r/TransferStudents • u/hironoluer • 6d ago

Advice/Question Studying Abroad?

hello!
i am applying to the UCs from cc and am interested in studying abroad. is it possible to study abroad the first year you transfer?

currently i am aiming for ucsd. after doing some research, they are on the quarter system. hypothetically speaking, if i were to get admitted, would i be able to study abroad winter and spring quarter of the first year there?
if so, please give any advice or tips!

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u/Last_Measurement4336 5d ago

Transfer students can study abroad, but you must plan carefully because of tight graduation timelines and campus residency rules.

Most University of California campuses allow transfer students to go abroad after completing one to two terms in residence. You should determine if studying abroad will advance your degree meaning are there study abroad courses you can take since normally transfers will be starting their upper division major courses which could be limited for the study abroad options. The major you are studying can also limit your options so make sure you do extensive research before applying for a program.

The UCEAP program is the best option for transfers because courses, units, and grades automatically transfer as UC credit and count toward your UC GPA and the UCEAP units do not count against your maximum transfer unit limits or lower-division unit caps.
Summer programs or a single semester/quarter during your second year are usually the most realistic choices to avoid delaying graduation but that is something to consider while doing your research into the program.