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University of San Diego International Center

The University of San Diego is committed to actively promoting awareness, appreciation, and respect for the complexity of cultural, political, environmental, and social issues worldwide while creating a campus environment that builds theoretical and practical skills needed to interact effectively in today’s global society. To that end, the USD International Center houses both the Office of International Studies Abroad and the Office of International Students and Scholars, which collaborate with various units across campus to help internationalize the USD campus.

Office of International Studies Abroad

USD undergraduates in good standing may apply for a variety of international study abroad programs affiliated with the university. USD grants academic credit and grades for the programs listed in the following pages. To ensure the proper recording of units, USD students may not enroll independently, or through another institution, in a USD-affiliated program.

Students who wish to study abroad on a USD-affiliated program must have taken a minimum of 40 units at the college level with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher, and must take a minimum of 15 units while participating in the program. Students placed on academic probation and those having a deficiency notice at midterm will be disqualified, regardless of expenses incurred. Additional questionable academic or disciplinary records will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Application requirements and deadlines vary by program.

Tuition for the affiliated programs is paid directly to USD and is equivalent to the USD tuition rate for full-time students. All other fees are either paid to USD (Spain only) or are charged by and paid directly to the sponsoring institution. Tuition remission may not be applied to USD affiliated programs. Tuition must be paid in full to USD 10 days prior to program start date. The USD tuition installment plan is not available for study abroad. The majority of financial assistance awarded through USD is applicable for one semester abroad with an affiliated program. Some fees incurred by the sponsoring institution may not be covered by USD financial assistance. Students may study abroad for a maximum of one academic year; however, to satisfy the requirements for a degree, students must earn the final 30 units of credit at the University of San Diego campus. Application deadlines for most programs take place in February (fall semester applicants) or September (spring semester applicants). To contact the Office of International Studies Abroad, please call (619) 260-4598 or go to www.sandiego/edu/international

Argentina

Buenos Aires - Semester and Intersession

The University of San Diego offers three-week faculty-led programs as well as semester programs in Buenos Aires. Students who participate in the faculty-led programs will select a course in either business or Spanish. While studying at the prestigious FLACSO (Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales) in Buenos Aires, students in the Spanish program focus on language and cultural immersion through the study of Argentine literature and cultural issues. Students in the business program explore the Latin American business environment, incorporating company and site visits as well as guest speakers. Students who opt for the semester program will choose from a variety of disciplines including art, environmental studies, cinema, history, international business, literature, political science, psychology, and sociology. Courses are taught in both English and Spanish. Students with advanced language also have an opportunity to take courses with Argentine students at the local universities.

Australia

Sydney - Semester

Students have the opportunity to study at either the International College of Management, which specializes in business, the University of Technology, which specializes in engineering, or at Macquarie University, which offers courses from a wide range of disciplines. Depending on the university, students will be housed in on-campus residences or live in apartments off-campus with international students.

Queensland - Semester

Students have the option to participate in two distinct types of programs in Queensland. Science courses are offered at James Cook University and Queensland University of Technology. Engineering courses are also offered at Queensland University of Technology. Depending on the selected university, students will either be housed in on-campus residences or live in apartments off-campus with Australians or other international students. Students majoring in sciences can choose the program through the School for Field Studies (SFS), which offers courses in rainforest ecology, principles of forest management, environmental policy and socioeconomic values. Students are housed in cabins at the Center for Rainforest Studies. Opportunities for community involvement and social activities include meeting with Aboriginal leaders to learn more about their culture, helping local conservation groups plant rainforest seedlings, hosting community dinners, participating in short home stays, and attending bush dances and festivals.

Austria

Vienna - Semester

Students with an interest in German, history, music, literature, political science, and international business are strongly encouraged to apply to this semester program. Courses are taught in both English and German and students are housed in private residences throughout the city. To enhance the academic and cultural experience, optional excursions are available to locations such as Berlin, Budapest, the Danube Valley, Dresden, Krakow, Prague, and Weimar, as well as opportunities to ski in the Austrian Alps.

Salzburg - Summer

In this three-week faculty-led program, students will have the opportunity to hike the dramatic Austrian terrain, experience Germanic culture and improve their German-speaking skills, all while earning three units of USD German credit.

British West Indies

Turks And Caicos Islands - Semester

Students who participate in this semester program, run by the School for Field Studies (SFS), will learn about tropical marine ecology and environmental management. Students will also participate in field research to provide the local government, community, and tourism developers with advice that will help sustain the economic, societal, and ecological stability of the South Caicos and its island community. Students share living quarters in the residential wings of the Center for Marine Resource Studies. Community involvement opportunities include reading, tutoring, and volunteer projects at the local library and grade school, providing swimming lessons for local children, and hosting “SEA DAY” at the field station to introduce elementary students to the marine environment.

China

Beijing - Semester

Students with an interest in business, Chinese, literature, political science, or art history are well suited for this semester program. Extensive study trips during the program give students a first-hand look at Chinese society.

Hong Kong - Intersession

University of San Diego’s School of Business Administration is proud to offer this three-week faculty-led program, specifically tailored to business students who wish to earn upper-division business credit while exploring this dynamic metropolis. Guest speakers and local company visits complement the academic portion in the areas of business, management, real estate and finance. Students are housed in dormitory-style rooms in the city center. Exciting excursions to Mainland China and Macau are arranged to provide students the opportunity to explore other areas within this great nation.

Costa Rica

Atenas - Semester

The Atenas program is specifically designed for science majors who will examine the effects of globalization on classic sustainability issues such as agro-ecology, national park protection, economic development, urban sprawl, population growth, trash management, and air quality. Visits to cloud forests, dry forests, volcanic parks, lowland rainforests, and plantations offer opportunities to examine management schemes, identify the benefits of protected areas, and determine which systems offer the best option for economic development, the maintenance of cultural norms, and the preservation of biodiversity.

Puntarenas - Semester

This semester program is ideal for students who are interested in learning the Spanish language while studying the diverse cultures of Latin America. Courses taught during this program include Spanish, environmental studies, art history, economics, biology, communications, and marine biology. Additionally, a wide array of internships are available for Spanish-speaking biology majors.

Heredia - Semester

Students who participate in this semester program live with Costa Rican families and may enroll in Spanish, biology, art history, political science or environmental sciences courses. Classes are taught in both English and Spanish and internships are available for chemistry majors.

England

London - Summer

Students who participate in this three-week faculty-led summer program will select a course from a variety of disciplines which in the past have included theater, English, political science, philosophy, communication studies, and theology and religious studies.

Oxford - Semester

St. Clare’s Liberal Arts Program

Founded in 1953, the St. Clare’s Liberal Arts Program caters to students who wish to supplement their university studies with a semester of liberal arts courses in England. St. Clare’s provides a truly international setting as students from all over the world participate in their programs. High achieving students participating in the St. Clare’s program have the opportunity to study with a scholar at Blackfriar’s Hall, a permanent private hall and one of the most prestigious halls at the University of Oxford. The St. Clare’s curriculum includes four core courses and one tutorial (a one-on-one independent study with a professor). In addition to the normal course load, St. Clare’s offers a variety of thematically-inspired seminars for which students can earn additional credit. Students with a qualified GPA will also be able to apply for one of the prestigious scholarships offered by St. Clare’s which affords the recipient the opportunity to study at an Oxford University college with an Oxford fellow.

Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Founded in 1975, the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program is designed for students who wish to complete part of their education in Oxford with an intense focus on the interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. This private institute in Oxford offers students specialized training in Medieval and Renaissance Studies or a more general training in the liberal arts. The curriculum includes a short-term course, one seminar course, and two tutorials (a one-on-one intensive study with a professor).

European – Moroccan Tour

Intersession

Explore the souks of Fez, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, stare in awe at the beauty of the Alhambra in Granada … these are just a few sights students will encounter while participating in this three week traveling course. Conducted during intersession, this USD faculty-led course visits various countries in Western Europe as well as crosses the Straight of Gibraltar to lead students into North Africa. Course content includes a series of briefings from leading European academic, military, literary, and political personalities and experts on the European relationship with the Islamic world. Countries visited in the past have included: Spain, Belgium, France, and Morocco.

France

Aix-En-Provence – Semester and Summer

Students in the semester program can take courses that focus on European studies, French language and literature, and the fine arts. Although most courses are conducted in English, students are required to study French as part of their academic schedule. The short-term summer program in Aix-en-Provence offers students a variety of courses to select from, including business, art history, communication, French language, literature and political science.

Avignon - Semester

This semester program is designed for students who wish to have a more concentrated French linguistic and cultural experience. The curriculum includes intensive work in French language as well as courses in art, history, philosophy, and political science.

Paris - Semester

Through this semester program students have the opportunity to study in a variety of disciplines in France’s capital at some of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious universities: La Sorbonne, American Business School and l’Université Catholique. Disciplines include: accounting, art, art history, architecture, economics, English, French, French literature, finance, history, law, management, marketing, math, philosophy, photography, political science, psychology, and sociology.

French Polynesia

Tahiti, Moorea - Intersession

This field-based intersession program is three weeks long and is led by USD faculty. The program will include both a 12-day “shore” component and a seven-day “at sea” component. The shore component will be held at the Gump Research Station and/or CRIOBE Research station in Moorea, French Polynesia and will include lectures, land, and snorkeling field excursions exploring Moorea’s island, lagoon, and reef. The seven-day “at sea” component will be held in the waters of the southern Society Islands aboard the Robert C. Seamans, a 134-foot steel brigantine sailing research vessel equipped with state-of-the-art oceanographic sampling equipment. This program is for students who enjoy the mental and physical challenge of living and working in the field and at sea. Students should expect an intensive schedule of lectures, activities, and field projects.

Germany

Eichstätt-Ingolstadt - Semester

Students in this program will study at the Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, the largest private university in Germany. There are five main faculties within the university. They are: Faculty of Catholic Theology, Faculty of Philosophy and Education, Faculty of Languages and Literatures, Faculty of History and Social Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Geography, and the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics.

Freiburg Im Breisgau - Semester

Freiburg, located in southwestern Germany near the French and Swiss borders, is a historic university town, renowned for its distinctive medieval architecture, varied cultural life, and the natural beauty of the countryside. The University of San Diego offers two programs in Freiburg; one that focuses on German studies, while the other focuses on the European Union. Students who enroll in the semester-long German studies program will primarily focus on increasing their proficiency in German. This is an intensive language program suited for students who plan to major or minor in German. Students who enroll in the semester-long European Union program will participate in a 10-day field trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Court of Justice in Luxembourg, the Commission and Council of the EU in Brussels, the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and the OECD in Paris. This program is of particular interest to political science and economic majors/minors. Instruction is in English, although students are required to enroll in one German course.

Munich - Summer

Munich is the third largest city in Germany as well as the capital of the state of Bavaria. The School of Business Administration offers a six-week traveling program: two weeks in San Diego followed by two weeks in Strasbourg, France and finally two weeks in Munich. This program is intended for business majors and minors who are interested in gaining upper-division business credit.

Global E3 Engineering Program

Various Countries – Semester

This programs offers engineering majors a unique opportunity to take engineering courses and participate in internships in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Greece

Athens – Semester

This program is well-suited for students interested in the history and civilization of Greece and the Mediterranean region and offers a wide range of courses. Disciplines that are offered include art/archaeology, classical languages, environmental studies, ethnography, history, literature, modern Greek, philosophy, political science/international relations, and theology.

Guatemala

San Martin, Jilotepeque, Panajachel, Antigua - Intersession

This short-term faculty-led program offers courses in sociology/ethnic studies and educational leadership. Students in the sociology/ethnic studies course will be exposed to the various dimensions of what constitutes community and how to apply the tools of community organizing, consensus-building, and sustaining commitment in addressing social issues. The educational leadership course is designed to provide knowledge and understanding of the leadership and administration of youth and human service organizations. While in Guatemala, all students will participate in a community service-learning project based upon the principles of community and consensus organizing and have the opportunity to witness these techniques in action.

Hungary

Budapest – Semester

This program is taught at Technical University Budapest and is well suited for mathematics and computer science majors in their junior/senior years The instructors of Budapest Semesters in Mathematics are members of Eotvos University and the Mathematical Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the two institutions known for having educated more than half of Hungary’s highly acclaimed mathematicians.

India

Delhi, Bodhgaya, Sarnath - Interession

Using film, literature, dialogue, an analysis of current events, and field research, students will learn about religious pluralism in Indian society and the theoretical issues involved in understanding inter-religious dialogue and conflict. Classes are held at daily site visits, including temples, museums and common areas overlooking important religious buildings and sanctuaries relating to the content of the lectures.

Ireland

Cork - Semester

USD students may choose to study for a semester in Cork, Ireland, at the University College Cork (UCC). The university offers courses in a variety of disciplines such as business, art history, literature, science and more. In addition to the regular university semester, students who attend UCC in the fall take part in a pre-semester seminar where they earn either business, anthropology, environmental sciences, political science, history or literature credit. This four-week seminar is required for all USD fall semester participants and offers a closer look at Ireland through the respective academic lenses.

Italy

Florence - Semester

This semester program offers students the chance to study a variety of disciplines including art, art history, business, Italian, history, anthropology, architecture, literature, philosophy, theology and women’s studies. Courses are taught in English, however an Italian language course is also required.

Milan - Semester

Students will study for a full semester at the Università Cattolica, which provides the modern amenities and conveniences of a university campus. Courses are taught in English by Italian professors in art history, history, literature, music, theater and political science.

Perugia - Summer

All participants of this three-week summer program will live and study at the Casa del Sacro Cuore, a remodeled hilltop villa overlooking the Umbrian countryside. This program is specifically for students who wish to study Italian right at its source. Students will have the opportunity to travel the Italian countryside, experience Italian culture, improve their Italian-speaking skills, all while earning three units of USD credit.

Rome - Summer

Business students who participate in this six-week summer course will have the opportunity to earn six upper-division business units while enjoying the beauty of this magnificent city. Company visits and cultural excursions complement the in-class coursework. Two weeks of study in San Diego will be followed with four weeks of lecture in Rome.

Jamaica

Falmouth, Negril - Summer

Falmouth is located on Jamaica’s north coast. This three-week, faculty-led summer program offers students the opportunity to study the history and culture of Jamaica. Students also have the opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary research project examining the social and ecological impact of new hotel development in Falmouth. A cornerstone of the Jamaica study abroad program is the community service/immersion component. USD students visit a local elementary school, help lead classes, and interact with the children in an effort to better know Jamaican culture. Other opportunities include the Granville Place of Safety, a residential facility for girls who, for a variety of reasons, have been marginalized. Students also visit sites of cultural, literary, and historical significance including tours of Falmouth, visits to former plantation “great houses,” and a trip to an extremely rare bioluminescence bay.

Japan

Nagoya - Semester

Students who participate in this semester program will live with Japanese families and have the opportunity to take courses in art, business, economics, Japanese and literature.

Tokyo - Intersession

During the three-week intersession program, students are fully immersed in the Japanese culture while studying the Japanese language.

Mexico

Baja California – Summer and Semester

The University of San Diego offers two field study programs in Baja California. Students can participate in either a three-week faculty-led summer program or a semester-long program. The three-week summer program is a multi-disciplinary field-based course designed to address some of the fundamental scientific questions centering on the theme of pollution in the sand. The main goals of this course will be to: gain a cross-disciplinary perspective on the environmental problems facing Bahia Magdalena; compare pristine coastal habitats (mangroves and sand beaches) to impacted sites with similar ecological parameters; and emphasize interdisciplinary hands-on teamwork to solve real-life applied scientific problems. Course credit is available in chemistry, marine science, and/or biology. The semester-long program is offered by the School for Field Studies (SFS) and offers courses in coastal ecology, resource management and sustainable development. Students will learn state-of-the-art field research techniques, help the local community protect marine mammals and conserve marine resources, as well as learn about Mexican culture. Various field excursions are offered as well as camping trips to offshore islands to explore the area’s rich biodiversity, stark dunes, and pristine white beaches.

Guadalajara – Semester and Summer

Usd/ITESO Semester Exchange

Students participating in the exchange program will study at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO). Established in 1957, ITESO is a private Jesuit university and one of Mexico’s leading institutions of higher education. A wide variety of courses are offered across the curriculum. The USD/ITESO Academic Semester Exchange Program is ideal for students majoring in Spanish or those with a primary interest in improving their Spanish-speaking skills. Students will experience full linguistic and cultural immersion in this program as this is a direct-enrollment program at a Mexican university.

Summer Program in Guadalajara, Mexico

Founded in 1542 by Juan de Oñate, Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city. While Guadalajara prides itself on its long-standing traditions, it has established itself as a modern and efficient metropolitan city. The colonial center, comprised of four large plazas surrounding a 16th century cathedral, is evidence of the long history and Catholic influences during the early development of Mexico.

In cooperation with the Instituto Technológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO) in Guadalajara, the University of San Diego sponsors a six-week summer session designed to provide students with an intensive academic and cultural experience. The Guadalajara Summer Program is suitable both for students with a primary interest in learning Spanish and for those interested in taking related courses in other fields, such as, art, art history, business, dance, history, international relations, ethnic studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, Spanish and Latin American literature, theology and religious studies, and music. Instruction is either in English or in Spanish, depending on the course, and course offerings vary each year. All units earned carry USD credit and residency.

The faculty is comprised of USD professors, visiting professors from other U.S. universities, and instructors from Guadalajara.

The program is open to undergraduate or graduate students, over 18 years of age, enrolled and in good standing at USD or another university. Applicants who are not enrolled at an academic institution are also welcome to join the group. Students may take a maximum of two 3 unit classes and one 1 unit course. While it is recommended that students have some knowledge of the Spanish language, or enroll in a Spanish class while in Guadalajara, no previous Spanish study is required.

Students live with a host family to enhance their cultural experience. This living arrangement enables students to learn the culture of Mexico first-hand and to expand their conversational skills through daily interaction.

The summer’s experience includes planned and supervised social activities and excursions to cultural sites outside and within the city of Guadalajara.

Financial assistance awarded through USD is applicable toward the Guadalajara Summer Program for USD students only. Non-USD students should check with their home institution.

For further information contact the Guadalajara Summer Program Office located in Serra Hall, Room 315; (619) 260-7561; guadalajara@sandiego.edu; or go to www.sandiego.edu/guadalajara.

Morocco

Ifrane - Semester

Students who enroll in this program will take English-taught classes at Al Akhawayn University. The university, founded in 1995, offers students a truly international experience in the sense that over 28 countries are represented each semester in the student population. This program is well-suited for students looking to take courses in Arabic, North African studies, history, sociology, business, engineering, and the sciences.

Meknes – Semester and Summer

Students who enroll in this program will take English-taught classes at Moulay Ismail University. The university was founded in 1982 and Meknes was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. This program is well-suited for students looking to take courses in Arabic Language, Culture and Society.

Semester At Sea - Semester

The ship makes approximately 12-16 ports of call during the hundred-day voyage where students are able to enroll in courses focusing on the environment, population, foreign policy relationships and economics, all in the context of the nations students visit. Courses are available in anthropology, biological sciences, business, communications, economics, English, geography, environmental studies, fine arts, geology, history, music, philosophy, political science, sociology, psychology, and women’s studies. Field visits are also an integral part of the program. The port stays usually last four to six days and students will get a first-hand look at the countries they are studying in the classroom. Educational activities on land will complement classroom instruction and the fieldwork accounts for 20% of the hours needed for course credit.

South Africa

Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg - Summer

This three-week faculty-led summer study abroad course offers students a unique opportunity to visit South Africa and learn more about its history, politics, and culture. As a country that is ten years removed from apartheid rule, the study of South African politics and history enables students to think critically about the legacy of authoritarian rule, democratization, and race and ethnic reconciliation. This academic component is supplemented with opportunities to engage with South African communities, such as black townships and rural villages. Course credit is offered in political science or history.

Turkey

Istanbul – Summer

Due to its rich cultural history, Istanbul serves as the perfect location for students to study art, art history and architecture. Students who participate in this six-week summer program will explore Istanbul while earning academic credit through USD faculty-led classes. Courses are taught in English and focus on the architecture and design art the city has to offer.

Spain

Madrid - Semester

The Madrid semester program is housed at the Fundación José Ortega y Gasset (FJOG), a private, nonprofit institution established in 1978. The FJOG was inspired by the 19th and 20th century Spanish philosopher and essayist after whom it is named. The program offers liberal arts courses across several disciplines including Spanish language and literature, art history, business, communication studies, history, political science and psychology. All students are required to enroll in one Spanish grammar course and one additional traveling course instructed in Spanish.

Toledo - Semester

This study abroad opportunity is offered in cooperation with the Toledo International Program of Spanish Language and Latin American and European Studies, which is the undergraduate teaching division of the Fundación Ortega y Gasset, located in Madrid. The curriculum combines courses in Spanish language and literature, the humanities, and the social sciences, all taught in Spanish. Students are required to study Spanish language as part of their academic schedule and must have completed four semesters of college-level Spanish prior to participation in the program. Students are housed in dormitory rooms in the San Juan de la Penitencia University residence, located directly above the classrooms, or may choose to live with a host family.

Barcelona – Summer and Intersession

Both intersession and summer programs are available in Barcelona. During the intersession faculty-led program, students will be immersed in Spanish culture while studying Spanish for three weeks. The summer program concentrates on business coursework.

Local cultural events and visits to key sites throughout the region will enhance the classroom material. Site visits may include the Cathedral, Park Güell, the Picasso museum, the port, the Statue of Columbus, the Barcelona Fort, and the Sagrada Familia Church of Gaudí.

Office of International Students and Scholars

The Office of International Students and Scholars is responsible for all immigration matters that affect international students and exchange visitors attending USD on non-immigrant visas. It serves as the liaison between USD, the Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Department of State. It also monitors USD and its international students’ and exchange visitors’ compliance with Federal and State immigration laws and regulations, and the academic progress of all international students on F-1 and J-1 visas.

The Office of International Students and Scholars is in close contact with foreign governments, embassies, and international organizations. The office provides immigration advising for international students, exchange visitors, and all departments at USD that engage in research and academic exchanges with institutions outside the United States.

The Office of International Students and Scholars is also responsible for the welfare of all its international students and scholars. The office acts as a resource and support to international students and scholars in the transition to a new culture and environment. Assistance and advising is provided regarding the procedures, expectations, and requirements of the U.S. academic system and the opportunity for the entire campus community to interact in order to promote and encourage globalization. The Office of International Students and Scholars provides a myriad of educational, informational, and social programs that include but are not limited to:

  • International Student/Scholar Orientation
  • Health care issues in the U.S. and health insurance enrollment
  • Career planning and employment issues in the U.S. as a non-immigrant
  • Opportunities for Community Service
  • International Coffee Hours
  • International Dinners
  • International Movies
  • Holidays Celebrations

The Office of International Students and Scholars is housed in the International Center located in Serra Hall Room 315; (619) 260-4598; go to www.sandiego.edu/oiss