International Study Programs
Australia
Brazil
Chile
China
Czech Republic
England
France
Germany
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kenya
Mexico
Russia
Scotland
South Korea
Spain
Taiwan
Zimbabwe
For Further Information
International Summer Session
Graduate Study Abroad

International Study Programs

USC's undergraduate international study programs, administered by the Office of Overseas Studies, enable students to learn in a different educational and cultural context. Programs are available for a semester or for an academic year. Some of the programs require a background in the language of the host country; others are conducted entirely in English. Units earned are considered USC units and affect residency in the same manner. Students receive regular USC credit and may apply financial aid to any study abroad program described here. Please contact the Office of Overseas Studies located in Taper Hall of Humanities, Room 331C, (213) 740-3636, for complete information on USC's international programs.

Australia

Semester in Canberrra

Founded in 1946 and located in the city of Canberra, the Australian National University offers USC undergraduates the opportunity to study a variety of subjects for a semester. Courses are available in areas of the sciences, social sciences and the humanities.

Brazil

Semester or Year in Sao Paulo

Students may spend a semester or year in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a city of approximately 16 million inhabitants and one of the largest, richest and fastest growing cities in South America, through the Council on International Educational Exchange. Students take courses directly at the University of Sao Paulo, one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Brazil. The semester and year programs begin with approximately six weeks of intensive Portuguese language training prior to the start of regular university courses. All courses are taught in Portuguese. Year program students may take part in an internship, do independent research or attend the Federal University of Bahia in Salvador for the second semester of the program. Courses are available in such disciplines as history, geography, linguistics, literature, sociology, anthropology, archaeology, communications, and economics. Initially, students live with a Brazilian family and then, following the intensive language program, have the option of staying with the family or moving to an apartment.

Chile

Semester or Year in Santiago

In conjunction with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), USC provides the opportunity for study at both the Universidad de Chile and the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Both universities are located in Santiago, the cultural, economic and political capital of Chile. The fifth largest city in South America, Santiago combines a pleasant mixture of colonial buildings and parks with the hallmarks of modern technology. The semester program, available for either the fall or spring semester, includes a three-to-four-week session of intensive Spanish prior to the start of regular university courses. The academic year, which includes two semesters of study, can go from early July to late June or from early February to mid December. Academic year students studying from early July to late June have a break of approximately three months between the first and second semesters. All courses are taught in Spanish. Courses are available in such disciplines as art, anthropology, economics, geography, history, international relations, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, Spanish, and theology. Students live in private Chilean homes.

China

USC students have an opportunity to study at one of two Chinese universities through programs with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).

Semester in Beijing

The semester program with Peking University in Beijing offers advanced students an opportunity to study at China's most prestigious liberal arts institution and to improve their Mandarin Chinese in a city where the standard dialect is used. As a supplement to classroom language instruction, each program participant is paired with a Peking University student for weekly one-on-one Chinese language tutorials.

Semester or Year in Nanjing

Students may spend a semester or year in Nanjing, China, a city of more than three million people set along the banks of the Yangtze River at the foothills of the Zijin (Purple and Gold) mountains. Nanjing University is primarily a liberal arts and social sciences institution, and the focus of the academic program is on communicative competence within selected subject areas of contemporary Chinese society and culture. It aims to provide students with a solid foundation in all four skills -- reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each student shares a triple room with a Chinese student and another CIEE program student.

Czech Republic

Semester in Prague

In conjunction with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), USC provides the opportunity for study at Charles University in Prague during either the fall or spring semester. Founded in 1348 by King Charles IV, Charles University is the premier institution of higher learning in the Czech Republic and is housed in the Carolinum, a magnificent complex of Gothic structures located just off Old Town Square in central Prague. Students spend the first two weeks of the semester in Podebrady, located about an hour from Prague, for a session devoted to intensive language study. Although there is no language prerequisite, all students are required to enroll in conversational Czech. The remainder of the courses may be chosen from such fields as Czech history, civil society, economics, music, political science, art and architecture, film and theatre, and religion and culture. While in Prague, students live with Czech students in double rooms.

England

Selected USC undergraduates may study for one year at the University of Kent in Canterbury and either one year or spring semester at the University of Sussex in Brighton.

Semester or Year in Brighton

The University of Sussex, situated near the seaside resort town of Brighton, is only an hour away by train from London. USC students may enroll in courses in areas of the sciences, social sciences and the humanities.

Year in Canterbury

The University of Kent is located in the ancient English cathedral city of Canterbury, an hour and a half by train from London. Courses are available in the sciences, social sciences, the humanities, and the fine and performing arts.

France

Year in Paris

USC is a member of the Sweet Briar Junior Year in France Consortium, which enables USC undergraduates to spend an academic year in Paris, taking courses at the University of Paris and other institutions in the Parisian system of higher education. Courses are offered in most areas of the social sciences, the humanities and the arts. The year is preceded by a five-week intensive language orientation in the city of Tours. To apply, students must have completed four semesters of college French or the equivalent.

Semester in Paris

USC also offers a semester program in Paris. The program allows the student to complete eight units of French language and eight units of general education courses. Students must have completed one semester of college French and preference is given to students currently enrolled in the language. Included in the program costs are numerous excursions to sites of cultural importance.

Germany

Semester in Berlin

In conjunction with the Institute of European Studies (IES), USC offers a program of study at Humboldt University during the spring semester. A crossroads of European history in the 20th century, Berlin has been a center of cultural experimentation, a focal point of the Cold War and is now an integral component of the emerging "New Europe." Located in East Berlin, Humboldt University was founded in 1810 as the University of Berlin. It is perfectly situated for exploring both Berlins. Students receive intensive German language instruction during the first three weeks of the program, then enroll for the remainder of the semester at Humboldt University and in supplemental courses offered by IES. All courses are taught in German by native German faculty and are available in such disciplines as modern German economics, history and politics; art history, business, classics, international relations, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology. Students are housed in private German homes and apartments.

Semester in Freiburg

USC, in conjunction with the Institute of European Studies German Studies Program, provides an opportunity for undergraduates to spend the spring semester studying in Freiburg, Germany. Freiburg is a picturesque medieval city on the edge of the Black Forest. The University of Freiburg, Germany's second oldest university, was founded in 1457. As a university town, Freiburg thrives on student life and the heritage of learning, yet retains the charm of a small city. Courses are offered in most areas of the social sciences. Students participate in a field trip to Prague.

Israel

Semester or Year in Jerusalem

In conjunction with Hebrew University, USC students spend a year or semester in Israel pursuing their studies at Hebrew University's Rothberg School for Overseas Students in Jerusalem. The program begins with intensive Hebrew language study (Ulpan) courses taught in either English or Hebrew depending on language proficiency. Courses are offered in the Hebrew language, in art, literature, history, Israeli studies, psychology and religion. Students live in campus dormitories and may participate in a variety of social and cultural activities at the university.

Semester in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv University provides USC undergraduates an opportunity to spend a semester in Israel. The university's location in the center of the country makes all of Israel accessible to the intellectually and culturally serious student. Courses are offered in the sciences, social sciences and humanities; the semester is preceded by a month-long intensive Hebrew language course. Students live in dormitories located adjacent to campus and may participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.

Italy

Semester in Florence

In conjunction with Syracuse University, USC students have the opportunity to spend the spring semester in Florence studying liberal arts, architecture or studio arts. Courses are complemented by field trips to cities such as Assisi, Rome and Venice. Students live with Italian families to enhance the cultural experience.

Japan

Year in Nagoya

A year-long program of study is available at the Center for Japanese Studies at Nanzan University in Nagoya, a sister city of Los Angeles. The program for international students is well known for its strength in Japanese language training. Nagoya is two hours from Tokyo by bullet train and one hour from the ancient capital city of Kyoto. Courses are available in such disciplines as Japanese business, culture, economics, folklore, history, international relations, literature, and political science. Intensive language training is offered at all levels of proficiency. Students live in private Japanese homes.

Year in Tokyo

Students may study for one year at Waseda University, one of Japan's foremost private institutions of higher learning. Founded in 1882, the university currently enrolls approximately 47,000 students and is located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. The academic year is divided into three terms and one Japanese language course is required each term. The remainder of the courses may be taken in Japanese architecture, culture, economics, history, international relations, literature, performing arts, and political science. Students live in private Japanese homes.

Semester in Tokyo

Founded in 1965, Tokyo International University (TIU) is located about 25 miles from central Tokyo. The university offers a semester program for international students through the Japanese Studies Program in the International Center. TIU's curriculum is known for its strong business and commercial focus. Students enroll in a Japanese language course and select the remainder of their course work from the following list: Contemporary Issues of the Japanese Economy, Economic Development of Japan, Japanese History, Japanese Management Style, and Political Institutions of Japan. Students live in private Japanese homes.

Kenya

Semester in Nairobi or Mombasa

USC students have the opportunity to study for a semester in Kenya through the School for International Training. Students study and explore the urban and rural life and culture of Kenya during either fall or spring semester. Based in the city of Nairobi, the school's curriculum encompasses the Swahili language, Kenyan life, culture, rural development, methods and techniques of field study, and an independent study project. Students also have the option of studying coastal issues in the Mombasa region.

Mexico

Semester in Oaxaca

USC students may participate in a spring semester program of study in Oaxaca, Mexico, in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania. Oaxaca lies some 250 miles southeast of Mexico City. A charming provincial capital of 214,000 people, it is friendly and informal without the congestion of many metropolitan environments. The mountain valleys around Oaxaca are characterized by linguistically and culturally isolated communities which few travelers ever see. An hour and a half from Oaxaca one can find villages where Spanish is rarely spoken and people live much as they did 300 years ago. The Oaxaca academic program is characterized by small classes, hands-on research opportunities and extensive contact with community resources. Students have two options: the general program offers subject matter covering anthropology, archaeology, environmental studies, history and politics, and is for students with a minumum of four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent. The intensive language program focuses on Spanish language study and is for students with a minimum of two semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

Russia

Semester or Year in St. Petersburg

As a member of the Council on International Education Exchange, USC offers undergraduates a semester or year-long opportunity to study at St. Petersburg University in Russia. The curriculum focuses on language, literature and Russian life. All courses are taught in Russian; students are required to have three years of college-level language course work. Students are housed in university dormitories and excursions are included.

Scotland

Semester or Year in Edinburgh

USC offers undergraduates the opportunity to study for either a year or spring semester at the University of Edinburgh, which was founded in 1583 and offers excellence in teaching and research over a wide range of disciplines. The university's setting in one of Europe's most beautiful cities ensures that its considerable academic, cultural and recreational resources are complemented by those of the city. Students enroll directly in University of Edinburgh courses. Admission to individual courses depends on each student's academic background. Courses are available in more then 50 disciplines including archaeology, architecture, biological sciences, classics, computer science, ecology, economics, engineering, international relations, linguistics, mathematics, nursing, physics, psychology, and religious studies. USC students are guaranteed a place in university residence halls, student houses or in university flats. Students may participate in either a full year or spring semester at the University of Edinburgh.

South Korea

Semester in Seoul

USC students may participate in a semester-long program of study at Sogang University in Seoul. Overlooking the Han River in Seoul, Sogang University was founded in 1960 and is regarded as one of the best private universities in South Korea. The academic program provides students from any major an opportunity to explore the challenges faced by a rapidly developed nation and to specifically address issues of conflict and resolution. There is no language prerequisite for the program; however, students are required to take a language class in addition to their other classes.

Spain

USC offers a variety of semester programs in Spain for students with all levels of mastery of the Spanish language.

Semester in Alicante

In conjunction with the Council on International Educational Exchange, USC provides the opportunity for a semester of study in the Mediterranean coastal city of Alicante, Spain. A city of 246,000 inhabitants and the capital of the Costa Blanca, Alicante's modern buildings provide an interesting contrast to the 12th century Moorish castle of Santa Barbara. Designed for students of any major, the Language and Area Studies Program balances language instruction with area studies courses in the history, culture and economy of Spain.

Semester or Year in Madrid

In conjunction with two organizations, Boston University (BU) and the Institute of European Studies (IES), USC provides the opportunity for students of varying Spanish proficiency to spend a semester or year studying in Madrid. Madrid is an exciting European capital and home to the famous Prado museum, which houses one of the best collections of Spanish art in the world, and the beautiful Retiro Park with its lakeside cafŽs. Through BU, students have the option of two programs. Level I, for students with minimal (one semester required) background in Spanish, focuses on language study. Level II, for students with five or more semesters of Spanish, focuses on area studies courses. In addition, Level II students may qualify for courses at the Spanish university, Universidad Aut˜noma, and for internships. Through IES, students with five or more semesters of Spanish enroll in a combination of Spanish language, humanities and social sciences courses. Qualified students may enroll directly at the Spanish university, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Students with advanced Spanish language skills may also qualify for internships.

Semester or Year in Seville

Also in conjunction with the Council on International Educational Exchange, USC students may choose one of two programs offered in Seville, Spain. This charming city has served as a natural setting for a number of masterpieces in music and literature, and writers and painters have thrived in this crucible of cultures. Intermediate-level Spanish language students are eligible to apply for the semester-long Language and Society Program at the Universidad Internacional MenŽndez Pelayo. This program is ideal for students who wish to bring their language skills to the advanced level quickly while deepening their understanding of Spanish society and culture. Advanced-level students are eligible for the Liberal Arts Program at the University of Seville. This program is designed to help students achieve fluency in spoken and written Spanish and is structured to meet the needs of the individual student.

Taiwan

Semester or Year in Taipei

USC students may spend a semester or year studying at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan. Through the Council on International Educational Exchange, students take part in a program which integrates Mandarin Chinese language courses with humanities and social science courses taught in English. A semester or academic year in Taiwan offers one of the best opportunities to understand the contemporary economic, political and cultural issues facing this dynamic country as it enters the Pacific century.

Zimbabwe

Semester in Harare

USC students have the opportunity to study for either a fall or spring semester in Zimbabwe through the School for International Training. The Zimbabwe semester will be based in Harare and offers courses in Shona language, Zimbabwe life, culture, South African studies, methods and techniques of field study and an independent study project.

For Further Information

Brochures and application materials for the programs listed above are available in the Office of Overseas Studies, Taper Hall of Humanities, Room 331C.

Other international programs at USC are operated by departments and schools. The School of Journalism offers semester of study programs in Mexico City and in Europe; the School of Architecture has a spring semester program in Milan, Italy; various undergraduate and graduate opportunities offered through the School of Business Administration. International Summer Session Programs are also available through various departments and schools. Information about these programs is available directly from the school or department.

International Summer Session

The International Summer Session features a number of overseas courses each year for both undergraduates and graduates. Programs available include study in England (engineering); Salzburg, Austria (music); Italy (French/Italian), Florence, Italy (fine arts), Siena, Italy (music); Israel (religion); Western Europe (business administration); Spain (Spanish); Cambridge (liberal arts); London, Paris, Geneva and Prague (journalism); Paris (engineering); New Zealand/ Australia (business administration); and Dijon, France (French). Information about these programs is available from the school or department. For referral, contact the Office of Overseas Studies (213) 740-3636.

Graduate Study Abroad

The Graduate School provides referral to information sources about nationally competitive fellowships, grants, awards, and opportunities for graduate study abroad. Opportunities for study abroad fellowships and awards in which the Graduate School is directly involved include: Fulbright Grants for graduate study and research abroad, Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Award, Luce Scholars Program, and Marshall Scholarships for study in Great Britain.

Any non-USC administered overseas study programs or any courses taken abroad by currently enrolled USC students must be reviewed and pre-approved by the Office of International Admissions (Admissions Center) prior to enrollment.

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