We have some exciting news to share with the UC community! The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 PIEoneer Awards.

Often referred to as the “Oscars of international education,” the PIEoneer Awards recognize bold innovation, exceptional academic impact, and transformative student experiences on a global scale. UCEAP was named a finalist in the Study abroad and exchange experience of the year category for its summer physics partnership in the UK.

For many science, engineering, and pre-med majors, strict academic schedules can make a full semester abroad challenging to fit into a degree plan. UCEAP’s intensive summer physics sequence is designed to enable UC students to engage in a high-impact international experience while mastering complex academic material without falling behind on their graduation timeline. It also serves the UC system by providing students access to courses that are sometimes hard to get into on their own campus.

“The summer physics program in the UK is a unique educational experience. Students benefit from a very small student-to-TA ratio and personalized support Monday through Friday, while also having the opportunity to explore and enjoy the local culture on weekends. The program’s compact and immersive format is ideal for preparing students for the physics portion of the MCAT when they return, while also helping them develop the independence, confidence, and focus needed for college and beyond,” Guido Bordignon, Vice Provost for Global Engagement, UC Santa Cruz.

By blending immersive lectures, hands-on lab work, small-group workshops, and active support from instructors and tutors, students have found that the devoted focus on life science physics helped them master the demanding material. The Glasgow Summer Physics program gives UC undergraduates a high-support, high-impact path to completing an entire year of foundational physics abroad.

“Our summer physics programs prove that our students don’t have to choose between fulfilling intense STEM requirements and having a life-changing international experience—they can do both.” Lauren Nestler, Global Program Team Associate Program Director at UCEAP.

PIEoneer Award winners will be announced during the already sold-out 10th anniversary ceremony on September 4, 2026, held at the historic Guildhall in London. Dan Waite (AVPED) will attend the celebration to represent UCEAP.

“We are honored for one of our programs to be named a PIEoneer Award finalist. This recognition speaks to the dedication of our program teams and stellar UK partner institutions like the University of Glasgow in creating innovative, high-support global learning experiences that allow UC students to integrate their academic passions with real-world competencies.” Dan Waite, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director at UCEAP.

Learn more about UCEAP’s innovative summer physics programs in Ireland, UK-England, and UK-Scotland.