7 Things You Can Do to Study Abroad

UC Davis has study abroad programs available for every major and in locations all across the globe. Here are seven things you can do to study abroad:

1. Pick a program

UC Davis has numerous options for studying abroad throughout the year: Quarter Abroad, Summer Abroad, Seminar Abroad and Internships Abroad. Research each and choose the program that fits with your academic timeline. There are also service and volunteering abroad programs and UC Education Abroad Program, which is the only study abroad provider representing the entire University of California system.

2. Earn major (or minor) credit

There are wide ranges of study abroad programs in over 25 academic disciplines, which means students can earn credits toward their major, minor and General Education requirements while they are studying abroad. Plus, all study abroad programs offer units that can be applied to the Global and International Studies minor.

3. Figure out funding

It is important to factor in the cost of studying abroad, including the exchange rate and travel costs to get there. Typically, the financial aid that you receive on campus can be applied to study abroad. There are also many scholarships and awards available at UC Davis that can help you pursue your dream of studying abroad. Plus, Study Abroad offers free workshops throughout the year to teach you how to fill out a scholarship application successfully.

4. Meet with an advisor

If you are overwhelmed by all the choices, have questions or simply want someone to talk to about your aspirations to study abroad, contact the UC Davis Study Abroad office to set up an appointment with an advisor or swing by the International Center during their drop-in hours. You can also follow the Study Abroad office on Twitter or read their student blog.

5. Go to the UC Davis Study Abroad and Internship Fair

Hosted by Study Abroad and the Internship and Career Center (ICC), the UC Davis Study Abroad and Internship Fair helps students who are considering education abroad opportunities. It takes place every fall on West Quad.

6. Be smart about health and safety

The best way to achieve a healthy and safe study abroad experience is to inform yourself about basic health and safety issues before leaving the U.S. and to make informed, responsible and reasonable decisions once abroad. You should:

• Carefully read all pre-departure materials
• Register your trip with the U.S. Department of State
• Review State Department health and safety information for your specific country
• Become familiar with on-site emergency contacts and plans
• Stay abreast of local developments.

There are tons of benefits to studying abroad. Here are just a few:

• Expand your cross-cultural knowledge and communication
• Experience the student life and academic energy of another country
• Understand native literature within their cultural and historical contexts
• Strengthen your second-language skills through daily conversation and coursework
• Enhance your critical- thinking and problem-solving skills
• Gain confidence in yourself personally and academically
• Build your resume and increase your potential career opportunities—80 percent of employers seek out candidates who have international experience. [1] [2]