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• Why study abroad?

  Study abroad is a transformative experience that allows you to travel the world while working toward your UC degree requirements.

  • Expand your worldview
  • Enhance your career opportunities and grow your network
  • Learn another language and improve your multilingual skills
  • Experience another culture first-hand
  • Make new friends from around the world
  • Discover new things about your own culture
  • Learn more about yourself and gain self-awareness
  • Strengthen communication, team-building and adaptability skills
  • Boost your confidence and independence
  • Become a savvy traveler
• Can I afford it?

  Did you know that in some cases learning abroad can be less expensive than staying on campus? When you participate in UCEAP you continue to pay your normal UCR tuition and fees. Your financial aid can be directed towards program costs. If you do not already receive financial aid, you may qualify for aid while on an education abroad program.

  Applying to scholarships increases your chances of receiving funding. While each scholarship has its own level of competitiveness, all have the same goal of helping students to study or work abroad. There is a wealth of funding sources you can qualify for just by submitting a simple application before going abroad.

  Between financial aid and scholarships, you do not have to pay more to learn abroad.

• Will I fall behind?

  Most students find that going abroad still keeps them on track for graduation. As of 2017 our department has reviewed all program offerings by UCEAP and have identified courses which are well suited to transfer into your major requirements. When you decide on a country and university our advisors work one-on-one with you to select offered courses that will transfer back into your major requirements so that the credits you take count! Because of conversion from semester courses into the UC quarter system it is possible you could complete graduation requirements early.

• Where and when should I study abroad?

  
  Since earth science is a diverse field with different emphases all over the world, you have dozens of choices of where to take courses that will broaden your knowledge. Deciding where to go abroad should be a balanced decision taking into consideration language, culture, location, university, specific faculty you might want to interact with, and course offerings. The majority of universities offer instruction in English, but if you have other languages under your belt more options are available. While it is possible for geoscience students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular term and length of time that you choose to study abroad will probably depend on the requirements you have left to complete the major and whether you plan to work towards your major while you are abroad (as opposed to say completing general education requirements). Keep in mind that applications for study abroad are typically due 6 months to a year prior to the program start date and some programs have academic or language prerequisites that must be satisfied in advance so research and plan early!

• OK I’m interested! Now what?

  The steps to study abroad can be found at MyUCR Abroad. Before meeting with an education abroad advisor, please follow the REQUIRED steps VERY CAREFULLY. Additionally, you can connect with the Earth Sciences Education Abroad Liaison Nicolas Barth or the Earth Sciences Undergraduate Advisor Gareth Funning to see how education abroad fits into your UCR academic plan.