International Center
tritonday

Welcome to UC San Diego and congratulations on your admission! 

We in the Programs Abroad Office (PAO) truly hope you choose to become a Triton. 

One great reason to consider UC San Diego is because of the great opportunity you have to study abroad while you are here.  UCSD offers more opportunities to study, intern, volunteer and do research abroad than any other UC campus. Presently, 22% of each graduating class participates in an international educational experience.  Chancellor Khosla has challenged the campus to work together to grow that number to 50% in the coming years.  What does that mean for you?  It means you OR your roommate are going to study abroad!  (And don’t you want it to be you?) 

With 12 full-time professional staff working to support you, the Programs Abroad Office will help to guide you through those critical steps of considering your academic plans, your financial needs, and your personal goals and expectations in finding the perfect fit for you.  We assist you through the application process, and then prepare you for your departure.  We keep in touch with you through our in-country networks while you are away, and upon your return we offer assistance in helping you get your credit transferred.  We also offer many opportunities for you to get re-involved on campus and with other study abroad returnees upon your return.

A few more things you should know...

  1. We facilitate the delivery of up to $600,000 in aid and scholarships to UCSD students going abroad
  2. Plan early! The sooner you start planning your four years at UCSD, the better chance you’ll have of fitting in the PERFECT study abroad experience
  3. Students who study abroad typically graduate faster than those who do not
  4. Students who study abroad typically have higher GPAs than those who do not
  5. YES you can take courses in your major (ALL MAJORS) while abroad!
  6. 28.4% of our students studying abroad are STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) majors, compared to 16.6% nation-wide
  7. 93.7% of alumni say that cross-cultural skills learned while abroad are professionally valuable

So, how do you get started?  Start Your Journey when you get here in the Fall (you'll need to sign-in as a student which you can do once Fall quarter starts).  Follow the step by step guide and come see us when you are ready to meet with an advisor. 

In the meantime, check out our stories from students who went abroad on our Tumblr and watch this video about what some of our returnees have to say!


We’ll be waiting to see you in the Fall!

Kelly O’Sullivan
Director, Programs Abroad Office