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International Students

The Global Learning Hub is committed to promoting access to global learning opportunities for international students. Participation in global learning can be a great way to explore a passion, advance your academic/personal plans, enhance your resume, and connect with global communities. It can also be an opportunity to explore how your different identities are perceived and experienced in varying or similar global learning environments. 

Global Learning Programs

For a full list of our various global learning programs, including on-campus and local options, visit Global Learning Pathways or our Discover Programs Search Tool.

Study Abroad International Programs

Students studying at UC Davis on a student visa may be eligible to participate in a study abroad program internationally. 

Study abroad international programs snapshot: 

A note on study abroad in your country of citizenship: Some programs restrict participation of student nationals. If you are interested in a program based in your country of citizenship, please consult with a Global Learning Hub advisor, your SISS advisor, and your local consulate about additional considerations.

What do I need to study abroad?

All students should follow the normal application and pre-departure processes for their study abroad program. However, there may be additional documentation requirements related to entry and exit of the United States and the study abroad destination country that are specific to travelers from your country of citizenship. All students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa and interested in a study abroad program should schedule an appointment with their International Student Advisor at Services for International Students and Scholars, as well as an advisor at the Global Learning Hub. 

An international student participating in a program abroad must have: 

  • Permission to Travel Abroad: Depending on your immigration status, there may be limits on your ability to pursue your program of study in another country or at an institution other than UC Davis. Any student studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa must speak with their International Student Advisor before participating in a study abroad program. Students studying in any other statuses (ex. H-4, L-2, etc.) should seek advice from an immigration attorney prior to participating in their program of choice. 
  • Visa: A visa for entrance to your study abroad destination may be required depending on your length of stay, destination country and country of citizenship. If possible, students are highly encouraged to research entry to their destination country before enrolling in a program. Contact a Global Learning Hub advisor to discuss visa requirements for your program.
  • Valid Passport: A passport is required for all air travel overseas, both for entry into the destination country and for re-entry into the U.S. Be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after you plan to return to the U.S. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Consulates in California: A-L and M-Z.
  • U.S Visa: International students in the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa interested in studying abroad should ensure the U.S. visa in their passport has at least 90 days validity remaining whenever they travel abroad. If the U.S. visa expires or is about to expire (even if the I-20 is current), students may be required to apply for the visa to their study abroad country in their home country.

U.S. Study Away and Campus-based Programs

Global learning takes many forms, and impactful global experiences can occur in all locations around the globe. In fact, we know that many UC Davis students come to campus with valuable global and intercultural engagement skills developed through lived experiences such as immigration. The Global Learning Hub is proud to support student participation on a variety of U.S.-based programs and on-campus experiences which do not require international travel.

As with all travel, traveling within the U.S. requires preparation and research. Students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa can schedule an appointment with their International Student Advisor at Services for International Students and Scholars.

U.S. Study Away and Campus -based programs snapshot:

What do I need to study away in the U.S.? 

Depending on the program, you may be required to present: 

  • Valid ID: Visit the Identification page on the TSA website for a list of valid IDs. 
    • Residents of California must have the California REAL ID by May 7, 2025 to travel on aircraft domestically without a passport. 
    • Other Documents: e.g., employment authorization document for internship programs. 
    • Please note: Most F-1 international students will likely require CPT authorization to participate in internships (if you’ll be working while based in the US.) Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization permits F-1 students to take an off-campus job (work/study, internship, cooperative education, or practicum) that is directly related to their field of study and commensurate with their educational level. You should plan to check in with an SISS advisor about the type of internship you’re interested in applying for to make sure it relates to your major.

Virtual Programs

Many of the skills and experiences that support effective global and intercultural engagement can also be developed through virtual global learning, which does not require international travel. 

Please note: Most international students will likely require CPT authorization to participate in virtual internships (if you’ll be working while based in the US.) Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization permits F-1 students to take an off-campus job (work/study, internship, cooperative education, or practicum) that is directly related to their field of study and commensurate with their educational level. You should plan to check in with an SISS advisor about the type of internship you’re interested in applying for to make sure it relates to your major.

Virtual programs snapshot: 

Financial Resources

The Global Learning Hub is committed to supporting all students in their pursuit of global experiences. We encourage students to apply broadly to all relevant sources of funding. 

  • UC Davis students participating in UC Davis study abroad or away programs can apply for the UC Davis Study Abroad Awards (awards range from $500 to $2,000).  
  • Use the Funding Search Tool to research additional funding options. 
  • Non-UC Davis students should contact their home campus study abroad office and international student office to find out what funding options are available to them.

Getting Started

  1. Identify your global learning goals by working with a Global Learning Hub advisor or utilizing our UC Davis Global Learning Outcomes framework
  2. Research global learning opportunities through the Global Learning Hub.
  3. Meet with your international student advisor (or an immigration attorney for legal advice).
  4. Meet with a Global Learning Hub Advisor to discuss next steps.
  5. Research funding options and apply to any available funding opportunities. 
  6. Chat with your support system about your plans.