Choosing California Schools for Studying Abroad

Hey, I'm a junior from Texas actively researching colleges right now. My passion is to immerse myself in various cultures. So, I'd love to study abroad in college. Whats the scoop on the best California colleges for studying abroad? Any advice on schools with strong programs?

Absolutely, studying abroad can be an enriching and transformative experience! When you're considering California schools with strong study abroad programs, several come to mind.

1. Stanford University: Stanford has an impressive selection of overseas programs. In pre-Covid times, over 50% of the undergraduate students at Stanford had participated in a "Bing Overseas Studies Program" by the time they graduated. They offer full-quarter programs in locations such as Australia, Italy, and Japan, and they even offer shorter, 2 to 3 week seminars in more diverse locations.

2. University of Southern California (USC): USC has a committed Office of Overseas Studies with a wealth of programs. They provide a number of options across disciplines and around the globe. They also offer department-specific programs and encourage students to begin planning as early as their first year.

3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): At UCLA, the International Education Office (IEO) is the hub for all things study abroad. They've got a variety of programs—UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), UCLA Travel Study, and International Exchange Programs—that offer students a wide option of places to travel and subjects to study.

4. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): Berkeley Study Abroad offers study, intern, or research opportunities in over 40 countries. There is a big push from the school for students to take advantage of these opportunities. The programs cater to a variety of academic disciplines, and include a mix of UC-EAP offerings and UC Berkeley Global Internships.

Remember, important factors to consider are the support services available both before and during your time abroad, the flexibility of the programs (i.e. are they offered each term, and in your field of study?), and how your study abroad credits will be applied towards your degree. But most importantly, you want to choose a program that fits your personal goals and aspirations.

While all these schools have strong programs, the best one for you will depend on your desired area of study, intended travel location, and the type of study abroad experience you're hoping for.