Washington Center Program

Students looking for a challenging way to earn course credit while interning in the nation’s capitol should consider attending the UCSB Washington Center Program (UCDC). The UCDC program is offered fall, winter, spring quarters and during the summer. The program is open to undergraduates from all majors, regardless of college affiliation. Applicants must have upper-division standing and a minimum 2.8 cumulative UCSB GPA at the time of admission to UCDC. The President’s Washington Scholarship is available for students who meet the program and scholarship criteria. For program information, visit the UCDC web page at www.Ltsc.ucsb.edu/urca. On campus, contact the UCDC Peer Advisors at (805) 893-3090 or by e-mail at www.ltsc.ucsb.edu/urca. On campus, contact the UCDC Peer Advisors at (805) 893-3090 or by e-mail at ucdc@Ltsc.ucsb.edu.

UC Center in Sacramento

The University of California Center in Sacramento (UCCS) Program offers undergraduates internship and research experience, while providing the opportunity to observe public policy processes firsthand in the state's capital. Admission to the UCCS Program is open to upper-division undergraduates from all majors, regardless of college affiliation. A cumulative UCSB GPA of at least 3.0 is required at time of application. Students maintain full-time enrollment at UCSB receiving unit credit for interning with an agency or organization of their choice in Sacramento. For more information visit the UCCS web site at http://uccs.universityofcalifornia.edu/. On campus, contact the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) office at urca@Ltsc.ucsb.edu.

Education Abroad Program

The Education Abroad Program is an outstanding academic overseas study program that last year involved more than 150 host institutions in 32 countries worldwide. EAP offers participating students a chance to remain registered at their home campus while studying abroad. More than 4,400 UC students go abroad on EAP each year. Students receive UC academic credit and financial aid (if eligible). Interested students should visit the EAP office early to learn which language and academic qualifications are required. EAP is located in South Hall 2431; (805) 893-3763; www.eap.ucsb.edu.

One Student's Perspective

I lived the past year in a city which guide books deem the most overlooked in Italy. Although unfortunate for tourists, it was a dream come true for the foreign students who were thrown head-first into pure Italian culture. Home to the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna is known as 'Il Dottore' or the doctor, and as one of the most liberal cities in Italia. As if its academic history isn't enough, the regional food is inarguably some of the best in the country. Between classes in the century-old palazzos and meandering the cobblestone streets I fell in love with this Medieval city, my days would be filled with visits to the open air markets, apperitivos, and chatting with the locals in piazzas. By the end of the year I had truly created a life for myself which made coming home so bittersweet.

But, between the world cup games, the protests, group cooking parties, the idle afternoons spent at opera cafe, and the flood of other memories I took home with me, I am assured that I can now go anywhere and conquer anything. My experience in Bologna proved to me that the world is literally at my fingertips and I can only hope that my future travels will be as rewarding as this past year.