Choose Your Program
What are my study abroad goals?
Knowing the goals you want to accomplish while abroad can help you choose a program. Determine which of your goals are most important to you and let those guide you. Some common goals include:
- Earning credit towards my UCI degree
- Learning/improving a language
- Gaining career related experience
- Learning about a specific country
- Learning about your own heritage
- Having a new and challenging experience
What are my program options?
Hundreds of study abroad programs are available to UCI students! Search all the Program Options.
When should I apply for my program?
Deadlines to apply can be 9-12 months before you go abroad – typically the academic year prior to when you plan to study abroad. It’s never too early to start exploring your options. Then, the academic year prior to when you want to study abroad, check our Deadlines page for exact open dates and deadline dates.
How do I apply for a program?
All UCI students are eligible to participate in global opportunities, including study, research, internships, and more. To take advantage of these opportunities, you must apply to your program following the instructions provided by the program provider or host institution, adhering to their established deadlines. In addition to this, all UCI students must receive UCI Campus Approval in order to participate in a global opportunity.
For more information, please visit our How to Apply page.
What tools are available to help me narrow down my choices?
Use these tools to help you choose a program. You can also contact us – we’re here to help!
- Academic Planning Worksheet – will help you understand the best time to study abroad and identify the types of courses you should take abroad.
- Program Comparison Worksheet – will help you compare programs and narrow down the programs that best fit your goals.
- Course Comparison Worksheet – a tool to outline rough course equivalents for study abroad approval.
How do I connect with other students?
Connect with others students who have either gone abroad in the past (returnees) or are international students happy to share from their own experiences.
Are there resources for my specific identity?
Yes! See our Diversity and Access page where we have resources for a variety of specific identities (Disability Services, Economically Disadvantaged, International Students, LGBTQ+, Mental Health, Race & Ethnicity, Students with Dependents, Undocumented Students, Veterans).