Study Abroad
At Eighth, our commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to building strong and honorable community relationships both locally and globally make studying abroad a natural extension of your academic journey! We encourage all Eighth College students to embrace diverse intellectual traditions, explore new perspectives, and engage in critical community-building that reflects our values of wellness, anti-racism, and social justice. Studying abroad is one of the many ways that Eighth College students can bring the mission of Eighth to life!
Below you can find resources and information to help you get started on your study abroad journey as an Eighth College Student. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Academic Advising team through the Virtual Advising Center.
COMING SOON - UCEAP Pre-Approved Eighth Breadth Courses
A database of pre-approved UCEAP courses that can meet Eighth College Breadth Requirements is coming soon! In the meantime, courses can be petitioned toward the Eighth College Breadth Requirements. Meet with an Eighth College Advisor or send us questions in the Virtual Advising Center to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad
Can I study abroad?
We encourage all Eighth College students to consider studying abroad. At UC San Diego, the Eighth College general education focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to solving issues within the local community and beyond. Taking the opportunity to study abroad is a great way to further that education!
Why study abroad?
Study abroad is a great way to explore diverse ways of knowing. Learning and living in a different country can provide a new lens from which to understand complex issues. Study abroad experiences can also help inform or guide your future schooling or career.
Opportunities abroad are also great ways to connect with new communities and to have fun!
How much does study abroad cost?
The cost to study abroad varies widely. When you go, where you go, and what program you choose may all impact the ultimate cost but it may not be as expensive as you think. There are scholarships and grants available to ALL students and your study abroad advisor and financial aid advisor can help you identify these opportunities. We encourage you to explore the resources below to learn more!
When should I go abroad?
The best time to study abroad will vary by major but generally, the junior year tends to be a good option. Be sure to pay attention to the start and end dates of each program you are interested in, as many do not align with the start and end dates of the quarter system. If you want to study abroad in your final quarter, also note that your program end date may conflict with Commencement events.
- First-Years: Most students study abroad during junior year, although there are a growing number of programs available to sophomores.
- Transfers: As a junior transfer, it will be difficult to study abroad in your junior year unless you begin the planning process as soon as you are admitted. But that doesn't mean you cannot study abroad at all. It may be more likely that you will be able to study abroad in your senior year, during the summer, or during an extra quarter if you are willing to extend your time at UC San Diego.
Whether you are a first year or transfer, the best place to start when planning when to study abroad is with the Academic Plan for your major. Consult with your major advisor to see if there are courses/quarters that you have to complete at UC San Diego. We can also help you consider options for when to study abroad here in Eighth. Feel free to meet with us to start brainstorming all things study abroad!
NOTE: If you are planning to study abroad in senior year, consult with an Eighth College Advisor in advance to make sure you will satisfy the Senior Residency requirement.
Where should I go abroad
There are countless study abroad programs and where you go is ultimately up to you. Some programs may be a better fit than others and these guiding questions can be a great place to start:
- If you have limitations on when you can study abroad, what programs are available in that time frame?
- Do you want the program to have coursework focused in your major? Or are more general course options okay?
- Does the program have courses that are not available at UC San Diego?
- Are there extracurricular activities that you would like to explore?
We are also happy to help you think through location options. Feel free to meet with us to start brainstorming all things study abroad!
How to Get Started
Below are next steps and some additional resources if you are thinking about Studying Abroad!