Studying abroad can significantly enhance the academic, personal, and professional development of an economics major all while earning academic credits.

Study Abroad Benefits

    Global Perspective

    Exposure to different economic systems, policies, and cultures helps students understand economics from a global viewpoint, broadening their analytical skills and perspectives.   Immersion in a foreign country also often helps students develop or improve language skills, which can be invaluable in the global job market.

    Enhanced Learning Opportunities

    Access to courses, faculty, and resources at international universities can complement and enrich your USC curriculum, offering unique insights and advanced knowledge in specialized areas of economics. Opportunities to conduct research or internships in a foreign country can provide unique data, perspectives, and experiences that are not available domestically.

    Cultural Competence/Networking

    Living and studying in a different culture fosters adaptability, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of cultural nuances, which are essential in international business and policy roles. Building a global network of peers, professors, and professionals can open up international career opportunities and collaborations.

    Personal Growth

    The challenges and experiences of living abroad promote independence, problem-solving abilities, and confidence, all of which are valuable personal and professional traits.

    Career Advantage

    Employers often value candidates with international experience for their broader outlook, adaptability, and cross-cultural skills. Studying abroad can make a resume stand out in a competitive job market.

    Experimental Economics in Edinburgh

    “Studying abroad in Edinburgh for my Econ major was a great experience. Adam Smith, the “Father of Economics,” was Scottish and as such, the Economics program at UoE was fantastic. I took a class on Experimental Economics, in which we were able to learn in lectures & discussion sections, similar to USC. The UK learning structure is slightly different from ours in the US, so a majority of the grading is based on writing and a comprehensive project at the end of the term. I think this helped me dive deeper in my understanding of the field, rather than simply memorizing and restating factoids. All in all, it was a great experience and the transfer of credits was hassle-free!”

    Emlyn Davis, University of Edinburgh (ECON)
    Emlyn Davis headshot

    Economics and Internships in Australia

    “I’m Bryant, and I’m a double major in International Relations and Economics/Math. Studying both from an Australian perspective at the Australian National University was absolutely amazing! My favorite IR class was a class examining the politics of Pacific Island countries—Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, etc. Learning from regional Australian experts on the topic and thinking about a region that had never crossed my mind before studying IR at USC was a mind-opening experience. I couldn’t believe that I got the chance to study at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at ANU (considered one of the world’s best IR schools) and to be in Canberra—a world capital where movers and shakers in Asian foreign policy make decisions.

    I also greatly enjoyed the opportunity to take a math class at ANU’s College of Business & Economics that is not normally offered at USC! The ANU has an incredible selection of courses across all majors, stemming from its reputation in Australia as a place where experts choose to research and teach.

    Beyond my classes, I got the incredible chance to participate in the Australian National Internships Program (ANIP), through which I researched humanitarian assistance & disaster relief policy for the Royal Australian Navy. Through ANIP, I got the chance to interview senior figures in the Australian Navy and Department of Defense, and made lasting connections with my mentors and my Australian cohort.”

    Bryan Cong, Australian National University