Program Overview

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Introduction to UCEAP Global Start

The UCEAP Global Start program is an experience unlike anything you will find on campus. With Spain as your classroom, you will take courses infused with local history and culture and participate in excursions that bring lectures to life. While immersing yourself in the local community and making new friends, you'll learn to thrive in an unfamiliar environment – ideal preparation for your return to UC in the winter.

Program Structure

Summer Orientation Experience on Your UC Campus

The Global Start program begins with a curated summer orientation at your UC campus where you'll meet other new UC students and be welcomed into the campus community. The Global Start orientation includes programming to prepare to go abroad and to return for a successful start to your winter quarter at UC.

Eligibility

The Global Start program is open to incoming first-year students who meet the following criteria:

• Recently admitted to UC Davis, UC Irvine, or UC Los Angeles
• Be 18 years old by September 23, 2026

Program Features and Benefits

UCEAP study abroad programs come with built-in student services, and the Global Start program is constructed specifically for first-year students. Through the Global Start program, you will have:

• A tailored summer orientation through your UC campus
• Orientations prior to departure and abroad to answer all your questions
• Organized group travel to your program location
• Weekly extracurricular activities and excursions like market tours, museum visits, performances, walking tours, and sporting events to learn more about the host culture
• 24/7 health and safety support, as well as travel insurance
• Reentry preparation and advising to ensure a smooth transition back to your UC campus in the winter
• Support from your UC campus, UCEAP, and on-site staff abroad from application, throughout the program, and upon your return

Program Dates

The Global Start program begins with a summer orientation through your UC campus. Dates for the summer orientation vary by campus. Your fall quarter abroad runs from September 23 through December 11, 2026.

Application and Timeline

Applications open April 1, 2026. The application deadline is May 21, 2026.

• Application opens - April 1
• Application Closes - May 21
• Summer campus experience - Determined by each campus
• Optional group flights depart to Europe - September 22, 2026
• Fall quarter abroad starts - September 23, 2026
• Fall quarter abroad ends - December 11, 2026
• Optional group flights depart to the US - December 11, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the benefits of studying abroad?

Studying abroad is one of eleven high-impact teaching and learning practices identified by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU). High-impact practices have significant education benefits for students, especially those from historically underserved groups, in higher education. Studying abroad has shown to increase levels of self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. It can also boost students' intercultural competencies, GPA upon return, and graduation rates.

What are the specific benefits of studying abroad my first quarter at UC?

Global Start offers you a number of benefits. Rather than attending class in large, impersonal lecture halls, you receive personal attention from instructors while taking UC courses that incorporate local academic, historical, and cultural resources into student learning. Small classes, experiential learning, and personalized attention create an intimate, liberal arts college atmosphere for you to thrive in as you transition from high school to UC. Every class earns UC units and can fulfill UC general education requirements and count toward your degree. The experiences, friendships, and skills you gain abroad will create a foundation for success throughout the rest of your UC career and beyond.

Who can participate in Global Start?

The Global Start program is open to incoming first-year students who meet the following criteria:

• Recently admitted to UC Davis, UC Irvine or UC Los Angeles
• Be 18 years old by September 23, 2026

How do I apply for Global Start?

First-year students admitted to UC Davis, UC Irvine or UC Los Angeles can apply online via the UCEAP website starting April 1. The application deadline is May 21, 2026.

Do I need a passport to participate in Global Start?

Yes. If you don't have one yet, apply as soon as possible so you will have your passport in your possession by June 1, 2026. Your passport must not expire before June 12, 2027.

Do I need a visa to participate in Global Start?

US passport holders do not need a visa for this program. If you have a passport from another country, you can check the European Union visa requirements to determine if you will need a Schengen visa in order to participate.

Can I travel to Europe during the summer before my program?

US passport holders are not required or able to obtain a visa for this program because it is under 90 days. Travel within the Schengen Area for more than a week outside of the program dates is not allowed unless you hold a valid passport from an EU country or Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland.

Can I request disability accommodations for this program?

Yes. Instructions will be provided after students are accepted.

Will I have travel insurance coverage abroad?

Students will be automatically enrolled in travel insurance plans carried by both CEA CAPA and UCEAP. The CEA CAPA plan will be your primary insurance while abroad.

What if I need to withdraw from the program?

Once accepted into the program, you can withdraw without financial penalty until July 1. Please be aware, however, that withdrawing from the Global Start program this late in the summer may impact your options for course enrollment and housing at your UC campus for fall quarter.

Will I get to meet the other students on the program prior to departure?

During the Global Start summer orientation you will meet other participants from your UC in person or virtually, and you will travel with your UC peers as a group to your study abroad location where you will meet participants from other UC campuses.

How will I get to my Global Start location?

Students may purchase airfare on the optional group flights departing from Los Angeles or San Francisco or purchase their airfare independently for arrival by the program start date.

Where will I live during fall quarter?

Global Start students are required to live in the program-arranged housing. You will complete a housing preference form prior to departure that program staff will use for housing assignments.

What are classes like abroad?

Classes abroad are similar to classes on your UC campus, and you'll have the local city and country to enhance your experience. You will take UC classes that have been intentionally designed to use the program location as a classroom by integrating local cultural and historical sites, museums, and organizations into the curriculum.

Can I travel while abroad?

While travel may be possible on some weekends, you are strongly urged to wait before making travel plans for the first few weeks until you have adjusted to college life abroad and know your detailed program schedule before planning additional travel.

Can friends and family come visit during the program?

Yes, but please encourage them to wait until you have had time to adjust to life abroad and know your detailed program schedule. Friends and family will need to secure their own accommodations because guests are not allowed in program housing.

Is there a meal plan?

Meal plans are not available, and that's part of the independent living skills you'll build abroad. The program housing has shared kitchen facilities you can use, and you'll find markets where you can buy local ingredients nearby.

What happens when I return to my UC campus in the winter?

Planning for your return will start in the fall through virtual appointments. You will meet with UC advisors and enroll in your winter classes while abroad. UC campus housing is guaranteed upon your return, so there's no need to spend time finding accommodations for your return.