New Study Abroad Programs Launched Opportunities Abound

LAS students have a plethora of study abroad opportunities to choose from, whether it’s exploring leadership in Sweden or technology and art in Berlin.

Now, those options have expanded even further around the globe. The team is launching seven new programs during the 2024-2025 academic year that will help students explore destinations ranging from the bustling streets of Taipei, to the medieval castles of Portugal, to a floating leadership laboratory in the Bahamas.

LAS Director of Study Abroad Mercedes Serracin said it’s not unusual to launch many new programs at once. In fact, she’d like to see it happen more often.

“A program’s heart and success is the program director or directors,” she said. “If you find people committed to providing these high-impact opportunities for the students, we will do all we can to help them launch the programs. It is always more work for us, but we know it’s worth it! If we had the resources to put behind more programs, we would add new programs every year. We need to increase programs to geographical regions that are not well represented, and some of our latest programs fall into that category.”

Breaking News: Universities Launch New Global Study Abroad Programs to Enhance Student Experience

As Universities worldwide adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education and the increasing demand for international exposure, many institutions have rolled out exciting new study abroad programs designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and global perspective necessary for success in a rapidly changing world. From innovative virtual learning platforms to immersive internships and sustainability focused initiatives, universities are offering a wide array of opportunities for students to study, work, and experience cultures around the world.

• Here are the latest updates on new and enhanced study abroad programs launched by leading universities:

University of California Launches Global Internship Initiative

The University of California (UC) system is stepping up its global engagement by launching a new Global Internship Program that offers students the chance to work remotely or in-person with organizations around the world. This initiative focuses on providing students with hands-on, real-world experience in fields such as technology, business, sustainability, and public health, all while earning academic credit.

Key Features:

• Remote and in-person internships with over 30 global partners, including tech giants like Google and international NGOs.

• Focus on industries driving global change, such as renewable energy, social impact, and innovation.

• Hybrid learning options to cater to diverse schedules and global time zones.

UC students can now gain professional experience without leaving home, or immerse themselves in international work environments. This program positions UC as a leader in integrating virtual learning with global career development.

One of the largest public university systems in the world is the University of California (UC) which is also one of the most respected. It has ten campuses across the state of California as well as a significant amount of educational, research, and service endeavors. On this page, the reader will find descriptive information regarding different dimensions of the University of California, such as campuses, courses of study, admission, and application dates.

Overview of the University of California System

The University of California system was established in 1868 and is renowned for its excellence in education, research, and public service. It is made up of 10 campuses:

• UC Berkeley (UC Berkeley): The flagship campus, known for its academic rigor, research, and political activism.

• UC Los Angeles (UCLA): A leading campus in both the arts and sciences, also known for its athletic programs.

• UC San Diego (UCSD) Known for its research in the biological and social sciences, particularly in oceanography.

• UC Davis (UC Davis): Famous for its veterinary medicine, agriculture, and environmental science programs.

• UC Santa Barbara (UCSB): A top campus in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

• UC Irvine (UCI): Known for its research in technology, health sciences, and the arts.

• UC Santa Cruz (UCSC): A smaller campus with a strong focus on environmental studies and the arts.

• UC Riverside (UCR): Known for its diverse student body and strong programs in agriculture and business.

• UC Merced (UC Merced): The newest UC campus, with strong programs in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences.

• UC San Francisco (UCSF): Specializes in health sciences and medical research, offering graduate programs in medicine, pharmacy, and public health.

Academic Programs

The University of California offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Some of the top areas of study at UC campuses include:

• Humanities & Social Sciences: Psychology, History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, etc.

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Physics, etc.

• Health Sciences: Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Public Health, Nursing, etc.

• Business & Management: UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and UCLA’s Anderson School of Management are highly ranked.

• Law: UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Hastings (San Francisco) have law schools with national recognition.

• Arts & Media: Music, Theater, Film, Art, Dance, etc.

• Environmental Studies: Strong programs at UC Santa Barbara, UC Berkeley, and UC Davis.

Admissions to UC Campuses

Admissions to UC campuses are competitive, especially for undergraduate and graduate programs. Here is a breakdown of the general admissions process:

Undergraduate Admissions

• Application Period: The University of California has a single application that is accepted from October 1 to November 30 for fall admission (for the following academic year).

• Requirements: High school diploma (or equivalent), completion of required coursework (A-G requirements), standardized test scores (formerly SAT/ACT, though these are currently suspended), and an application essay.

• Application Link: UC Application Portal

Graduate Admissions

• Application Process: Each UC campus has its own graduate division and the application process may vary by program. Most graduate programs require submission of:

  • Transcripts

  • Letters of Recommendation

  • Personal Statement

  • GRE scores (for some programs, though many have waived this)

  • Application Fee

• Application Link: UC Graduate Admissions

Transfer Students

UC campuses also have programs tailored for transfer students from other colleges. These students must meet specific transfer requirements, which generally include:

• Completion of specific courses (General Education requirements)

• Minimum GPA requirements (varies by campus and program)

• Application Link: UC Transfer Admission

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The University of California offers several forms of financial aid to students, including:

• UC Grants: Need-based grants for California residents.

• Federal Aid: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) eligibility.

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Offered to high-achieving students, typically based on academic performance or specific talent.

• External Scholarships: UC students can apply for scholarships from outside sources like corporations, non-profits, and private foundations.

• UC Financial Aid Portal: UC Financial Aid

Research and Innovation

The University of California system is a leader in research, with billions of dollars in annual research funding across its campuses. UC campuses are known for cutting-edge research in fields like:

• Medical Research: UCSF, UCLA, UC San Diego

• Technology & Engineering: UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara

• Environmental Science: UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara

• Social Sciences & Humanities: UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Cruz

UC Deadlines (2024)

Campus Life & Student Services

UC campuses offer a vibrant student life with many resources, organizations, and activities:

• Student Clubs & Organizations: Each campus has a variety of student-run organizations ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational ones.

• Student Housing: Most UC campuses offer on-campus housing, and there are also resources for finding off-campus housing.

• Counseling & Mental Health: UC campuses provide mental health services, counseling, and support for students' well-being.

• Career Services: Each UC campus offers career counseling, job search resources, internships, and networking opportunities.

Deadlines for 2024 Admissions

Below are some important deadlines related to admissions and applications to UC schools:

UC Application for Fall 2024:

• Filing Period: October 1 – November 30, 2023

• Deadline for Submission: November 30, 2023 (for Fall 2024)

Graduate Program Deadlines:

Varies by program and campus. Most graduate programs at UC have deadlines in December through February. For specific program deadlines (graduate or undergraduate), it’s important to check the relevant UC campus or department website.

Notable UC Alumni

The University of California system has produced numerous notable alumni, including:

• Politicians: Kamala Harris (Vice President of the U.S.), Jerry Brown (Former Governor of California)

•  Feynman (Nobel-winning physicist)

• Actors/Directors: Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Francis Ford Coppola

• Nobel Laureates & Other Award Winners: UC faculty and alumni have won numerous Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, and other prestigious awards.

• Entrepreneurs: Steve Jobs (Apple), Larry Page and Sergey Brin (Google)

• Scientists: Barbara McClintock (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Richard

Research & Global Impact

UC is a global leader in various fields of research, including:

• Health and Medicine: UCSF is one of the leading medical research institutions, while UCLA, UCSD, and UC Berkeley are also at the forefront of medical innovations.

• Environmental Studies: UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Davis are known for their environmental programs and research on climate change, sustainability, and agriculture.

• Technology and Innovation: UC Berkeley and UC San Diego are major contributors to research in technology, with close ties to Silicon Valley and other tech hubs.