Get help with planning your journey
Planning out your study abroad journey may seem overwhelming, but our team is ready to help you every step of the way. (Pacific login required) today and let us be your guide!
How can studying abroad benefit you?
There are numerous benefits that come from studying abroad. Read below to learn about some of the most common takeaways that students share from studying abroad.
Build intercultural communication skills
When you live in a different country, you learn how to navigate unfamiliar cultural norms, social expectations, communication styles, and more. Developing these skills is important for our world's growing global workplaces. These skills can all be transferable back into your daily professional lives. Many study abroad alumni state that their journey helped broadened their job prospects, network with international connections, and help increase self-confidence .
Enhance your r茅sum茅
Students who study abroad are more likely to find employment within 12 months of graduation than their peers who did not study abroad . Employers value skills demonstrated through studying abroad such as adaptability, resilience, embracing diversity, taking initiative, and more. Studying abroad is not only impactful for personal reasons -- it can strongly set you apart from others and make you more competitive in job markets!
Learn a new language
One of the most efficient methods of learning a language is by being completely immersed in a community that speaks it! If you'd like to learn or practice a new language, studying abroad can significantly help you improve your fluency. Even just basic daily interactions in a different language can catapult your learning process.
Eligibility Requirements
There are some criteria that students must meet in order to study abroad.
- Have a "sophomore standing", or have been a student at Pacific for 2+ semesters
- Maintain at least a 2.75 GPA prior to your departure
- Refrain from obtaining disciplinary probation
Photo: Taken by Isaiah, class of 2026, studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan.
Key factors to consider to when selecting a program:
One of the most important aspects to your journey is making sure that your classes fit into your academic plan. It's best to select a program that has classes relevant to your major or minor, or those that can count as GE's or electives.
On our study abroad website, you can filter for programs that offer courses in specific fields.
We help you work with your academic advisor to ensure that the courses you select will count towards graduation.
We offer 800+ programs across 62 countries, so your location options are virtually unlimited! We recommend narrowing down your top choices by considering your interest in the culture in which you'll be immersed, and those that offer the most relevant classes to your needs.
You can study abroad anywhere from a summer, one semester, or a whole academic year. Faculty-led programs even offer short 2-3 weeklong trips. Consider your academic needs when deciding on how long you'd like to study abroad for. Typically, it's easier to meet your academic requirements during 1 semester away. However, many students who want a longer immersion experience work with their advisors to create an academic plan that allows them to study abroad for a whole academic year!
You are eligible to go abroad as early as your third semester as a student at Pacific. Typically, most students will study abroad sophomore or junior year, but there are options for seniors as well. The biggest factor in when you should study abroad is your academic plan, since your required classes usually get harder as you progress through your 4 years.
The best way to learn a new language is to totally immerse yourself where it is spoken frequently! Although learning a new language is a great reason to study abroad, it is not a requirement. Most programs are taught fully in English unless it was designed to be an immersive language experience. We also offer programs in English-speaking regions, such as the UK or Australia.
Types of Programs
Faculty-led programs
Short-term, immersive global experiences led by Pacific faculty and tailored to meet the academic needs of their students.
Semester, year-long and summer sessions
Students enroll full time and take courses that align with their Pacific major or minor requirements. Students select a program from one of our Global Partner Institutions or our Provider Programs (USAC, CIEE, IES, and ISEP).
International internships, service learning and volunteer opportunities
Hands-on experiences in international settings鈥攕uch as engineering internships in Germany or community support in rural Ghana鈥攖hat combine academic learning with real-world impact.
Managing homesickness while you're abroad
It's normal to be nervous about missing home, but it shouldn't be the reason you decide not to go.
Create a communication plan: Stay in touch with your loved ones back home. Sometimes we can get too wrapped up in our new independence and freedom while abroad that we forget to check in with our supporters at home. Consistent communication with family and friends is a great method to help you manage culture shock and homesickness. Share with them stories of visiting your new favorite coffee shop, the weekend trip you took, and what's going on in your classes.
Explore your new surroundings: Take advantage of living in a brand new city! One of the main contributors to homesickness is the feeling that we aren't familiar or comfortable with our surroundings. Grab some water, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and head out on a walk around your new home! Channel your homesickness into curiosity, and go discover some fun gems around the city.
Stay busy: When you keep yourself occupied with new friends or exploration, you likely won't even have time to miss home. Go mingle with other students, check out the shops, try new restaurants, and travel around. Socialization and building a community is one of the key remedies of homesickness.
Pack some comforts of home: While you're packing for your trip, don't forget to include some printed photos, special blankets, and other trinkets that remind you of home. Keeping these close with you while you're abroad will give you a special reminder of home while you're becoming comfortable with your new environment.
How Pacific supports you
We offer one-on-one advising services to:
- Help students identify the best-fit program for their academic, personal and financial needs
- Walk you through how to do independent research on the program options
- Assist you with visa application preparation
- Guide you on selecting your abroad courses
- Connect you with scholarship and funding resources
Our team supports students throughout the entire application process 鈥� from the first meeting to their return.
Your well-being is our top priority. We offer:
Pre-departure orientation and risk management webinars
Trusted on-site partners and coordinators
24/7 emergency support and insurance services
Automatic enrollment in international health insurance
Real-time risk assessments through geolocation and SafeCheck SMS alerts
An emergency information card with insurance and medical contacts
Access to mobile safety apps for emergency signaling
We understand that affordability is a major concern. At Pacific:
Almost all programs are covered by regular Pacific tuition.
All current financial aid (scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) applies to study abroad tuition.
Numerous scholarships and grants are available through Pacific and external partners.
Faculty-led programs are designed to be financially accessible, often offering reduced tuition compared to on-campus courses.
We continue to expand funding opportunities to make global experiences accessible to more students.
