The world is waiting. 

Studying abroad is more than just travel. You will undertake a bold, life-changing journey that will push you beyond your comfort zone, immerse you in a new cultures and challenge you to see the world—and yourself—through a broader, more powerful lens. 

First Year Experience Abroad: Chile

In this inaugural program and in partnership with Universidad de los Andes in Santiago, a cohort of twenty first-year students will have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning while fully immersing themselves in the cultural, historical, and sociopolitical dimensions of Chilean society through meaningful academic and hands-on experiences. 

Application deadline: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Why study abroad? 

Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in terms of academics, personal growth, professional preparation and global citizenship skills. It makes your résumé stand out, too, showing employers that you can adapt, solve problems and thrive in unfamiliar environments. Studies have shows students who studied abroad found employment within a year of graduation at double the rate of their peers.

At Pacific, we offer programs to fit your goals, interests, major and budget because we believe global learning should be accessible to all students. Studying abroad isn’t just about going somewhere new. It’s about becoming someone new. 

Where will you go?

Expand your education beyond the classroom: Walk the bustling streets of Mumbai, research marine ecosystems off the coast of Fiji, intern with a legal team in Amsterdam or practice your Spanish in Lima.  Deepen your global perspective and gain real-world insights that last a lifetime. 

Pacific has established strong partnerships enabling student exchange and robust faculty collaboration with universities across the world including:

  • American University of Cairo (Egypt)
  • Burgundy School of Business (France)
  • Esslingen University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Esslingen) (Germany)
  • Hanyang University (South Korea)
  • Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici (Italy)
  • Kwansei Gakuin University (Japan)
  • Toyo University (Japan)
  • Tokyo Denki University (Japan)
  • Université Grenoble Alpes (France)
  • University of Parma (Italy)
  • Waseda University (Japan)

Study abroad opportunities are available at these universities and many others

Finances

Affordability plays a key role in making this journey possible, and we are determined to make study abroad as accessible as possible for every student. With thoughtful planning, financial advising and the right scholarship opportunities, students should not pay more while studying abroad than they would pay here. 

Each study abroad program has slightly different cost structures depending on the length, destination, and program type:

  • Semester and year-long study abroad:
    • Tuition: All Pacific scholarships and financial aid transfer over to study abroad programs.
    • Travel: Students generally fund their own travel expenses, but are invited to apply for financial grants through our providers. Visa and passport expenses are not covered.
    • Living expenses: In the host country, living expenses are typically substantially lower than they are in the United States. For example, in Peru, the cost of living for a single person averages at $526—and that includes rent!
  • Faculty-led programs: Often carry lower or comparable tuition costs, compared to on-campus study. Many include group rates for temporary housing, transportation and excursions.
  • Volunteer and service learning programs: These programs are usually paid for by students (i.e. travel and living expenses), and do not include tuition fees as they are typically non-credit experiences. 

Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. Students receiving federal, state or institutional aid typically maintain eligibility while abroad.

In addition, students are invited to apply for a range of specialised scholarships to help reduce costs:

  • Pacific Study Abroad Scholarships: Competitive institutional awards offered directly through Pacific’s Study Abroad Office.
  • Pacific Fund Scholarships: Available for students engaging in international study, service, or internships.
  • Departmental Scholarships: Supporting students with demonstrated need or academic merit.
  • Provider Scholarships: Special scholarships offered for our students by study abroad providers.
  • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: For students receiving Pell Grants.
  • Boren Awards: For students studying critical languages or pursuing careers in federal service.
  • Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): Open to U.S. students with demonstrated financial need.

We strongly encourage students to work with the Study Abroad Office to explore all available funding options. Our team is able to offer guidance for preparing competitive applications, understanding deadlines and identifying additional external scholarships.


Partner Program Scholarships 

  • CIEE Scholarships: A variety of scholarships available to students who study abroad through CIEE.
    • DEADLINES: April 1 (Fall); October 15 (Spring);  February 14 (Early Decision Summer Global Internship)
  • IESAbroad Scholarships: A variety of scholarships available to students who study abroad through IES.
    • DEADLINES: May 1 (Fall); November 1 (Spring); April 1 (Summer)
  • ISEP Scholarships: Two scholarships for any ISEP students (Community and Founders), the ISEP Social Mobility Scholarship, plus several site-specific scholarships. They also have a link to a list of external scholarships: click here.
    • DEADLINES: October 15 (Spring); April 1 (Fall/Yearlong); additional scholarship deadlines vary
  • USAC Scholarships: A variety of scholarships are available to students who study abroad through USAC.
    • DEADLINES: May 1 (fall); October 1 (spring)
  • Baden-Württemberg Scholarship: 500-1400 Euros/month for students studying with our Bilateral Exchange at Hochschule Esslingen University, Contact Education Abroad office for details.
    • DEADLINES: March 15 (fall/yearlong) 


External Scholarships 

  • Gilman International Scholarship: Pell-eligible students studying for semester or year up to $5,000.
    • DEADLINES: October 2025 (TBD) (spring)
  • Gilman-McCain Scholarship: $5000 for child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs
    • DEADLINE: October 3 (Spring)
  • Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan: $2,500-$4,000 awards for semester or full year of study in Japan.
    • DEADLINE: March 15 (All terms)
  • The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) invests in promising undergraduate students with financial need who wish to study abroad. Applicants who meet our eligibility requirements may participate on any international education program that meets their academic objectives. Scholarships range up to $5,000 and $10000 for full year programs
    • DEADLINES: September 17 (spring); Check back for upcoming Spring deadline
  • Rainbow Scholarship: The Rainbow is awarded to LGBT students who want to pursue meaningful, intensive education programs abroad and is made possible by the generous donations and support of numerous international education professionals that are dedicated to helping LGBT students participate in international programs. (apply through FEA scholarship above)
    • DEADLINES: Sep 17 (spring); Check back for upcoming Spring deadline
  • David L. Boren Scholarship: Intensive language study abroad for "critical need" languages such as Mandarin, Portuguese, and many others outside of Europe. Students may start at novice level. Two-semester or summer plus semester programs are highly preferred, except for STEM students, who are eligible for summer funding. Awardees must commit to work for the federal government for one year after graduation. Grants $8000 for summer programs; $20,000 for full-year programs.
  • Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant: 75, $1000 are awarded each year, applicants do not have to be Society members but other requirements apply
    • DEADLINES: March 15 (Application Opens: December 15, 2025)
  • Freeman-ASIA Scholarship: $3,000-$7,000 For students who demonstrate a financial need, provides assistance for study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
    • Application opens: February 2026 (Fall)
  • Turkish Coalition of America: Scholarships available to students who have been  accepted to a language program or university study abroad program in Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    • No deadline: Rolling basis
  • Tortuga: $1000 Scholarship awarded biannually. Student must demonstrate a love for travel and backpacking.
    • DEADLINES: November 15 (Spring); April 15 (Fall)
  • Butex: Awards  £500 for study at an affiliated university in the UK for study in the semester or the academic year.
    • Application opens May 2026 (Fall) 


Scholarship Search Engines & Databases 

  • FastWeb: Web site provides free customized scholarship search after user fills out profile. E-mail updates are then provided of scholarships based on the profile. Links with FinAid.
  • FinAid! (National Association of Financial Aid Administrators): Web site of the main US professional association for financial aid administrators provides scholarship searches and extensive information about financial aid. Links with FastWeb.
  • GoAbroad.com: GoAbroad is also committed to providing students the most comprehensive resource for international education and alternative travel.
  • Study Abroad Scholarships: A free search tool for study abroad scholarships as well as an explanation of the different types of scholarships offered.
  • GoOverseas!: A free online database with wide plethora of scholarship options.
  • AIFS Abroad Competitive Scholarships: A compilation of scholarship opportunities ranging from $500-$10,000+. 

We don’t expect students or families to navigate finances alone. Every student receives:

  • Individual financial advising assessments by Pacific Global and Financial Aid offices.
  • Cost estimates for housing, meals, travel and incidentals.
  • Guidance on currency exchange, banking abroad and managing expenses.
Your safety is our top priority

We are strongly committed to making sure that every student is well-informed, prepared and supported throughout their global education experience. This video outlines important safety guidelines, travel protocols and resources available to you while overseas. 

Identity and Inclusion

Every student—regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, ability, faith or background—enriches our programs with the unique perspectives. When you study abroad, who you are matters. We are committed to you feeling seen, supported and celebrated. 

  • A richer learning environment: International classrooms are more vibrant and insightful when diverse voices are present. Your identity shapes your worldview and enriches your discussions abroad.

  • Equitable access: We work proactively to remove financial, cultural and logistical barriers so that study abroad is feasible and achievable for all students.

  • Belonging fosters bravery: Feeling welcomed and supported emboldens students to participate more deeply academically and personally. 

  • Inclusive Advising: Our Study Abroad Office team includes cross-culturally trained advisors and peer mentors. A trusted ally will be at your side from day one, supporting your journey and honouring your identity.

  • Contextual Awareness: Understanding how your identity might be perceived or understood abroad is key. We guide students to research and reflect on destination-specific cultural norms, and to choose a place where they can expand their horizons while also keeping safe. We will provide you with an honest assessment, including personal safety considerations for LGBTQ students in certain countries. 

  • Partnering Across Communities: We curate study abroad options with partner institutions who share our commitment to representation and student support. 

Contact the Global Education Office 

Email: studyabroad@pacific.edu 
Phone: 209.932.754 (front desk) 


Our staff

Dr. Witold Wolny has more than 15 years of experience leading international education offices at Belmont University, Marymount University and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. At Belmont, he managed one of the largest study abroad portfolios in the region, overseeing a team of 10 staff, a $6M budget and more than 1,200 students abroad each year, while coordinating 60+ faculty-led programs and U.S.-based centers in Los Angeles and New York and chairing the Faculty Advisory and Risk Management Committees to strengthen institutional policies on health, safety and risk management. At Marymount, he directed university-wide global initiatives, including the Global Scholars Program, and at UVA Wise he established the institution’s first international office, chaired the International Programs Committee and developed multicultural and global education programming. His initiatives include the Summer Program on International Cybersecurity and Entrepreneurship (SPEC) and the Forum on Transnational Ethnomusicology (FORTE), supported by a $500K grant, alongside contributions to policy development, scholarship programs and institutional risk management, which he has shared at national and international education forums. A tenured Associate Professor of Comparative Religion, Dr. Wolny has taught courses in philosophy, religious studies, humanities, classical guitar and Spanish. He is also a member of the European Cultural Parliament, where he contributes to cultural diplomacy and transatlantic dialogue. In addition, he is a songwriter with published works in four languages, including the music video Fran.

Madeline is a proud alumna of University of the Pacific and has earned her bachelor's degree in International Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in International Education Management through the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, which highlights her passion for working in the field of global learning. Madeline studied abroad in Madrid, Spain during the 2022-2023 academic year, and this experience significantly influenced her lifestyle, goals and outlook. She has dedicated her professional career to advocating for accessible, inclusive and affordable international education programs. Madeline stands firmly in her belief that studying abroad is one of the most impactful periods of time in a student’s college experience, and hopes to inspire all Pacific students to embark on their journeys of a lifetime.

Kyla Maxwell studied abroad in Madrid, Spain during the spring 2025 semester, and is dedicated to encouraging students to seek out their own study abroad experience. Kyla supports students through the study abroad application process, helping them navigate program options, deadlines and requirements with clarity and confidence. She also contributes to outreach initiatives that raise awareness of global learning opportunities across campus, with a focus on inclusive and accessible messaging. Passionate about connecting students with transformative experiences, she enjoys creating resources that make the process approachable and engaging. Kyla is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Samantha Monarrez-Hernandez is a third year Psychology major with a passion for traveling, exploring new cultures and connecting with others. She took a semester to study abroad in Spain, where her appreciation for diverse perspectives fueled her love for life long learning. Outside of the classroom, Samantha enjoys reading and engaging in community service opportunities that allow her to support and uplift others around her. With strong leadership experience gained through organizing campus and community initiatives, she strives to combine her academic goals with a dedication to helping others to make a positive impact in the world.