Global Education

Study Abroad with the College of Education

Many academic programs at SDSU have a global education requirement. Education abroad programs provide students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills that are essential to a 21st century college education. Studying abroad is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience that transforms students and opens doors to new opportunities in life.

Aztecs Abroad Database

Search global education programs.

SDSU Navigate

Meet with an advisor and prepare for an international program.

International Students

Visit the International Student Center.

Why Study Abroad?

Discover new ways to adapt, grow, and gain perspective

You'll learn flexibility, adaptability, and new ways of doing things as you adjust to living in a new culture. And you'll learn to see the United States from a different perspective.

Develop communication skills and cross-cultural competence

Learn to communicate effectively and work with groups from diverse backgrounds. Develop cross-cultural competence that will set you apart on a resumé, in a job interview, and in a future career teaching a diverse classroom.

Explore opportunities to pursue personal goals

Explore personal goals such as learning a new language or becoming more fluent, exploring a culture related to your ancestry, learning about the art and music of your host country.

See the world! Have fun!

Travel is always exciting. In addition to learning, growing, and experiencing a new way of life, you're bound to find fun and adventure!

Rich history, culture, flora, and fauna are the context of our global education programs, which provided the pre-service teachers below with enriching experiences to share with their future school children.

Female student in front of ancient pyramid in Belize

Eric Beagle

‟Participating in the Belize spring break program was one of the best decisions I made at SDSU. In the village of San Jose Succotz, I stayed with a host family who prepared delicious local cuisines, toured ancient Mayan ruins, and visited elementary schools. Our SDSU group even collaborated with local teachers to host a mini-camp for the children! At the end of the program, we visited beautiful Caye Caulker island. Snorkeling in clear Caribbean water abundant with sea life was awesome. This program truly provided the opportunity for me to grow as a person and a future teacher.”

Simone Patton

‟Pura Vida! The Rich Coast of Central America is wealthy in many things. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with friendly people, exotic animals, and amazing coffee! During my stay here I learned so much about the culture; communities were very welcoming and excited to share their culture with us. My best experiences included visiting elementary schools. In one school, I tutored students in learning about the human skeleton. At another school, children performed a traditional dance in full costume and we danced with them! My study abroad experience is definitely one that I will never forget.”

two children, girl and boy, in Spanish square

Silvia Oliveros

‟Studying abroad for a month in Spain was a fantastic decision! A typical day in Ávila started with classes. In one course, I studied culture and civilization. In another course, I went on a poetic adventure that ranged from Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz to Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. These were fascinating courses that left a profound effect on me, not only because of the content presented, but also because I was completely immersed in the education system of my host country. When I was not studying, I explored the beautiful area, savoring the sights, sounds and tastes of Spain!”

Allison Reik

‟I studied for a semester at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. They have a large population of international students and there are many events for those wanting to get to know the area and culture. Additionally, I was easily able to assimilate and felt like a regular student at the university. My favorite class was about the British education system. Kent has a month-long spring recess and I used the time to visit other European nations. All totaled, I visited 10 different countries. Now I am making plans to take advantage of other international opportunities offered through SDSU!”