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Study Abroad

Every summer, students from the USC Leonard Davis School and across the university will travel across the world to explore aging! Course topics range from how nutrition and food culture affect longevity to how psychology changes with aging and how death customs and ceremonies vary throughout ancient and modern societies. Want to join students on these exciting and educational adventures? Courses are available to outside individuals (requires enrolling as a limited-status student).

Complete the Study Abroad Interest form to learn more about how to participate in one of our study abroad programs.

Study Abroad Interest Form

Application Process

How to Apply

Students must apply via the Student Travel Abroad website before D-clearance will be issued to register for the course.

Application Timeline

  • Applications open: Monday, October 13, 2025
  • Applications close: Saturday, November 1, 2025
  • Decisions sent: Friday, November 14, 2025
  • Commitment forms due: Monday, December 15, 2025
  • $500 deposit due: Monday, January 12, 2026 (first day of spring classes)
  • Remaining balance due: April 1, 2026

Information Sessions

RSVP to attend an info session. Info session locations to be announced. Recordings will be provided; please RSVP to attend and receive the recording.

GERO 489: Finding the Key to a Long, Happy Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica’s Blue Zone
Maymester | Costa Rica | John Walsh | 4 units
Info Session: Wednesday, 10/29 at 1 PM

GERO 493: Longevity and Death among Ancient and Modern European Populations
Maymester | Italy | Susan Enguídanos | 2 units (contact department for 4-unit option)
Info Session: Wednesday, 10/29 at 12 PM

GERO 498: Nutrition, Genes, Longevity and Disease
Maymester | Italy | Valter Longo | 4 units
Info Session: Tuesday, 10/28 at 12 PM

GERO 499: The Science of Longevity: A Sociobiological Analysis of Aging in South Korea and the United States
Maymester | South Korea | Changhan David Lee | 4 units
Info Session: Wednesday, 10/29 at 11 AM

GERO 478: Genetics of Aging in England, Ireland and the United States
Julymester | England, Scotland & Ireland | Sean Curran | 4 units
(Julymesters are on the Fall 2026 Schedule of Classes; application information and timeline TBA)
Info Session: Tuesday, 10/28 at 1 PM

Programs

Students with peace signs at the Coloseum

GERO 493: Longevity and Death among Ancient and Modern European Populations

Maymester | Italy | Susan Enguídanos | 2 units (Contact department for 4 unit option)

Dates:
May 18 – May 20, 2026 (On Campus)
May 25 – June 5, 2026 (in Italy)

This course is led by USC Leonard Davis School Associate Professor Susan Enguídanos and explores the discoveries of ancient humans and bodies that have been preserved to illuminate the connection between diet, health, and disease. The class will travel through Italy and explore the role of religion and culture in determining and defining death practices, ceremonies, and other customs. Class discussions and field trips will demonstrate the strong connection between religious and afterlife beliefs and body disposal practices.

Group of women standing together on a bridge by the sea.

GERO 498: Nutrition, Genes, Longevity and Disease

Maymester | Italy | Valter Longo | 4 units

Dates:
May 19 – May 22, 2026 (On Campus)
May 25 – June 13, 2026 (in Italy)

This course examines the role of nutrition and genes and the impact each has on longevity and diseases, particularly diseases related to aging. It provides the opportunity to learn directly from internationally renowned expert and USC Leonard Davis School Professor Valter Longo, gain a global perspective on genetics and cultural attitudes toward aging, and experience a month-long immersion in the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Tropical vegetation and ocean views of Costa Rica

GERO 489: Finding the Key to a Long, Happy Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica’s Blue Zone

Maymester | Costa Rica | John Walsh | 4 units

Dates:
May 18 – May 22, 2026 (On Campus)
May 24 – June 6, 2026 (in Costa Rica)

This course will immerse students into lifestyles shown to improve the quality of life and extend the lifespan by studying populations that live in communities referred to as “Blue Zones” throughout the world. Students will have the opportunity to visit two of the world’s five Blue Zones: Loma Linda, California, and Nicoya, Costa Rica.

Cityscape night view of Seoul, South Korea at sunset time

GERO 499: The Science of Longevity: A Sociobiological Analysis of Aging in South Korea and the United States

Maymester | South Korea | Changhan David Lee | 4 units

Dates:
May 18 – May 22, 2026 (On Campus)
May 25 – June 6, 2026 (in South Korea)

Travel to South Korea to explore how culture, policy, and lifestyle shape longevity—through expert talks, hands-on culinary experiences, and visits to historic and modern sites. From the world’s longest life expectancy to the lowest fertility rate, discover how this rapidly aging society is redefining the future of healthy aging!

Scenic view of London, England featuring historic architecture and Big Ben under a blue sky

GERO 478: Genetics of Aging in England, Ireland and the United States

Julymester | England, Scotland and Ireland | Sean Curran | 4 units

Dates:
July 15 – July 17, 2026 (On Campus)
July 19 – August 2, 2026 (in London, Edinburgh and Dublin)

Travel to England, Scotland and Ireland to learn the fundamentals of genetics and the role the environment plays in longevity and health outcomes. Use the frameworks of local folklore and fiction as the basis of understanding the history of genetic studies and what ignites the gerontological imagination in the development of the science of senescence. Explore three distinct longitudinal studies of specific populations while considering the broader cultural aspects of age and aging.