Embark on a transformative experiential learning journey with our array of program types spanning study abroad, internships, and research opportunities across the globe.
UC Santa Cruz Global Learning is available to assist students with program selection, the application process, and academic planning. Students are encouraged to explore options and plan during their first year at UC Santa Cruz.
UCSC Global Learning programs
- Faculty-led Global Seminars: Summer courses taught by UCSC faculty while abroad, coordinated by UCSC Global Learning.
- Partner Programs: Immersion programs at universities abroad/away, coordinated by UCSC Global Learning.
- Global Internships: Department-based internship program that allows students to explore career goals, expand their professional network and skills, and gain real work experience, coordinated by UCSC Global Learning.
- Global Classrooms: UCSC courses designed to offer cross-cultural learning experiences, facilitating virtual engagement with students from another part of the world.
Other UC and non-UC programs
- UCDC Washington: Academic internship program in Washington DC, coordinated by a central UC systemwide office for all 9 undergraduate campuses.
- UC Sacramento (UCCS): Academic internship program in public policy, coordinated by UC Davis.
- UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP): Varying types of programs offered year-round, coordinated by a central UC systemwide study abroad provider for all UC campuses.
- Other UC Study Abroad: Varying types of study abroad programs, coordinated by other UC campuses’ study abroad offices.
- Independent Programs: Varying types of study abroad programs, coordinated by organizations outside of the UC system.
- Visit our Service-Learning and Volunteer programs page to learn about volunteer opportunities abroad.
Compare UCEAP vs. Partner Programs
Quick Overview
UCEAP:
- Built-in cohort of students from across the UC system
- Structured and guided program model
- Flexible term options (including summer)
- Specialized program models such as internships, research, or themed programs
- Centralized visa guidance through UCEAP
Partner Programs:
- Full immersion at a host university alongside local and international students
- More cost-effective option (continue paying UCSC tuition and campus fees)
- Semester or academic year programs
- Greater independence with direct engagement at your host university
- Smaller exchange cohort that allows for deeper integration into campus life
In-depth Comparison
Location
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| Europe: Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK (England, Scotland) Latin America & Caribbean: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Barbados North America: USA, Mexico, Canada Africa & Middle East: Jordan, Israel, South Africa Asia: China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand Oceania: Australia, New Zealand | USA: New Mexico Europe: Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, UK (England, Northern Ireland) Latin America: Chile, Colombia, Mexico Asia: Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore Oceania: Australia |
Tuition, Fees & Billing
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| Pay tuition and fees directly to UCEAP Charged UC tuition (typically higher than UCSC tuition) | Pay UCSC campus tuition and fees On-site costs (housing and some fees) paid directly to host institution |
Financial Aid & Scholarships
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| Aid sent to UCEAP first Covers UC tuition, campus fees, and UCEAP fees. Remaining funds disbursed to the student. UCEAP scholarships are available. | Aid applied to MyUCSC account. Covers UCSC tuition and campus fees. Remaining funds disbursed to the student. Some host universities offer opportunities (example: JASSO in Japan). |
Academics, Courses & Credit
For both programs, students earn UC credit; courses and grades appear on the UCSC transcript; some pre-approved courses are available; petition process for major, minor, and GE credit.
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| Students research courses on the Program Academics tab (sometimes pre-fixed course offerings; sometimes students must research courses on the host university website). Some programs include UC curriculum. Courses for immersion programs are finalized closer to program start. | Students research courses on the host university website. Students register for courses directly with the host university. Courses are often finalized closer to program start. Some pre-approved examples: Sussex (FDM, Music), University of Bergen (FDM), UAB (Economics). |
Terms & Duration Options
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| Summer Fall Fall + Winter Winter Winter + Spring Spring Academic Year Calendar Year | Fall Fall + Winter Winter + Spring Spring Academic Year Calendar Year |
Program Structure & Student Experience
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| UC-wide programs with students from across the UC system UC curriculum programs have built-in cohort model Program types may include internships, research, immersion, themed programs, language study, multi-site experiences More structured and guided Facilitated by UCEAP, UC Study Centers, on-site partners, and partner universities | Bilateral exchange agreements between UCSC and host institutions Smaller, more independent experience Greater immersion with host university students Academic study focus Smaller UCSC presence (0–4 students typical) Facilitated primarily by UCSC Global Learning and partner universities |
Housing
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| May be program-arranged or self-arranged Options vary: dorms, apartments, homestays, hotels, hostels | Usually student-arranged using the host university resources Some universities guarantee housing for exchange students Options commonly include dorms, student residences, off-campus housing, and homestays |
Advising, Support & Health & Safety
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| Support from: UCSC Global Learning Advisor; UCEAP Study Abroad staff; UCEAP Study Centers (in some locations); host university international office Crisis24 (UC Away) Lyra mental health support UC Traveler’s insurance coverage Visa support provided by UCEAP (for U.S. passport holders) | Support from: UCSC Global Learning Advisors and host university’s international office Students independently manage housing, visa appointments, flights, and documentation Crisis24 (UC Away) Lyra mental health support UC Traveler’s insurance coverage; some countries may require additional insurance (like Spain) Students apply for visas directly through consulate (with guidance from host university) |
Application Process and Required Documents
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| Apply in UCEAP portal Complete separate application in Global Learning Portal Submit Global Learning Approval Form Some program applications require language verification, essays, recommendations May require later host university application Global Learning Portal Required Documents: Global Learning Approval Form Other documents (varies by program): Unofficial transcript Language verification Course preferences Letter of recommendation Personal statement Optional Departmental Approval Form (for year extension) | Apply in Global Learning Portal Later apply directly to host university Global Learning Portal Required Documents: Global Learning Approval Form Passport photocopy Host university documents (varies by program): Official transcript Health certificate Essays Letters of recommendation Proof of language proficiency Course preferences Passport copy |
Eligibility
| UCEAP | Partner Programs |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA Class level Eligible majors (some programs) Language prerequisites/GPA (some programs) Prerequisite courses (some programs) | Minimum GPA Class level Language prerequisites/GPA (some programs) |
