Maymester Programs

Applications for our 2026 Maymester programs are now Closed.

Explore Program Options: Students can explore upcoming Dornsife FLP programs by visiting the Student Travel Abroad Portal. Each program brochure includes details such as program type, location, duration, course prerequisites, program costs, and contact information for program staff.

Information & Events:
Interested in learning more about upcoming programs? Visit the Student Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM on Trousdale Parkway. Preview Spring 2026 Maymester programs, speak directly with faculty leading the trips, and connect with staff from the FLP Office to ask questions and gather materials.

All Maymester courses are 4 units and may count toward elective, upper-division, or General Education (GE) requirements, depending on the course and a student’s degree plan. Students should consult their academic advisor to confirm how the course applies to their specific program.

Maymester courses are part of the Spring term and can be covered by USC’s flat-rate tuition if the student’s total enrolled units (including the Maymester) stay within the 12–18 unit range. If the Maymester course causes a student to exceed 18 units, additional tuition charges will apply. Students must receive approval from their home department to enroll in more than 20 units.

Program Costs:

Maymester FLP program fees range from $1,500 to $4,000 and are charged in addition to Spring semester tuition. Detailed costs are provided in each program’s brochure under the “Costs” tab.

Please note: All students are responsible for the full program fee. Fees are non-negotiable and vary based on location, length, season, and other program-specific factors.

 Fee Includes: Lodging accommodations, some meals, program transportation, program-related activities (i.e., museums, excursions, etc.), program administration fee.

Fee Does Not Include: Tuition and fees, international health insurance (if applicable), textbooks, airfare, travel insurance, personal spending money, personal travel, and transportation.

Financial Aid:

Maymesters are eligible for Spring financial aid. For questions about aid eligibility or how Maymester enrollment may impact your financial aid package, please contact the USC Financial Aid Office at https://financialaid.usc.edu or (213) 740-4444.

Scholarships:

SOAR and SURF Funding Eligibility

SOAR (Maymester) and SURF (Problems Without Passports) funding is available only to students who have declared a major at USC Dornsife.

To be considered for funding, students must also meet additional eligibility requirements. A complete list of criteria can be found on the program websites:

• SOAR (Maymester funding): https://dornsife.usc.edu/css/soar/

• SURF (PWP course funding): https://dornsife.usc.edu/exl/surf-shure/

For questions, contact:
SOAR: soar@dornsife.usc.edu
SURF: surf@dornsife.usc.edu

Faculty-Led Program Eligibility

Please note that not all Faculty-Led Programs (FLPs) qualify for SOAR or SURF funding. Both programs require that the course includes a significant research component to be eligible.

Exception: Spain-based programs are considered under a separate award designated specifically for study abroad programs in Spain.

A complete list of SOAR/SURF-approved courses is available on the program websites:

• SOAR: https://dornsife.usc.edu/exl/soar/
• SURF: https://dornsife.usc.edu/exl/surf-shure/

Note: Approved courses for Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 are to be determined. Please check the program websites for updates.

Application Periods

• Spring 2026 SOAR (Maymester) application period: Thursday, December 4, 2025 to Thursday, January 8, 2026
• Summer 2026 SURF (PWP) application period: TBD

Friendly reminder that students are responsible for all program costs. Do not rely solely on scholarship funding. For questions about scholarships, financial aid, or course planning, reach out to the appropriate office.