Global Learning
Why Study Abroad?
There are wide ranges of study abroad programs available to students in all majors at UC Davis. From freshmen to seniors, students study abroad on programs that offer units that they can earn towards their major, minor, and General Education requirements.
Where can I Study Abroad?
You can study abroad in any location you wish! The Global Learning Programs Search Tool allows students to quickly and easily search programs related to their global learning interests. Students can search by program type, term, region of the world, or subject area.
When can I Study Abroad?
While it is possible to go abroad at almost any point in your academic career, we recommend that you meet with your major advisor to understand your remaining requirements and how study abroad fits into your overall academic plan.
Alt. Text: Pedestrians walk along a sunny, historic street in Vienna, Austria, lined with grand architecture and the Pestsäule monument.
Austria: "Crossroads of Central Europe"
From the Renaissance to the United Nations, experience life and history in one of Europe's grand imperial capitals.
Program Instagram Account: @ucdavis.in.vienna
Vienna flyer 2026_1-16 Info Session.pdf
Note: HIS 102S can be applied towards Europe OR to satisfy the HIS seminar requirement! Note: HIS 198 for this program CAN apply towards the major as a upper division HIS Europe course or upper division HIS additional course.
Information Sessions
The professor is holding information sessions where you can learn more about the program and ask questions:
- Monday, November 9, 2026, 12–1 p.m.
Alt Text: Aerial panoramic view of a historic stone fortress on a small coastal peninsula surrounded by deep blue ocean waters.
Puerto Rico—Unbound Histories, Livable Futures
This summer, Professor Lisa Materson and Professor Diana Aramburu will co-lead a UC Davis study abroad program, Puerto Rico—Unbound Histories, Livable Futures, from June 15 to July 5, 2027. Students will spend three weeks exploring Puerto Rico's history, politics, art, and culture, visiting historical and cultural sites, and meeting with local artists, scholars, and activists. It will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about Puerto Rico firsthand
Note: HIS 102S can be applied towards U.S or Latin America OR to satisfy the HIS seminar requirement! Note: HIS 198 is a 1 unit P/NP and CANNOT apply towards the History Major.
Information Sessions
The professors are holding information sessions where you can learn more about the program and ask questions:
- Monday, November 16, 2026, 12:10–1:10 p.m.
Financial aid can be used for study abroad, and scholarships are available! You can find more information about funding opportunities.
Frequency Asked Questions
Department Policy for Study Abroad
Our Advising Center encourages students to study abroad but there are specific policies students must be aware of:
UC and Education Abroad Institutions
- UC courses and Education Abroad courses are accepted as long as they transfer as a History course and at least 4 units (ex. HIS, HIST, HISE)
- UC online courses must be reviewed and held to the four year institution standards.
Four Year Institutions
- Upper division credit given at UCD if the course was upper division at a transfer institution (typically 4 year institutes).
- The course must show up on transcript as HIS (History ex. HIS, HIST, HISE). Non-History courses are not accepted
- Syllabus must be submitted that shows readings and writing assignments.
How Students can apply coursework abroad to their History degree
UC and Education Abroad Institutions:
- UC courses and Education Abroad courses are accepted as long as they transfer as History course and at least 4 units.
- UC online courses must be reviewed and held to the four year institution standards.
- The Department of History does not have an external database for previously articulated courses.
Four Year Institutions:
- Upper division credit given at UCD if course was upper division at transfer institution (typically 4 year institutes).
- Course must show up on transcript as HIS (History). Non-History courses are not accepted.
- Syllabus must be submitted that shows readings and writing assignments.
For courses that are related to History but do not transfer under HIS, HIST, or HISE, you can submit an equivalency request:
PLEASE NOTE: Only Undergraduate Admissions has the authority to determine transferability. The decisions made by the Department of History regarding equivalencies do not guarantee that the course is transferable to UC Davis. Learn more about transfer credit at UC Davis here and UC Transfer Credit Policies here.
How can I get help funding my program?
The Scholarships & Funding Search Tool allows students to filter funding opportunities based on programs, degree level, term, subject, region of the world, or type of award.
How does senior residency affect going abroad?
- The minimum senior residence requirement for a bachelor’s degree at the University of California is one academic year (three quarters). Thirty-five of the final 45 quarter units completed by each candidate must be earned while in residence on the UC Davis campus (UC Regulations of the Academic Senate 630)¹. Each summer session in which a student completes a course of at least 2 quarter units may be counted as half a quarter’s residence.
- While registered in the College of Letters and Science, a minimum of 27 upper division units, including 18 upper division units in the major, must be completed on the Davis campus.
- Work completed while registered in the UC Education Abroad Program or the UC Davis Extension Open Campus Program does not satisfy the College Residence requirements.
- If you are planning to study abroad during your senior year, you consult your college dean's office.
Visit the Global Learning Hub for more information on opportunities available.
Our Advising Center encourages students to study abroad. We offer programs taught by UC Davis faculty, and approve courses from all over the world. If you're interested in studying abroad, the Department of History in collaboration with the UC Davis Summer Abroad program offers three exciting programs led by our UC Davis faculty. Please check with the Global Learning Hub to find out when these programs are next going to be offered.
Advisor Tips
- Before going abroad, it is always a good idea to consult with your major advisor about your study abroad plans. For some programs, such as UCEAP, you are required to meet with your major advisor as part of the application process and to complete forms. You may be able to fulfill major requirements while abroad so it’s recommended, and sometimes mandatory, to create an academic plan with your major advisor while applying for a particular study abroad program.
- While abroad, you may need to remain in contact with your major advisor for academic advising regarding specific courses.
- Be sure to keep documentation, such as all course descriptions and syllabi.
- When you return, see your major advisor as needed.
Major Planning
Best times to study abroad as a UCD History major
- Summer abroad programs are a great option if you’re worried about missing out on campus life during the academic year. Many students find that the ideal time to go is the summer after their freshman or sophomore year, since opportunities like internships and career development often become a higher priority after junior year.
- If you’re considering a quarter or semester abroad, students often recommend sophomore year or junior fall. These terms typically have fewer major campus events than spring, and choosing these windows still allows you to enjoy a full first year on campus and a full final year before graduation.