Study Abroad

Studying abroad offers students a transformative experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Immersing yourself in a new culture broadens your worldview, enhances cross-cultural communication skills, and fosters adaptability—qualities that are highly valued by employers in today’s global workforce.

Academically, it allows you to explore subjects from new perspectives and often fulfills major, general education, or elective requirements in dynamic, real-world settings. Personally, students gain greater independence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Whether you're navigating a new city, learning a foreign language, or building friendships across borders, studying abroad cultivates growth that lasts a lifetime.

Academic planning tips:

• Interested in studying abroad? It's important to plan ahead and create a what-if quarter by quarter plan to ensure you stay on track with your major requirements.
• Due to UCSD being on a quarter system and many universities abroad being on a semester system it is usually easiest to build studying abroad into your academic plan during the following times: Fall or all of sophomore year, Fall junior year, or during any summer.
• USP & RED majors cannot study abroad in the Fall and Winter quarters of their senior year due to the senior sequence and capstone requirements which must be completed at UC San Diego.

Below are some Study Abroad opportunities affiliated with our department as well as general study abroad information for UC San Diego.