Frequently Asked Questions
Wait lists
Financial Aid
Eligibility
How to apply
Registration number
Acceptances
Deadlines
Payments
Applying to multiple programs
Switching programs
When programs fill up
Supporting materials for application
Passports
Visas
Immunizations
Language levels
Transferring units/Transcripts
Excess units
FLAS and JET
Housing
Staying informed
Cancellations
Course adds and drops
UCLA Travel Study v. UC Education Abroad Program
Other UC Summer Sessions Offices
Q. Who can attend the Travel Study programs?
A. Travel Study programs are open on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not have to be a UCLA student to participate, but you must be at least 18 years old and have completed high school before your program begins. Most programs are geared for undergraduates and offer undergraduate course credit. Our Archaeology and Business Language programs offer graduate level course credit. Participants are typically college students ages 18 to 24.
Q. How do I apply for a program?
A. Click on any link to the Travel Study online application. Be sure to read the application information carefully. When your application has been submitted, you will receive a registration number on the screen and by e-mail. Be sure to keep this number for future reference. Upon completion of the application process, you will receive an e-mail informing you of the status of your application. In order to secure your spot, you must submit a $300 nonrefundable deposit payment through our secure online credit/debit card form. Some programs require instructor consent. If you are applying for an instructor consent program, you will receive e-mails regarding your application status (a deposit is not required until your application has been approved by the instructor).
Q. Where can I find my registration number?
A. Your registration number can be found in the subject line of your registration or confirmation e-mail. It is a one- to four-digit number. E-mail Travel Study if you cannot locate the number.
Q. How will I know if I have been accepted into the program?
A. An e-mail notification will be sent to you upon completion of your application, informing you of the status of your application.
Q. When is the last day to register for a program?
A. If space is still available in the program, the final registration deadline is April 2, 2010.
Q. How do I pay the balance for my program?
A. Final payments can be made via URSA or by check at the Cashier's Office in 1125 Murphy Hall.
Q. When can I begin making final payments?
A. Students can begin to make final payments in March.
Q. When is the final payment deadline?
A. Final payments are due by April 2, 2010. Financial aid students are exempt from this deadline.
Q. Can I register for more then one program?
A. You can sign up for two programs that do not have conflicting dates. If you plan to participate in two programs, please contact the Travel Study Office. If program dates do not conflict and space is available, you will be enrolled in both programs. You will have to pay a nonrefundable deposit for both programs.
Q. Can I switch into another program?
A. Prior to the final payment deadline you may switch if there are open spaces in the program you would like to switch into. If there aren't any open spaces and you decide to switch, you will be placed on the wait list and will lose your spot in your former program. You may not switch programs after the final payment deadline. To make a switch, just retrieve your application to make the update.
Q. When do programs usually fill up?
A. Some programs fill up as early as December and many programs are full by February. Since space cannot be guaranteed, it is a good idea to apply early.
Q. What materials do I need to submit with my application?
A. One digital photo (all students) and one scanned copy (in jpeg format) of the front page of your passport (international programs only) are due within 90 days of your application.
A. You will need to contact the nearest passport agency. Many post offices offer passport services. The passport process takes 10-12 weeks (expedited service is available for an additional fee). For more information, please visit travel.state.gov.
Q. What if I am unable to obtain a passport within 90 days of my application?
A. If your passport is not ready within the 90-day deadline, do not worry. But be sure to turn in your passport photocopies as soon as possible.
Q. Where do I upload my passport and photo?
A. Upload your passport scan and photo to the Retrieve Form. Enter you details and scroll down to the bottom on the next page.
Q. I am having trouble uploading my files. What should I do?
A. You may email the files to Travel Study and we will upload them on your behalf. If you do not have access to a scanner, stop by our office in B300 Murphy Hall.
A. In general, U.S. citizens will not need a visa of any kind to participate in a Travel Study program. However, students participating in the China and Brazil programs must obtain a tourist visa. Students in these programs are advised to wait until they receive special instructions from the International Education Office in the spring. If you are traveling under a non-U.S. passport, you should consult with the consulates for the countries you will be visiting to determine whether you need a tourist visa. You do NOT need a student visa to participate in a Travel Study program.
Q. Are there any immunizations required for my program?
A. We recommend you visit the Centers for Disease Control's Web site at: www.cdc.gov/travel for more information about health and safety abroad. Certain vaccinations and other preparations are required for programs in Africa.
Q. For the language programs, how do I determine which level I should sign up for?
A. To assist you with selecting the appropriate language curriculum, we have listed the prerequisites for each language level. If you are still not sure of your language abilities, we recommend that you consult directly with the program director.
Q. Will the courses I take in the Travel Study program transfer to my school?
A. If you are a UC student, Travel Study program courses are UC-transferable and will automatically transfer to your UC transcript in the fall. Non-UC students should consult with an academic advisor and the Registrar's Office at their home institution.
Q. I am a past program participant. How can I request a transcript?
A. Past participants can view and request transcripts on URSA.
Q. How do I enroll in more than 18 units during the summer quarter?
A. UCLA students enrolling in over 18 units must fill out an "Excess Units" form available at their College.
Q. I am applying for FLAS funding for your Portuguese program. Can I have a cost breakdown?
A. The breakdown can be found under the "Fees" link.
Q. I am applying for the JET program and need a letter confirming my participation in a UCLA Travel Study program. What should I do?
A. Please e-mail Travel Study with you request. Specify whether you would like us to fax or mail the letter. Include the appropriate details.
Q. What will my housing be like?
A. Housing varies from program to program. Visit the section called "Accommodations and Meals" for your program to read a description of the program housing. Complete details for housing, including address information, will be sent to all program participants in the spring.
Q. Can I provide my own housing?
A. Travel Study housing is required for all participants and is restricted to enrolled participants only. The cost of accommodations cannot be deducted from the program fee.
Q. Can a guest stay with me in Travel Study housing?
A. Guests (includes spouses, children, other family members and friends) are not allowed in Travel Study housing or on any Travel Study related activity. The Travel Study Office does not assist with housing arrangements for family, friends, or other guests of Travel Study participants.
Q. How will I receive information about my program?
A. It is very important that you submit an e-mail address that you check regularly when filling out your application. Periodically, you will receive notices from the Travel Study office with important information about your program. A welcome packet will be sent to you within a few weeks of your application. In addition, a mailing will be sent to you in the spring (usually by the end of May) with important information about your program.
Q. How do I cancel my participation in my program?
A. Please do not enroll in a Travel Study program unless you are sure you intend to participate. Remember that your deposit is nonrefundable.
If you cancel your registration, the following applies:
$300 is not refundable under any
circumstances;
Program fees (minus the $300 deposit)
are refundable until April 2, 2010.
No refunds are available after April 2, 2010.
In order to cancel once you have registered, you can retrieve your registration from at www.ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/register/retrieve.cfm. Failure to cancel prior to the April 2 deadline will result in a bill for the full program fee.
Q. How do I drop a required course?
A. Each Travel Study program consists of a required course curriculum. Students are automatically enrolled in this curriculum. These courses are mandatory and cannot be dropped.
Substitutions for required courses may be requested, pending faculty approval.
More information about a program's courses can be found on each program's site under "Curriculum."
Q. How can I enroll in the optional course?
A. Optional Directed Research courses are available for some programs for an additional fee. If your program offers a Directed Research course, you can select the course when you register for the program. If you want to enroll in an optional course after you have applied for the program, you can retrieve your registration form at www.ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/register/retrieve.cfm. Click on the optional course button for your program.
Q. How do I drop an optional course?
A. Optional Directed Research courses may be dropped by August 31, 2010 for no penalty. After August 31, optional courses may be dropped for no refund. In order to drop the optional course you must retrieve your application form at www.ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/register/retrieve.cfm.
Q. What is the difference between UCLA's Travel Study programs and the UC Education Abroad Program?
A. UCLA Travel Study offers short-term programs during the summer only. Courses are part of the regular UCLA academic curriculum and are taught by UC faculty. Programs are open to anyone age 18 or older. There are no GPA requirements to participate. For UC students, courses automatically appear on your UC transcript.
UC Education Abroad (EAP) is an exchange program which offers full-year, short-term, and summer programs. Students take courses at a foreign university, taught by that university’s faculty. UC EAP is for UC students only. There are GPA requirements to participate. Courses are transferable. For more information about UC EAP, visit http://eap.ucop.edu/.
Q. What is the difference between UCLA's Travel Study programs and summer programs offered through other UC Summer Sessions Offices?
A. Each UC Summer Sessions Office offers its own unique programming. Programs differ in content and location. To learn more about Travel Study programs at other UC campuses visit:
Berkeley
Travel Study
UC Davis Summer
Abroad
UC Irvine Travel Study
UC Riverside Travel Study
UC San Diego Travel Study
UC Santa Barbara Travel Study
If you have further questions, please contact the Travel Study Office:
UCLA
International Education Office
Travel Study Programs
B300 Murphy Hall
Box 951418
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1418
Tel: (310) 825-4995
Fax: (310) 825-1528
E-mail: ieo@international.ucla.edu