The department offers many enriching experiences outside of the classroom—from faculty-led programs and embedded courses to cultural student organizations and annual trips to the Model African Union in Washington, D.C.
Learn Around the World
Education abroad gives you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of Africa, the Black experience in the United States, and the broader African diaspora while learning alongside expert faculty in the places you’re studying.
The College of the Liberal Arts offers a variety of global learning opportunities that complement Africana Studies, including embedded courses, faculty-led programs, and semester-long study abroad experiences. Whether you’re looking for a one-week embedded course, a summer program, or a full semester abroad, there are opportunities to fit your academic interests and schedule.
Before applying, students should consult with their academic adviser to discuss how a specific program may fit their degree plan.
Featured Programs
These are examples of education abroad opportunities that complement the study of Africana Studies. Browse the College of the Liberal Arts’ current offerings to explore upcoming faculty-led and embedded programs, application deadlines, and eligibility requirements.
Development and Sustainability in Morocco
Location: Morocco
Explore sustainability, resource management, and community development through field experiences across Morocco.
Carthaginians, Romans, and the History of Tunisia
Location: Tunisia
Examine the rich cultural and historical legacy of Tunisia through an interdisciplinary study of the ancient and modern Mediterranean.
Study Tour of Roman History and Archaeology
Location: Italy
Experience ancient Rome through guided exploration of archaeological sites, monuments, and museums.
The Quest for Reproductive Justice
Location: South Africa
Explore the history and contemporary realities of reproductive justice through engagement with scholars and community organizations in Cape Town.
Read about the program
Learn Through Leadership
Build leadership skills, expand your perspective, and connect with fellow students through conferences, student organizations, and other experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Model African Union Conference
The International Model African Union (MOAU) conference is a simulation of the proceedings of the African Union, held at Howard University in Washington, D.C., every year from Thursday through Sunday during the last week of February. The conference is designed for university and college students drawn from across the nation, with each school representing one of the fifty-four African countries.
To attend the conference, you must have:
- A major or minor in the College of the Liberal Arts
- Taken at least one African Studies course, preferably AFR 110 Contemporary Africa or AFR 192 Modern African History
- Attended pre-conference meetings organized by the faculty adviser
Interested students can email African Union Faculty Adviser Clemente Abrokwaa, associate teaching professor of Africana studies.
Student Organizations and Groups
African Students Association
Created in 1990, the African Students Association is an undergraduate association for African students to showcase the diversity of African heritage. It hosts workshops and seminars relevant to academic and professional development. The association offers mentorship programs that enable new students to acclimatize into Penn State.
Alpha Kappa Alpha
The mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”
Black Male Leadership Symposium
The Black Male Leadership Symposium aims to foster unity and stability among black males. Our organization facilitates personal and professional development through professional workshops with corporate sponsors and collaborates with various student organizations on campus to enhance connections among African American men.
Black Student Caucus
The Black Student Caucus, an umbrella organization to minority students and student organizations, was founded in 1971. Its primary objective is to create a safe space for students of color so that they can voice their concerns and support each other, socially and professionally.
Delta Sigma Theta
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is an organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.
Middle Eastern and North African Caucus
The Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Caucus is a student-led organization dedicated to empowering and representing the MENA community across all Penn State campuses. The caucus strives to amplify voices, foster cultural understanding, and build an inclusive network of students, alumni, and allies. Through advocacy, events, and collaboration, Mena creates a space where every member of the MENA community can be seen, supported, and celebrated.
Queer and Trans People of Color
Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) is a student organization at the University Park campus that serves as a dedicated safe space to unite students through advocacy, education, and community-building. QTPOC hosts a range of regular activities for members and public events such as the annual QTPOC Fashion Show, and educational trips that allow members to explore the life and history of the LGBTQ+ community within and beyond University Park and the State of PA.
Zeta Phi Beta
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc was founded on January 16th, 1920 on the campus of Howard University. We are a community conscious, action oriented organization founded on the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.
University-Level Resources for Students
Find community, build confidence, and thrive academically, socially, culturally, and personally. Designed especially for first-year, transfer, and change-of-campus students.
The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity celebrates and supports Penn State students of all sexual and gender identities. The Center provides resources, education, and community-building opportunities that foster belonging, empowerment, and pride.
The Office of Veterans Programs provides support to all Penn State military-connected students using Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits as required by the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 38, Chapter 1, Part 21, and under Title 10 of the United States Code.
Penn State’s Student Disability Resources coordinates support services and reasonable academic accommodations and promotes disability awareness in the university community.
The Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs cultivates community and promotes inclusive excellence across academic, social, and professional dimensions of the graduate student experience within the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School.
Celebrate Community
Celebrate culture, honor achievement, and build lasting connections through events and traditions that bring the Africana Studies community together.
Kente Cloth Ceremony
The Department of Africana Studies recognizes annually its graduating undergraduates in the Kente Cloth ceremony, where their achievements are celebrated with their families, friends, faculty, and staff. Like most of Africa’s visual art forms, the Kente cloth is a representation of history, philosophy, and religious beliefs, as well as political thought. When students are presented with the cloth, this symbolizes their transition and achievement in the context of the African diaspora.
The coordinators of the ceremony are Wanda Knight and Clemente Abrokwaa.