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. Schedule an appointment (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 (1).
Enhance your résumé
Students who study abroad are more likely to find employment within 12 months of graduation than their peers who did not study abroad (2). 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.
The Application Process
Step 1: Inquire
You are encouraged to begin learning about your studying abroad options as early as possible. Come visit us at Pacific Global to kickstart your journey; the sooner, the better! We will help introduce you to all of the possibilities open to your major and minor. You will also receive guidance on how to earn scholarships and budget your finances to prepare for your trip. You are eligible to travel if you have a 2.75+ GPA and clean disciplinary history, and you can begin studying abroad as early as the fall of your sophomore year (year #2 for transfer students)!
Step 2 Complete the Application
Once you have completed your preliminary meeting with us and decided on a program, you will move onto the next step. We will assist you with learning about how to select your courses abroad, getting those approved by your academic advisor, and then planning out your budget with Financial Aid.
Step 3: Embark on your Journey
Once your Pacific application is approved, we will assist you with organizing any necessary pre-departure materials and connecting with your international support team. Then, you will begin your study abroad experience!
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 500+ 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.
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.
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, API, Anglo, IES, and ISEP).
International internships, service learning and volunteer opportunities: Hands-on experiences in international settings—such as engineering internships in Germany or community support in rural Ghana—that combine academic learning with real-world impact.
Pacific is proud to partner with the following programs which hire college graduates to work as English teaching assistants abroad. These options are great for recent graduates who wish to take a gap year before applying to jobs or graduate school.
- The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) is one the Cultural Services of the French Embassy's longest running and most sought-after programs.
- North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) in Spain is a language assistant program that allows North American English speakers to work as language and cultural assistants in public schools across Spain.
- Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is an internationally accredited course provider that offers training to teach English abroad. There is also a job board.
- Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is the only English language teaching program managed by the Japanese government, offering positions in schools and government offices throughout the nation.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a fellowship program through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Program participants may conduct research, continue to graduate studies, or teach English abroad.
- Academic Information Agency (AIA) Academic Information Agency (AIA) of the Czech Republic offers a program for qualifying participants to teach English in primary and secondary public schools.
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 — 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.
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.
