Berkeley Summer Abroad - How to Apply

Before you apply to a Summer Abroad program, we recommend doing the following:

• Explore which Summer Abroad option is the best fit for you by attending an information session.

• Get advising by signing up for a personalized 1 on 1 session.  Click here to make an appointment with the Summer Abroad Program Coordinator.

• Get financial aid estimates and advising: If you wish to receive a financial aid package estimate, please fill out this form (CalNet Authentication required). You will receive an email with your financial aid estimate (please allow a minimum of one week for response).

The online Summer Abroad application requires:

All Locations*:

1. A 200-300 word statement of interest that focuses on the following question: "Why did you choose your specific study abroad program?" (For example, what are your academic goals for this program? What do you hope to learn? Why is this program a good fit for you?)

2. A 200-300 word response that focuses on the following questions: "In a Summer Abroad program you will consistently interact with local individuals and communities abroad. What does being a cultural ambassador mean to you? How do you plan to represent yourself and Berkeley in your interactions with international communities?"

3. Optional response to the following question: “Studying abroad can present unique challenges for students. What (if any) support do you anticipate needing from the course to be able to succeed in this environment?"

4. A copy of your most recent college transcript (unofficial or official). Transcripts must have your name, the name of your college, and courses in progress.

5. A signed Student Agreement (this will be sent to you via DocuSign after submitting your application).

6. A signed student Waiver of Liability (this will be sent to you via DocuSign after submitting your application).

7. A $300 deposit. If accepted to the program, the $300 deposit will be applied towards your program fee. If you are waitlisted or denied admission to the program, your deposit will be refunded. If you request to withdraw your application prior to an admission decision being issued or cancel your participation after being accepted to the program, the deposit will not be refunded. 

UC Berkeley students: The $300 deposit will be charged to your CalCentral account at the time you apply. Financial aid eligible students can wait until their summer aid is disbursed to pay the deposit but remain responsible for the full deposit if they withdraw their application before an application decision is issued, or withdraw their participation from the program after acceptance. Any payments made to CalCentral will be applied towards outstanding fees prior to being applied to the deposit.

Visiting Students Only (i.e. if you are a student at a University other than UC Berkeley): Within 24 hours of submitting your application, you will receive an email from UC Berkeley asking you to set up your university credentials; this email does NOT constitute admission to the program. Please follow the instructions in the email. Once you have completed the necessary steps, please go to CalCentral to pay your $300 deposit. If you fail to make the $300 deposit within 48 hours of application submission, your application will be canceled.

*Please note, there may be additional essay questions, requirements or prerequisites for the specific program you select; please check the location-specific web page for details.

A Note for Spring 2024 Graduating Seniors:

Spring 2024 Graduating UC Berkeley Students: If you are a UC Berkeley student who is currently scheduled to graduate at the end of Spring 2024, to be eligible to apply to this program as a UC Berkeley student for Summer 2024 please talk to your college advisor about switching your expected graduation date from Spring 2024 to Summer 2024 PRIOR to continuing with this application. If you are eligible for aid, please also speak to Financial Aid about the financial implications of this decision.

If you do not change your expected graduation date to Summer 2024, and remain scheduled to graduate Spring 2024, you must apply as a visiting student. According to University policy, you will no longer be considered a UC Berkeley student for the Summer term once you have graduated. Please do not attempt to apply as a UC Berkeley student, as this will have negative implications on access to your UC Berkeley accounts. As a visiting student, you will be charged with visiting student tuition and be ineligible for any UC Berkeley Financial Aid.

Withdrawing/Canceling Your Participation

To withdraw your participation, please 1) speak to your program advisor and 2) complete and submit a Program Enrollment Change Form on your online application portal.

To withdraw your participation, submit a Program Enrollment Change Form via your online application portal no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on April 5, 2024. If you cancel or withdraw your participation by April 5, 2024, you will not be charged the full program fee but will still be responsible for the $300 deposit. Please note that if you request to withdraw your application prior to an admission decision being issued, the $300 deposit remains charged to your account. If you withdraw or cancel after April 5, 2024 - then you will owe the full program fee as well. 

Please note: Writing an email or talking to a program staff is not considered an official withdrawal request (you must also submit the form). Additionally, incomplete or missing confirmation forms do not qualify as an official cancellation.