Allow China to open the door to your future. Within its dynamic cities, you can broaden your understanding of China's rapidly changing society and growing global economy. Beijing is the historic yet modern capital, with centuries of diplomatic history and a deeply rich culture. The city reveals its past and present in diverse architecture, traditional attractions, and emerging high-rise neighborhoods. In Shanghai, you'll live in an exhilarating metropolis and witness the nation's commercial power as it unfolds. Living and studying in China, you'll gain a front-row view of one of the biggest players in world affairs. From business and international trade to the social influences of a communist government—there's no education like it anywhere else in the world. And if you learn even just a little Chinese, you'll have an understanding of the most widely spoken language in the world. That's an experience and skillset you can take anywhere.
Academic Planning for Study Abroad
Stay on Track to Graduate
Studying abroad integrates into your degree when you plan ahead. Discover how UC credit transfers, explore courses that satisfy major or general education requirements, and read student tips on planning what courses to take abroad. Connect with your campus advisor early to build a schedule that aligns with your graduation timeline.
Questions about study abroad?
Get Application Support
Connect with our advising team to get your questions answered and start planning your study abroad experience! Here are some of the advising options available:
- Interactive workshops to set goals, explore academic and funding resources, and prepare your application.
- Drop-in advising to speak with region-specific advisors.
- Individual virtual sessions for specialized guidance focused on your target region.
- Don't forget to meet with advisors at your home UC campus for academic planning, major credit petitions, and campus financial aid.
Family and Support
Involve Your Support Network
Bringing your family into your study abroad plans early helps everyone feel confident and prepared. Share key details about health, safety, finances, and academic credit using our family and support network guide. For advice on starting informative and constructive conversations, check out our tips for talking with your family and friends about your global goals.
Planning Steps to Study Abroad
Mapping Your Study Abroad Journey
Preparing to study abroad takes up to a year, and the best way to avoid missing out is to start right now. Deadlines for program applications, travel documents, course approvals, and scholarship applications arrive quickly. Check our interactive timeline to pinpoint your next step for this term and keep your plans on schedule.
Funding and Affordability
Paying for Study Abroad
Your UC financial aid, grants, and scholarships travel with you, and some programs cost less than a term on campus. Explore the Making Study Abroad Affordable Guide (written by UC students who've done it) for budgeting tips, estimating your expenses, and making your global experience fit your financial plan.
In terms of career development, this internship gave me plenty of insight for my future taking into consideration both of my degrees. It gave me the experience to be successful and broadened the employment opportunities available to me upon graduation. I know from my experience that I can choose to work in the communication field immediately out of college. Not only did this internship allow me to apply what I learned in classes, it also allowed me to develop professional skills for any career.
As an international studies and business major, studying abroad was the prime of my college career. Without this experience, I would not have been able to connect what I learned to real-time situations. This experience made me realize how thankful I am for what I am learning in my major and made me a more conscious global business person. The professors and experiences abroad taught me to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things.
