Short-Term Opportunities

The Second Year Experience (SYE) Abroad program is an innovative and comprehensive international experience open to sophomore students at the University of San Diego. Students apply during their first year and will travel together with their cohort during the intersession of their sophomore year. After being enrolled in the program, all students will participate in fall seminars (to take place in the fall semester prior to departure) in preparation for their time abroad. Please see below for more details about this unique and exciting program.

General SYE Abroad Information

Academic Component:

While abroad, students take one three or four-unit academic course taught by a USD faculty member (see below for course offerings in each location).

Intercultural Component:

Students will be assigned to an Intercultural Group. These groups will be organized and led by current USD administrators and staff who will meet with the students prior to departure, on-site in each location, and at USD upon return. Within these groups, students will participate in cultural and social activities both in San Diego and abroad.

Program Cost:

Please check the program page for cost information as this depends on the course students take while abroad. This cost includes tuition, housing, class-related activities abroad, cultural activities abroad, excursions, some meals, and international health insurance.

Logistics:

Details regarding program housing and calendar for each location will be made available to all enrolled students in the Fall prior to their departure.

Eligibility:

Students must be in good academic and conduct standing with USD. Students participating in this program must have sophomore standing (completed three semesters of coursework prior to traveling abroad in January).

Application Dates:

Applications for SYE 2027 is now closed. The deadline was March 18, 2026.

Financing Study Abroad:

For information on financing your study abroad program, please click here and explore the information provided in all tabs. SYE applicants may apply for our short-term program scholarships and learn more here.

Students in the Class of 2029 will be able to select from either Florence, Italy or Auckland, New Zealand.

SYE Abroad Locations

Florence, Italy

Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and, as such, has a rich cultural history. Students will have the opportunity to explore the city through its art and architecture preserved among the cobblestone streets.

The cost to participate in the SYE Florence program depends on the course students take. This cost includes tuition, housing, some meals, course activities, and some cultural activities. Pricing for SYE 2027 will be posted on the SYE Florence program brochure (please note that some courses vary in price).

Courses Offered in Florence:

Course	Fulfills
CHEM 102: Science of Food and Cooking	ESTI
HIST 145: Renaissance Florence	EHSI
ITAL 347: Dante and Medieval Florence	ELTI
NCB 350: Sensation & Perception	N/A
PHIL 349: Art and Ethics	FETI
THRS 349: Art and the Theological Imagination in Florence	FTRI

Auckland, New Zealand

Known in Maori as Aotearoa, or Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone looking for a friendly, laid back atmosphere. With a land area and population about the same as the state of Colorado, New Zealand is small enough to get around easily but large enough to offer varied landscapes and hidden treasures waiting to be explored. New Zealand is a country that has overcome great challenges itself and in turn, there is a deep sense of pride in its core values and outstanding accomplishments. Additionally, Kiwis are embedded with a "give-it-a-go" frame of mind, and you can't help but soak it up yourself the minute you step foot in this gorgeous country.

Cost:

The cost to participate in the Auckland SYE Abroad program depends on the course students take. This cost includes tuition, housing, some meals, course activities, and some cultural activities. Pricing for SYE 2027 will be posted in the SYE Auckland program brochure. Please note that some courses vary in price.

Courses Offered in Auckland:

Course	Fulfills
ACCT 202: Principles of Managerial Accounting	N/A
CHEM 111: Medicines, Potions and Magic	ESTI and Lab requirements
COMM 100: Communication in Everyday Life	ESBI, FDD1
MENG 260: Introduction to Thermal Sciences	N/A
PSYC 494: Psychology of Cooperation	N/A
SOCI 313: Sexualities	FDD2, PS