International Center

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International Center

Developing Global Changemakers: Forging Paths that Change the World.

The International Center supports the USD university community in advancing global citizenship. For undergraduate students, there are approximately 135 academic study abroad programs offered in 44 countries and 76 cities to experience and learn about different cultures, languages and customs. The graduate and professional programs also offer extensive international opportunities for working professionals as well as full-time graduate students. Our campus is enriched by having students and scholars from over 70 countries.

Resources for the USD International Community and Safety Abroad

The University of San Diego provides resources to keep our community informed about how federal directives and policies are impacting our students, faculty and staff abroad. The information provided will evolve as policy does, so please check back for updates.

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Study Abroad Opportunities

All the information and resources necessary for USD students looking to travel outside the United States.

International Students & Scholars

Are you a student, a professor, or another scholar outside of the United States looking to travel to USD?

Global Highlights

Short Term Study Abroad

Undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to take USD courses taught by USD faculty members during intersession and summer terms. USD is ranked #2 in the nation for the percentage of undergraduate students who study abroad in the 2023-24 Open Doors Report. A variety of site-specific courses are offered in many different locations each year. More than one half of the students who study abroad at USD do so in a short-term program.

Connecting USD Leaders to a World of Education

Through immersive professional development, USD administrators gain direct insight into the cultural and academic frameworks of global higher education. The Director of International Studies Abroad Program, Dr. Lindsay Allen, was selected to participate in the Fulbright International Education Administrators Program in Taiwan.

Engaging with Community Abroad

USD encourages students to engage with the local community through service and relationships while abroad. Participants in the Jamaica Summer Study Abroad Program become deeply engaged in the local Jamaican community and it affords students the opportunity to experience the complexities of the diverse island environment and wrestle with difficult issues related to power and privilege.

Faculty Development Goes Global

USD faculty members are encouraged to participate in international faculty development opportunities. These opportunities range from seminars to conferences abroad. The USD International Center helps to facilitate these programs for faculty and also coordinates the International Opportunity Grant program that helps fund faculty members conducting research abroad.

Gaining Field Experience Abroad

While abroad, students engage in hands-on learning and gain valuable field experience. What better way to learn about the environment than to be in the environment putting book knowledge to practice?

Abroad in San Diego

International students and scholars explore the beauty of San Diego together with USD domestic students. While abroad in San Diego,international students and scholars have the opportunity to participate in a variety of experiences such as picnics at the beach, the International Expo and Fashion Show as well as a weekly International Coffee Hour.

USD Students Explore the World in One Semester

USD sends more than 1,000 students abroad each year for experiences that are truly life-changing. Students have the opportunity to study abroad in more than 80 different programs. The USD Office of International Studies Abroad helps facilitate the study abroad process and prepares students for their global adventure. USD is ranked #2 in the nation for the percentage of undergraduate students who study abroad in the 2023-24 Open Doors Report.

Faculty Teaching Abroad

USD faculty, such as Dr. Atreyee Phukan, have the unique opportunity to teach abroad at the graduate and undergraduate level. The USD International Center helps to streamline the process for faculty and works to co-develop with the faculty site-specific, engaging, international course offerings.

USD Celebrates International Student and Scholar Diversity

USD welcomes hundreds of international students and scholars each year. Approximately one-half of the international student population are full-time degree seeking students. The top three countries represented by USD international students and scholars are: China, Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

Celebrating American Traditions

Each semester, the Office of International Students and Scholars plans social and cultural activities that invite USD's foreign students to experience American life.

What's Happening at the International Center

A Global Mission at USD

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