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Goals and Expectations

The success of your study abroad experience depends on careful planning. From academic considerations such as how your course will fulfill university requirements to more personal ones such as the food and climate in your location, you need to research your options and choose the program that's right for you. The information below will help get you started on narrowing your focus and making a well-informed decision.

Why do you want to study abroad?

• Are you interested in a specific location or field of study?
• Do you want to widen your global perspective?
• Do you want to immerse yourself in a new culture?
• Do you want to learn a new language or improve your skills?

What kind of experience are you looking for?

• Do you want to create your own program or have all the details organized by a program provider?
• Do you want to travel to several different locations or stay in one city?
• Do you prefer an urban environment or a rural one?
• Do you want to be with other Americans or do you prefer to be in classes with local residents or other international students?
• Do you want to be taught by a UC Davis faculty member or do you want to learn from a professor in the country and experience a different way of teaching and learning?
• What type of housing do you prefer:
• Living in a dorm?
• Sharing an apartment?
• Staying in a hotel or hostel?
• Living with a host family?

What type of credit will you earn abroad?
Courses taken abroad can count toward major and/or minor requirements and many carry General Education credits.

• Meet with your major academic advisor in your department by creating a 4-year plan and determine how a particular study abroad program (EAP, Quarter Abroad, Summer Abroad, or a Non-UC Study Abroad program) meets your needs.
• For UC Davis students, any course taken abroad may be applied to the Global and International Studies (GIS) minor.
• For more information on which courses on which programs have counted toward your major or GE, visit the Academics page or contact an EAC staff member if you have questions.