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 ornate 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
Alt. Text: Vibrant, colorful buildings with metal roofs and laundry-lined balconies on a steep, urban hillside in Valparaíso, Chile.
Chile: Human Rights, Memory, and Democracy
Immerse yourself in Chile's transformative history and vibrant social movements, exploring grassroots mobilization, and the struggle for justice and democracy.
Next session: August 2026
Alt. Text: Daytime view of the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, Italy, with shops lining the structure and reflecting on the Arno River.
Italy: Immersive Artistry and Sketching
Discover Italy as you learn to draw and appreciate art in Todi. visit Renaissance masterpieces in Florence and Siena and explore ancient wonders of Rome.
Next Session: June 2026
Alt. Text: Exterior view of the ancient Colosseum in Rome, Italy, featuring its iconic multi-level stone arches under a bright blue sky.
Italy: Art, Culture, History in the Eternal City
Our classroom is Rome and nearby historical sites where we will study art, culture, and history that shaped European culture.
Next Session: June 2026
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:
- Only Undergraduate Admissions has the authority to determine transferability. The decisions made by the Department of Economics regarding equivalencies do not guarantee that the course is transferrable to UC Davis. Learn more about transfer credit at UC Davis here and UC Transfer Credit Policies here.
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.