Unsure if you should contact UCSB EAP or UCEAP with your questions? Read this post to learn about the duties of each office and what you might contact them about! 🌎🎓
Watch this video for directions to our new office in SAASB 2201! 🌎 Come visit us and follow us on TikTok!! @ucsbeap 📢 #ucsbeap #globalgauchos #uceap #ucsb #ucsantabarbara #studyabroad #educationabroad
Check out this week's events and remember applications for winter/spring 2027 are open! Have a great week and remember our office is open for advising on Mon-Thur 9:30am-4pm and Fri 10am-2pm at SAASB 2201 for any advising questions!
#ucsbeap #ucsb #globalgauchos #studyabroad
Hi everyone, it’s Kiana again! As mentioned earlier, I was able to travel for 13 days straight in my time at the University of Glasgow. There is a period called “reading week” where students from (some colleges) have no scheduled classes to prepare for midterms, but I made sure to finish all of my papers and readings so I could travel. My friends and I went to Madeira and Porto, and then I met the larger group in Barcelona for Halloween!
In those 13 days, I spent five by myself in Portugal. I traveled from Porto to Lagos to Lisbon, and then back to Porto airport, where I flew out to meet my friends in Barcelona! As a woman, I thought I would be more anxious alone. While I took precautions, most people I interacted with were kind and excited to connect! From rainforest hikes, missed trains, language barriers, to free meals and connections with strangers from all over the world, Portugal was a remarkable country to explore alone and with friends. I encourage you to go on a solo adventure (to Portugal or anywhere) if time and budget permits!
Traveling on a budget was absolutely doable for me. Flights were around 30-60 USD, and the Airbnb’s I split with my friends were 25 USD a night each. The hostels I stayed at were 30 USD. With only one backpack, I bought cheap, easily packable souvenirs like post cards and magnets, and spent money on experiences instead. When I was with friends we cooked a lot of our meals together, which is a great way to save money and get closer to people. It’s also so fun to explore foreign grocery stores!
Reading week was a momentous trip, and I was lucky to come home to Glasgow after out-of-country adventures!
Congratulations to one of our photo contest runners-up Lauren B. (EAP Australia) for this incredible photo in the Gauchos Abroad category!
Photo title: "Snorkeling with a green sea turtle" - Great Barrier Reef, Australia
#globalgauchos #studyabroad #ucsbeap #uceap #photocontest
Congratulations to all the study abroad graduates in the class of 2026! So proud of everyone who chose to step outside of their comfort zone and try something new even when if was difficult and intimidating.
It was an incredible honor celebrating everyone who attended the grad sash event and we hope our graduates inspire future study abroad classes! #studyabroad #ucsb
Hi everyone, my name is Kiana and I’m a third-year English major and global intern! In fall of 2025, I made one of the best, most impactful decisions of my college career and studied at the University of Glasgow in Scotland through UCEAP.
The University of Glasgow is one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, and walking through those ancient halls made me more motivated to study. I took three classes where lecturers changed depending on their speciality, giving me the opportunity to experience many different teaching styles. UofG is very much "self-study" based, but I didn't find it too different from my English classes at UCSB, where I'm expected to read a lot outside of lecture. I was given around a week with no classes to attend in order to prepare for heavily weighted finals — but I had time to travel for 13 days straight earlier in the semester!
The UCEAP Scotland team was a great resource for me. They hosted dinners and excursions around Scotland, where I made lifelong friends who became like family. We explored Glasgow's local music scene together, used public transport to get to the stunning nature that Scotland offers, and skated back on frozen roads after an especially cold night. I spent a lot of time alone too, writing, walking, and discovering myself. One of my favorite memories is taking a solo yoga class with all Scottish women in a converted barn in Pollock Park. Scottish people have the best sense of humor, and everyone I met was so welcoming!
Navigating a foreign country encouraged me to embrace independence and new experiences, and I came back to the States more confident and grounded. I had the time of my life, and I think about my time in Glasgow every day since!
Check out this week's events and remember applications for winter/spring 2027 are open! Have a great week and remember our office is open for advising on Mon-Thur 9:30am-4pm and Fri 10am-2pm at SAASB 2201 for any advising questions!
#ucsbeap #ucsb #globalgauchos #studyabroad
Hey everyone, it’s Evelyn again! While I was studying abroad in London, I was fortunate enough to visit a variety of other European countries. I had never explored Europe before, so it was really exciting. What made the experience so special was that my program friends and I were able to share these new adventures together. Not only did we have so much fun, but we also experienced a lot of personal growth along the way.
We navigated countless metros, airports, and train stations together.
Even though we endured a handful of bumps along the way, those moments have turned into funny stories. As shown in the pictures above, some of the cities I traveled to include Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Rome, Dublin, Prague, and Krakow. Some of our trips were especially convenient, as we were able to take a train directly from London. I had been specifically excited for Paris, and it did not disappoint. If you go, I highly recommend the jazz club called Caveau de la Huchette. Edinburgh unexpectedly became one of my favorite destinations. The locals are so kind and there is a lot to do for Halloween.
Even though we only had weekends to explore these cities, we were able to see and do plenty. I had dreamed of visiting Europe for my entire life, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to live in that dream for several months. England also offers great day trips from London, such as the idyllic villages in the Cotswolds or the historic town of Bath. I can’t wait to go back and visit all of these places and more!
Congratulations to one of our photo contest runners-up Clara P. (EAP Mexico) for this incredible photo!
Photo title: "Hot air balloons over the pyramids" - Teotihuacan, Mexico City, Mexico
#globalgauchos #studyabroad #ucsbeap #uceap #photocontest
Hi everyone! My name is Evelyn and I am a fourth year Communications major. In Fall 2025, I had the privilege of studying abroad in London, England, through UCEAP’s London’s Calling program.
I can say without a doubt that my time in London has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. I truly got to live like a local by mastering the London Underground (aka “the Tube”) and partaking in the famous pub culture. Each borough of the city has its own unique charm, and there is something for everyone. Soho has a great variety of restaurants and is home to the West End, while Camden has an alternative energy and active music scene. There is so much history and culture to explore in London. As someone who LOVES music, this was the city to be in. I was able to take a course called “The London Music Scene” and expand my knowledge on London’s impact on popular music. What I really enjoyed about this program was how hands-on it was. We got to take field trips to museums, and even a jazz club. Even though my time in London felt too short, I feel that this program allowed me to make the most of it.
For anyone reading who is a transfer student and is interested in studying abroad, know that it is possible! I hadn’t thought about it too much before transferring, but my new housemates at the time inspired me with their stories of studying abroad. In a way, studying abroad has allowed me to feel more connected to being a UCSB student. I was able to form connections with other UC students, and those friendships have continued to grow since then. I am forever grateful for what London has done for me!
