8/10/25

So You Wanna Study Abroad at UCLA? Here’s the Real Deal.

Alright, let's talk about studying abroad at UCLA. If the idea has even crossed your mind, you're on the right track. Honestly, it’s one of the most talked-about, life-altering things you can do during your time in college, & for good reason. It's not just about getting some cool photos for your feed (though you'll get plenty of those). It's about legitimately changing your perspective, getting out of the Westwood bubble, & seeing how the rest of the world ticks.
I’ve seen so many friends go through the process, from the initial "should I even do this?" phase to coming back with a whole new outlook on life. It's a transformative academic experience, for sure, but it’s also a massive personal growth spurt. And turns out, UCLA has a TON of ways to make it happen, with programs in over 42 countries.
So, if you’re curious about how to trade Royce Hall for a Roman ruin or a Tokyo skyscraper for a quarter, you're in the right place. We're going to break it all down – the different programs, the money stuff, the application drama, & what it’s REALLY like.

First Things First: The Big Four Program Types

UCLA doesn't just have one-size-fits-all study abroad. They’ve got a whole menu of options, handled by the fantastic folks at the International Education Office (IEO). Think of the IEO as your mission control for all things study abroad. They’re the ones who will guide you through this whole adventure.
You've basically got four main flavors to choose from. Each one is a little different, so let's get into it.

1. UCEAP: The Classic College Experience, But Abroad

This is the big one. The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) is the official, system-wide program for the entire UC system. It’s the most traditional study abroad experience. You enroll in one of 115 partner universities across the globe, take classes with local students & other international students, & get a real feel for what it's like to be a student in, say, Italy or Japan.
Here's the vibe:
  • Full Immersion: You’re not just a tourist; you're part of a foreign university for a summer, quarter, semester, or even a full year.
  • Tons of Options: We’re talking 42 countries. You can study everything from Marine Biology in Australia to Human Rights in Chile.
  • UC Credit: All your courses are UC-approved, so you're making progress toward your degree while you're off exploring the world.
  • Independence: This is for the student who wants to dive deep into a new culture & have a truly authentic experience.
A lot of students go this route. One stats major who went to Yonsei University in South Korea said it was great because they could take major-related courses pretty easily, which can sometimes be a challenge.

2. UCLA Travel Study: A whirlwind Tour with Your Profs

If a whole semester away feels like too much, or you want a more guided experience, Travel Study might be your jam. These are shorter programs, usually three to five weeks in the summer, led by actual UCLA faculty.
Here's the vibe:
  • Short & Sweet: Perfect for getting a taste of a new country without a long-term commitment.
  • UCLA Classes: You're taking UCLA courses with UCLA professors, so you know exactly what you’re getting academically. The credits are direct UCLA credits.
  • Built-in Tour Group: You're traveling with a group of fellow Bruins, which is a pretty cool way to make new friends.
  • Faculty-Led: Your professor is your guide, which adds a whole academic layer to your travels. Imagine learning about Shakespeare from a UCLA English professor & then seeing a play at the Globe Theatre in London that night. Reviews for this program are STELLAR, with students calling it the "best experience ever."
These programs are great if you're a bit nervous about navigating a foreign country alone or if your schedule is too packed for a full quarter away.

3. UCLA Global Internships: Boost Your Resume from Abroad

Want to get work experience while you travel? This is the one for you. The Global Internship program sets you up with an internship in another country for about eight weeks. You get hands-on experience in your field, all while living in a new city.
Here's the vibe:
  • Work & Travel: It's the best of both worlds. You're building your career skills & exploring a new culture at the same time.
  • Academic Credit: You're not just working for free; you're earning academic credit for your internship.
  • Career-Focused: This is a HUGE resume booster. It shows future employers that you're adaptable, globally-minded, & not afraid of a challenge.
  • Structured: The program helps place you with a company or organization, taking some of the stress out of finding an international internship on your own.

4. UCLA Exchange: The Deep-Dive, Niche Experience

This is a smaller, more specialized program. UCLA has direct partnerships with a handful of specific universities for certain departments. For example, the Luskin School of Public Affairs has an exchange with the Hertie School in Berlin, & the Center for Korean Studies has one with Korea University in Seoul.
Here's the vibe:
  • Highly Specialized: These are for students who are really focused on a particular area of study & want an in-depth experience at a partner institution.
  • True Exchange: It’s a direct, one-for-one exchange, offering a very authentic international experience.
  • Limited Availability: Because it's a smaller program, you have to be on top of it. If you're interested, you should get in touch with your department ASAP to see what's available.

The Big Question: Where Can I Go?

Honestly, almost anywhere you can think of. With UCEAP alone, the list is MASSIVE. The most popular spots for Bruins are in Western Europe. The United Kingdom, France, Spain, & Italy are the heavy hitters, consistently drawing the most students. Over 75% of all UCLA study abroad students head to Europe.
But don't let that limit you! UCEAP has programs in places like:
  • Asia: Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan
  • Latin America: Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil
  • Africa: Ghana, South Africa, Egypt
  • Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Travel Study even offers some unique destinations not covered by UCEAP, like Greece, Belgium, & Peru. You can check the IEO website for the full, mind-boggling list of options. It's like a candy store for travelers.

The Nitty-Gritty: Applying & Deadlines

Okay, so you're hyped. You've browsed the programs & are already picturing yourself eating gelato in Florence. Now what? The application process can seem daunting, but it’s totally manageable if you break it down.
Here’s the most important thing to know: It's first-come, first-served. Seriously. Many of the most popular programs, especially in places like London, Seoul, or Sydney, fill up FAST. You can’t wait until the deadline to submit your application. You need to be ready to go the day it opens.

The Application Timeline

  1. Research Phase (4-12 months before you want to go): This is where you are now. Figure out which program type fits you best, where you want to go, & what courses you can take.
  2. Applications Open (Mid-November for Summer/Fall/Year): Mark your calendar. Applications for programs starting the following summer or fall open in mid-November.
  3. Applications Open (Mid-April for Winter/Spring): If you're aiming for a winter or spring departure, your window opens in mid-April.

The Two-Part Application (for UCEAP)

For UCEAP, which is the most common route, the application is a two-step process.
  • Part A: The UCEAP Application: This is the main application that you submit through the UCEAP portal. This is what reserves your spot in the program itself.
  • Part B: The UCLA IEO Application: This is for campus approval. UCLA needs to sign off on your plans. This is also done through the UCEAP portal.
You'll also need to get a clearance form from your specific college (e.g., College of Letters and Science, School of Arts and Architecture, etc.). It’s a good idea to get this sorted out ahead of time so you’re not scrambling.
The key takeaway? Start early, know your deadlines, & apply the moment the application goes live. You can even apply for programs in different terms at the same time (e.g., apply for a fall program & a spring program as a backup).

Let's Talk Money: Costs & Financial Aid

This is the big hurdle for a lot of people. Let's be real, studying abroad isn't cheap. Some programs can run over $40,000 when you factor in tuition, airfare, housing, & all the amazing food you'll be eating. But here is the good news: your UCLA financial aid can travel with you!

Using Your Financial Aid

If you receive financial aid, you can apply it to any UCEAP, Travel Study, or Global Internship program. A financial aid package can cover up to the full cost of the program, including tuition, program fees, airfare, meals, & books. You just need to have your FAFSA or California Dream Act application submitted by the deadline (usually early March, but check for extensions).
For UCEAP students on financial aid, there's another great perk: you are not responsible for the initial $950 program deposit. The fee will show up on your account, but it gets reversed once your aid package is processed. This is a HUGE help when you're already trying to save up for a plane ticket.
One thing to keep in mind: your aid usually doesn’t get disbursed until about 10 days before your program starts. This means you'll likely have to pay for your flight & any housing deposits out of pocket & then reimburse yourself later. So, start saving!

The Out-of-State Student Hack

If you’re an out-of-state student, listen up. You know that hefty non-resident supplemental tuition you pay each quarter? Well, for fall, winter, & spring programs, that cost gets added to your study abroad budget. However, summer is considered a "non-essential term." This means there is NO non-resident tuition for any of the summer programs. So, if you're an out-of-state student, going abroad in the summer could save you thousands of dollars compared to going during the academic year.

Scholarships, Scholarships, Scholarships!

On top of your regular financial aid, there are SO many scholarships specifically for studying abroad. The IEO website has a whole database of them. There are general merit & need-based scholarships, as well as program-specific ones.
Don't forget to look into big national scholarships like the Gilman Scholarship, which is for Pell Grant recipients. It's a fantastic opportunity that can make a huge difference.

What's It Really Like? The Student Perspective

Okay, so we've covered the logistics. But what does it actually feel like to be a Bruin abroad?
The consensus is pretty clear: it's an incredible, rewarding, & sometimes challenging experience. Students come back talking about how they gained a new sense of independence & a more "global mindset." One student who went to Spain mentioned the language barrier was tough at first, but having other UCLA students in the same boat made it a bonding experience.
Another student on the Shakespeare program in London raved about how the professor's connections with the Royal Shakespeare Company gave them access to actors & directors, something you just can't get in a classroom in LA. They also talked about having plenty of free time to explore on their own, which is a huge part of the adventure.
But it's not always easy. One student in South Korea mentioned that the summer monsoon season was a harsh switch from sunny California weather. Others note that finding courses that perfectly match your major requirements, especially for STEM majors, can be tricky but not impossible.
The experience will push you out of your comfort zone. You'll have to navigate public transportation in a language you don't speak, figure out foreign grocery stores, & learn to be self-reliant in a way you never have before. But that’s the point. The growth happens in those moments of challenge.
And hey, when you're away, you might find yourself needing a place to store all your dorm room stuff. You can’t exactly lug your microwave & mini-fridge to Paris. That's where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. It connects you with people in the area who have extra space in their garage, attic, or basement that you can rent for storage. It’s way more convenient & affordable than a traditional storage unit, so you can leave your belongings behind without worrying.
Similarly, if you're living off-campus and have a car, you're faced with what to do with it for a whole quarter or year. Instead of paying for expensive long-term airport parking, you could use Prked to find a local homeowner renting out their driveway or garage space. You can park your car securely for the duration of your trip, often for a fraction of the cost of other options. It’s a pretty smart way to handle the less glamorous logistics of your grand adventure.

The Final Word

Look, deciding to study abroad is a big decision. It takes planning, saving, & a little bit of courage. But ask anyone who's done it, & they'll almost certainly tell you it was worth it. It’s an opportunity to learn about another culture, make friends from around the world, & discover a new side of yourself.
UCLA provides an incredible array of options to fit almost any academic plan or personal interest. Whether you're doing a deep dive with UCEAP, a faculty-led tour with Travel Study, or building your career with a Global Internship, you're setting yourself up for an unforgettable experience.
So, start exploring the IEO website. Go to an info session. Talk to students who have gone before. It might seem like a lot of work now, but the memories, skills, & stories you'll come back with will last a lifetime.
Hope this was helpful & gives you a clearer picture of what's possible. Let me know what you think
;