Program Development

University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) is the systemwide program for University of California students to study abroad. Within the context of shared governance, the UC Academic Senate, academic units, faculty, and staff are extensively involved in the initiation, development, implementation, and oversight of UCEAP programs. All UCEAP programs are approved by the Academic Senate, composed of faculty and administrators from all 10 UC campuses. For more information on UCEAP programs and program development, please contact the UCEAP Systemwide office at info@uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu. Anyone interested in exploring a semester-long exchange program is welcome to contact UCEAP.

Berkeley Study Abroad develops Berkeley Global Internships and Berkeley Summer Abroad programs to further  meet the academic, career and student development needs of the UC Berkeley undergraduate student population. Berkeley Study Abroad has developed a standardized template for proposing new programs, and proposals are reviewed on an annual basis by a committee composed of regional specialists, academic specialists, operations specialists and global risk management specialists.

The committee reviews proposals on a competitive basis using the values-based criteria below, derived from Berkeley Study Abroad’s mission statement:

• Safety: Program safety for faculty, students, staff on all programs, including comprehensive provisions for supporting physical, emotional & mental health. Additionally, we strive to build programs that are mindful of the risk and impact that group travel poses to the safety of local communities and environments.
• Local expertise: Partner and faculty expertise, where the onsite team has an advanced level of connection to communities in, and expertise in topics rooted in, the specific program location. This includes familiarity with and connection to local communities, necessary language proficiencies, and/or sector-specific expertise.
• Non-Extractive Programming: BSA is aware of the complex power dynamics associated with unpaid, academic internship programs. We are committed to developing ethical and non-extractive travel study programs that center the knowledge bases of local communities and see local communities as experts in their own experiences. We seek to develop programs that are “partnerships with” local communities, in contrast to “studies about” local communities. Reciprocal partnerships are long-lasting and benefit both students and host communities.*
• Sustainability and Responsible Stewardship: We strive to build long-lasting partnerships and programs that utilize sustainable business practices, invest in local economies, and support students to travel sustainably.*
• Accessibility, Equity and Non-Discrimination: BSA aims to ensure equitable access and resources for all students who choose to study abroad. We seek to prioritize developing programs that cultivate a culture of inclusion and/or belonging. Examples include but are not limited to creating gender-inclusive housing options when possible, accommodations for students with disabilities where possible, and provisions for safety and support for students of color, women, LGBTQ+ students, and other historically marginalized communities. Programs will not tolerate racism, gender discrimination, homophobia, ableism or any other form of discrimination.
• Unique Programming: That will 1) diversify or fill gaps in existing program portfolios, 2) offer a wide diversity of internship sectors and placements available to all class levels, majors, and experiences, and 3) not compete for enrollments with other existing UC and Berkeley programs.
• Academics and Professional Development: We believe that interning abroad is a powerful and transformative educational experience. We strive to develop programs with engaging academic course pairings and opportunities for professional development.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Program costs are covered through student fees. We strive to keep costs reasonable and appropriate to ensure study abroad opportunities are accessible to all students.

Initiating the Program Proposal Process:
If you are a faculty member or provider interested in developing a new Berkeley Global Internships program, please contact us at globalinternships@berkeley.edu. Please note that the deadline to submit a proposal for the following summer is generally September the year before.

If you are a faculty member or provider interested in developing a new Berkeley Summer Abroad program, please contact us at summerabroad@berkeley.edu. Please note that the deadline to submit a proposal for the following summer is generally in early July the year before.