an ideal venue for An Introduction to Internet of Things (loT), a health care-focused course on loT. The courses for this trip are ENGR 497, CMPSC 497, and IST 497. Students should work with their major program or department to determine which requirements it will fulfill.
The nation's history includes the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, and landmarks like Saint Mary’s Tomb.
Sultanahmet
During the embedded component of this course, you will collaborate with peers from Yasar University’s software engineering program to design and present IoT projects. Guided by faculty from both universities and supported by pre-trip exchanges, you will build strong cross-cultural teamwork skills. In addition, you will gain valuable industry exposure through a visit to the Turkish healthcare IoT firm, Borda Tech.
These opportunities will allow you to connect classroom learning with real-world applications while expanding and strengthening your cross-cultural collaboration skills and provide direct insights into how IoT technologies are shaping healthcare and industry in Turkey.
Bosphorus, Istanbul
Travel Itinerary (subject to change)
- Day 1 Arrive in Istanbul
- Day 2 Visit Istanbul Technical University, Techno Park, workshop at BordaTech University
- Day 3 Guided tours of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and other historic sites
- Day 4 Visit Besiktas, Ortakoy and enjoy the Istanbul Bosphorus tour
- Day 5 Fly to Izmir
- Day 6 and 7 Meet Yasar University faculty and students and collaborate on a project
- Day 8 Student teams will present and demonstrate projects to faculty
- Day 9 Explore the ancient city of Ephesus and visit the Temple of Artemis, the House of Virgin Mary, Isa Bey Mosque and Byzantine Castle.
- Day 10 Depart Izmir for the United States
Expenses
International program costs, estimated at $3,000–$3,500 (subject to change), will be applied to your bursar account upon enrollment in the course and are charged in addition to tuition. Grants and scholarships may be retroactively available through Penn State. Underwriting for each program is provided by Penn State Abington to maximize opportunities for our students to study abroad. Program costs include round-trip airfare, local ground transportation, all lodging and some meals.
Non-U.S. citizens may require a visa in addition to their passport. Non-U.S. citizens should consult their embassy for information.
About Short-Term Study Abroad Courses
House of the Virgin Mary
Traditionally, study abroad meant that students spent a semester in another country and attended classes at an accredited university. Short-term faculty-led courses with an international travel component are viable alternatives since they offer solid academic international experiences at a reasonable cost with a reduced time commitment.
Students who are enrolled in these courses are taking an internationally focused class that includes 10 days of travel over fall or spring break. They are anchored on Penn State Abington’s campus. Course material and lectures prepare students both academically and culturally..
The goal is to embed the students into the life and culture of the university and the country they visit. Therefore, including international faculty and students at the host institution in academic and cultural activities is a highly regarded and critical component of Abington’s programs.
Short-term academic travel is a keystone of the Abington Experience, a roadmap to guide students on their journey from campus to career. The pillars of the Abington Experience are short-term study abroad, faculty-led research, internships, and leadership development.