Study Abroad
CED encourages all CED undergraduate students to study abroad.
Whether you are interested in fulfilling the seven course breadth requirements, taking electives, completing courses related to your major/career, or simply living and studying in a country that is of interest to you, we will work with you to make it happen.
Studying abroad is an adventure that builds self-confidence, valuable skills, and global perspectives on your major. There is no better time in life to travel, meet people from around the world who share your passions and goals, experience foreign cultures, taste new foods, and grow your understanding of the world.
Study abroad programs are offered for one semester, a full academic year, or a summer session. With careful planning and guidance from a CED academic advisor and a Berkeley Study Abroad advisor, you can complete a program without delaying graduation.
Types of Programs
| Berkeley Summer Study Abroad | UC Berkeley’s own study abroad program featuring intensive summer programs led by Berkeley faculty and lecturers. |
| Berkeley Global Internships | UC Berkeley academic internship program with placements in the San Francisco Bay Area and locations around the globe. |
| UCEAP | UC systemwide study abroad program offers summer, semester, and year options in 45 countries worldwide. |
| Other UC Summer Programs | UC Summer Abroad programs offer students short, intensive faculty-led academic courses taught by world-class UC faculty. |
| Independent Programs (typically minimal financial aid) | Study, internship, and volunteer programs from non-UC institutions and providers. |
For additional programs and more detailed information, see the Berkeley Study Abroad Program Providers at a Glance handout here and the Berkeley Study Abroad website.
“Friendships and culture experience are the two most valuable things I took away from this trip. Interning/studying abroad expanded my horizon and gave me an insight into what is possible beyond the Berkeley bubble.”
CED'S RECOMMENDED STEPS TO STUDY ABROAD
- Step 1: Clarify Personal Goals
- Step 2: Explore Your Options
- Step 3: Meet with Advisors
- Step 4: Apply to a Program
- Step 5: Complete Graduation Plan and Pre-Program Requirements
- Step 6: Study Abroad
- Step 7: Meet with your CED Academic Advisor
- More Info
Reflect on your personal, academic, and professional priorities and goals for your experience abroad using the Berkeley Study Abroad Program Planning Worksheet. When and where you wish to study abroad, the duration of your stay, whether or not you wish to satisfy degree requirements abroad, and financial needs are all important factors to consider before researching your options. Clarity in regards to these factors will help you narrow down your options and provide you focus while exploring the vast array of study abroad options available.
Explore your options using the Berkeley Study Abroad website. The Study Abroad Search Tool allows you to explore by term, location, language of instruction, and program provider. Each result includes a link to the corresponding program website for additional information. Be sure to review the detailed eligibility on each individual program listing. Program eligibility is determined by the program provider.
Interested in a UCEAP program? Filter by discipline using the UCEAP Search Tool.
Join the Berkeley Study Abroad mailing list to stay up to date on events and deadlines.
Attend events put on my the Berkeley Study Abroad Office including the Study Abroad Fair.
Review our Academic Planning webpage to view a sample of programs related to the built environment, lists of pre-approved courses for degree requirements, and CED’s policies regarding study abroad.
Visit 250 Bauer Wurster Hall to meet with a CED Academic Advisor and discuss your study abroad interests with an advisor. Together, you will create a graduation plan including the term you wish to study abroad. Ensure all degree requirements can be satisfied in time for graduation, including senior residency.
Visit 160 Stephens Hall and meet with a Berkeley Study Abroad Advisor during drop-in hours to discuss your program interests, application requirements, applicable deadlines, and required paperwork.
Meet with a counselor from the Berkeley Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to discuss and understand your funding options.
Application deadlines can be up to 10 months in advance of the program start date.
If you are accepted to a program, complete any next steps required by your program to complete the application process by the given deadlines.
Meet with a CED academic advisor to finalize your graduation plan and, if necessary, adjust your expected graduation date in Cal Central. Confirm you will meet senior residency requirements with your program plan.
Enjoy your time abroad!
Check in with a CED Academic Advisor about your remaining graduation plan.
If you enjoyed your experience and would recommend your program and classes to other CED students, speak with a CED advisor about adding your recommendations to the CED website and or tell us about your experience by submitting a testimonial here.
“I learned a lot about European building practices and culture that shapes their eco-friendly cities. Europe is an amazing hub for startups and new eco-friendly ideas. Berlin, especially, is a must for anyone interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle”