SUMMER-ABROAD.UCDAVIS.EDU May 12, 2008 02:48 PM
Study abroad programs provide students with opportunities for personal development and academic enrichment. Participating in a Summer Abroad program can help students gain a new perspective on the way they see themselves and the world. In addition, students can gain an international perspective on their discipline-a quality increasingly important to prospective employers. Research suggests that intercultural experiences help in personal development and can give students an edge for medical, law, and graduate school admissions. Many organizations, including Congress, see the value in international education and are encouraging more Americans to study abroad (see Study Abroad in the News). A study abroad experience also affords students the opportunity to increase cross-cultural awareness through meeting new friends from all over the world. Last, the time is right: students seldom get a better opportunity to study abroad than during their undergraduate years.
UC Davis Summer Abroad programs offer students high quality academic courses in an international setting. Our instructors have designed the programs so that the natural and cultural resources available on site complement course content. These UC Davis instructors also provide on site instruction and accompany program participants on group field trips. The courses correspond to those listed in the UC Davis course catalogue, so with the help of a major advisor, students can easily determine how a particular course will apply to their graduation requirements. In addition, Summer Abroad programs are open to all students-from freshmen to graduating seniors-and can provide a helpful introduction to international education for those contemplating a longer program abroad.
In addition, the UC Davis Summer Abroad program can make study abroad accessible to students whose academic, athletic, or personal commitments limit their ability to enroll in off-campus activities. Because our programs run about four weeks, students with full schedules during the traditional school year can participate in the benefits of an international study experience-while gaining eight units of credit-in a summer program. Because most programs are taught in English, students interested in studying in Russia, Sweden, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Germany, China, Spain, or a Latin American destination can learn about and experience that other culture without prior study in the language.
The UC Davis fees for Summer Abroad programs range from $3000-$6200, depending on location. To find fees for a particular program, please visit the individual program page (in alphabetical order by country). A description of Summer Abroad fees and payment schedule is in the Summer Abroad Student Handbook (pages 7-8) as well as on the Program Fees and Payment section of this website.
Most students do not realize that using financial aid and scholarships can make study abroad more affordable. Loans, grants, and scholarships may be applied to help fund a Summer Abroad program. For more information on funding resources, please visit the Scholarships and Awards page.
Since our programs are intensive, students will have very little free time during the program. We suggest visits after the program, when he/she will be able to spend more time with you.
Student safety is paramount. While no one can guarantee safety, UC Davis Summer Abroad has several health and safety measures in place. Summer Abroad staff monitors current international political, social, and economic conditions and events in program locations. When planning programs and activities, our staff and faculty take precautions in light of this information so that participants have the safest possible experience abroad. In addition, faculty and staff at the program site are available to oversee student safety and to support students who need medical assistance while abroad.
Summer Abroad educates and prepares students for travel. Prior to departure, students receive health and safety information and about their program in the Summer Abroad Student Handbook (SASH) on pages 14-26, and in their Program Specific Guide (ask your son/daughter to give you a copy), and during the pre-departure orientation on Saturday, May 17, 2008. In addition, all students receive travel/accident insurance, which is included in the program cost. Our staff also provides students with the information needed to register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their host country, and participants are registered as a group with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their host country.
We encourage students and parents to familiarize themselves with-and maintain an awareness of-the political, social, and economic climate of their host country before departure and during participation. The Summer Abroad and Education Abroad Center websites provide students and parents with important links related to health and safety while studying abroad, such as the Traveler's Health information available from the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State's Travel Safety Information for Study Abroad.
No. Summer Abroad offers a variety of courses taught in English. Many of the programs taught in English are offered in non-English speaking countries.
Accommodations vary by program. Students may stay in residence halls, apartments, shared houses, hostels, or hotels. Specific housing information can be found through the Programs and Courses page and in your student's Program Specific Guide. In addition, Summer Abroad staff can assist you or your student with questions about housing.
Students do not need to wait until their junior year to study abroad. Many Summer Abroad programs are open to freshmen, sophomores, graduating seniors, and alumni.
Parents are welcome to attend the Spring Orientation on Saturday, May 17, 2008 on the UC Davis campus. This orientation includes both a general meeting for all students and a program-specific meeting with the instructor.
On the day of the orientation students will attend a general orientation where they will receive information about preparing for travel including handouts on emergency procedures, and on health and safety. The general orientation will be followed by a program specific orientation which is when the instructors will give an overview of the program's academic focus and provide specific advice about local currency, weather, and food. In the afternoon, students and parents are invited to attend one of several optional workshops such as self-defense techniques, how to pack for international travel, and cultural awareness. A detailed schedule will be available in mid-April.
We encourage parents to read the Summer Abroad Student Handbook (SASH), which includes more advice about keeping in touch with loved ones, obtaining needed vaccines, packing effectively, and purchasing airfare. The Program Specific Guide (PSG) will contain specific information about which airport to enter through, how to travel to the accommodations, and what to bring-including textbooks. Participants will have access to the PSG through the student log-in. Ask your student to show you the PSG.
Summer Abroad invites you to contact our staff if you have any questions or concerns. Call 1-800-SUMMER6 or stop by our office at 207 Third Street (corner of 3rd and A Streets) for information on our programs, policies, and procedures. Program information as well as links to several helpful study abroad resources can also be found at the EAC (eac.ucdavis.edu) and Summer Abroad Web sites.