Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a Program
Credits and Transcripts
Registering with UCLA
Financial Aid
Health Insurance
Q. How can I choose a program that best suits my major?
A. Look at more than one program and see what classes they are offering. Obviously, if you're a language major, you'll want to look at programs in the country where the language is spoken. For other majors, look on program Web sites for lists of classes and testimonials from former students. Remember to keep an open mind and be flexible. You can also make an appointment with an IEO counselor to discuss your research.
Q. How do I know if a company is reputable and if the cost is reasonable?
A. The International Education Office has a lot of experience with many different programs and can help you make a decision. Just schedule an appointment with an IEO counselor.
Q. Can I talk to other UCLA students who have participated in my program?
A. Yes, just ask IEO if they can put you in touch.
Q.Will I get credit for the coursework I do with a Non-UC program?
A. Students must get a C equivalent or better in a course for it to be eligible for transfer. the course must be academic in nature an similar to coursework taught at UCLA.Keep in mind that courses are not preapproved the way they are for EAP or Travel Study. You'll only know for sure what credit you're receiving when the final transcript has been evaluated by UCLA Admission after you finish your program. You might want to consult your department counselor for advice beforehand.
Q. Will the credits I earn appear on my UCLA transcript? If so, how?
A. The credits will appear as either upper-division or lower-division units. Grades and course titles will not appear. Non-UC study abroad does not factor into your UCLA GPA. You’ll receive a transcript from your study abroad program that will show your grades. You will need to submit that transcript along with your UCLA transcript when you apply for grad school.
Q. What happens if I fail a class while I'm abroad?
A. If you fail a class, your units for that course will not transfer back and, in theory, you may have to reimburse Financial Aid if you transfer back fewer than a full-time course load (12 units for a semester/quarter program or 8 units for a summer program).
Q. How do I participate in a semester-long program since UCLA is on quarters.?
A. Academic calendars vary by country and institution. Check the beginning and end dates for the program you'd like to participate in. You may have to plan to miss more than one quarter in order to accommodate an entire semester abroad.
Q. How many quarter units is one semester unit worth?
A. Most Non-UC programs are semester programs which grant semester credit, rather than quarter units. UCLA grants units by contact hours. In general, students can expect to receive one unit for every ten contact hours. For example, a course with 120 contact hours will generally come back as 12 units. However, there are exceptions and students should consult with the International Education Office and the counseling unit for their College or School for more information
Q. Do I have to take a leave of absence from UCLA?
You should register through our Web site. Remember not to declare nonattendance.
Q. Will I be considered a UCLA student while on my non-UC program?
A. No, during the quarter(s) spent on the non-UC program, you will not be enrolled at UCLA and will not be considered a UCLA student. Students who are granted a leave of absence for their non-UC program will be automatically re-registered at UCLA for the quarter they return.
Q. Am I required to tell UCLA about my study abroad?
A. Yes; you must register with our form.
A. Yes. You can receive state and federal aid but you can't use money awarded by UCLA.
Q. When will my financial aid be disbursed?
A. Once your program starts, your program director must complete an enrollment certification form and fax it back to the IEO. That form certifies for the federal government that you have started your program. Once we receive that form, your aid will be disbursed in seven to ten days. Federal guidelines do not allow UCLA to disburse aid before departure.
Q. How do I petition for an extension if I've missed the financial aid deadline?
A. You need to write an explanation and submit it to IEO. IEO will contact Financial Aid on your behalf but does not guarantee an extension.
Q. Will I have health insurance?
A. A. Many program providers provide health insurance policies for their programs. You should check with your provider to see what is available. You are also eligible to register for emergency health insurance coverage through the University of California Travelers Insurance Coverage. The UC Travelers Insurance Coverage is free of charge.
October 6. UCLA Study Abroad Fair. Ackerman Grand Ballroom. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
October 8. IEO Office Reception. Shostak Terrace Outside Murphy Hall. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
October 9 is the deadline to apply for financial aid for winter and spring programs. Students must start their registration by October 9 and complete their registration by October 16.
Registered students can update their application online.