In an increasingly global economy, success depends more than ever on understanding the cultural, linguistic and other differences among countries — as well as appreciating the commonalities that unite us. USC builds future global leaders and encourages the cultivation of this awareness by providing students of every discipline the opportunity to participate in a wide range of overseas programs. Search all international programs »
“I’ve never come in contact with a wider variety of people in my life. I now have a greater appreciation for the many different ways people go through life and a better understanding of what I’m doing with my own. This fellowship taught me not only about what it means to live and work in East Asia but what it means to be a citizen of the world.” -Matthew Prusak, Hong Kong ’12
USC Career Center
USC undergraduates live and intern in Asia for eight weeks during the summer, developing personal and professional relationships while enhancing crosscultural understanding.
“I met so many people in the field of work that I want to do, and it was absolutely amazing. Opportunities like this is what gives you the passion, shows you that you can make a difference. I think going somewhere, seeing the country and just being there is really true learning.” -Nitya Ramanathan, PWP: Conflict Resolution and Peace Research, Rwanda, Summer ’13
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Challenges from climate change to pandemics and terrorism transcend borders to threaten us all. The courses in this program combine problem-based learning and research with opportunities to study abroad, educating students by providing them with opportunities to devise potential solutions to these and other urgent problems.
“Studying abroad is one of the main highlights of my time at USC. Throughout the semester, I was constantly faced with new environments and learning opportunities that I wouldn’t have received anywhere else. I had the opportunity to make friends who came from all over the world and travel to places that I will always remember.” -Linda Tian, University of Manchester, England, Spring ’17
USC Marshall School of Business
In partnership with 3 dozen universities around the world, the IEP program enables undergraduate students to widen their exposure to other cultures while deepening their understanding of international business theories, practices and concerns of the international community.
“We didn’t solve the systematic problems the elderly at Villa El Salvador encounter – although we wish we could have. But we did contribute. I am filled with an immense sense of gratitude – they welcomed us with open arms and allowed us the privilege of serving them. It was an unforgettable experience and one I will cherish for years.” -Carolina Canseco, USC Alternative Spring Break: Peru, Spring ’16
USC Campus Activities
A unique opportunity for USC students to engage in service-learning and volunteerism in communities around the world, Alternative Breaks help participants make tangible connections between what they learn in the classroom and what they will encounter once they have jobs and experiences outside the university setting.
“As one of the world’s great research universities, we believe our highest responsibility is to serve the global public good. A primary way we do this is by advancing our research mission with the full participation of outstanding postdoctoral scholars.” -USC Provost Michael Quick
In partnerships with foreign governmental organizations, USC offers two-year residencies in fields related to engineering and the sciences, promoting international collaboration and scientific and technological innovation. These programs include the USC-CONACYT Postdoctoral Scholars Program in partnership with Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology for scholars from Mexico, and the USC-Taiwan Postdoctoral Scholars Program in partnership with the Taiwan Ministry of Education for scholars from Taiwan.