Study Abroad FAQ
How do I pick a study abroad program?
What are the main types of UCLA study abroad programs?
Will courses I take during study abroad count toward my UCLA degree?
How do I get UCLA quarter units if I study abroad for a semester?
How much will it cost to study abroad?
Can I use financial aid to fund all or part of study abroad? What about Scholarships?
How do I make an appointment with a study abroad advisor?
Can I study abroad during my senior year or last term as a UCLA student?
Can I study abroad if I am approaching my unit cap?
How do I pick a study abroad program?
Congratulations! You know you want to study abroad. Now you can choose the program that is right for you! With hundreds of programs in over 43 countries, the decision may seem overwhelming. Relax; this process should be enjoyable! The IEO has many resources <insert link to Tools> to help you along the way.
What are the main types of UCLA study abroad programs?
There are two main types of study abroad programs for UCLA students.
Travel Study Programs are short-term programs led by UCLA faculty during the summer term. Programs are 3-6 weeks in length. You may choose from 26 programs offered in 17 countries. Each program has a set curriculum focused on a particular subject. Courses are taught by UCLA faculty and will result in UCLA credit upon successful completion. There are no GPA requirements. Travel Study Programs are open to anyone over 18 years of age.
Examples:
- Travel Study - Spanish in Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada, Spain
- Travel Study - Global Studies in Shanghai, China
- Travel Study - Urban Planning in Geneva, Switzerland
University of California Education Abroad Programs (UCEAP) are short and long-term programs at our prestigious partner universities around the world. Programs are 5 weeks - 1 year in length and are offered in the Fall, Spring, Summer, or full Year terms. You may choose from hundreds of programs offered in 38 countries. You will enroll in partner university courses and earn UC credit upon successful completion. Each program has a unique course catalog and menu of options for you to choose from. UCEAP offers immersion, language & culture, and special-focus programs. There are minimum GPA requirements (typically 2.75-3.0). Programs may also have pre-requisite course requirements. UCEAP Programs are open to students from any UC campus.
Examples:
- UCEAP - Peking University in Beijing, China
- UCEAP - Tropical Biology & Conservation, Monteverde Institute, Costa Rica
- UCEAP - University of Capetown in Capetown, South Africa
- UCEAP - Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey
Comparative Chart of Program Types <link>
How do I apply?
Travel Study & UCEAP have different application procedures. Please See below.
- Travel Study
- Now recruiting for Summer 2013 Programs!
- Registration opens: Thu, 11/15/12
- Registration closes: Fri, 4/5/13
- Complete Travel Study registration form online
- Registration requires a non-refundable $300 deposit, which confirms your participation
- First-come, first-served registration. Some programs fill up quickly. Plan ahead.
- UCEAP
- Now recruiting for Summer 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2013, and Year Programs!
- Application opens: Mon, 9/24/12
- Application closes: See UCEAP application closing dates. Dates vary by program.
- Begin UCEAP application form online
- Complete application by bringing hard copies to IEO Office
- Beware of application requirements such as minimum GPA, class level, prerequisite courses, language levels, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Requirements vary by program.
- First-come, first-served applications. Some programs fill up quickly. Plan ahead. Waitlisted/Closed Programs.
Will courses I take during study abroad count toward my UCLA degree?
With careful advance planning, coursework taken abroad may count toward your UCLA degree. Different steps are required depending on the program you select. However, in all cases, you should consult your department and college/school academic counselors before going abroad to ensure study abroad coursework is appropriate for you.
- Travel Study teaches UCLA classes and so courses will count as UCLA credit
- Units, grades, and course credit from summer 2013 will appear on your UCLA transcript in time for the Fall term
- Courses are taught by UCLA professors and TA's
- UCEAP coursework will count as UC credit
- Units and grades will appear on your UCLA transcript 90 days after study abroad ends
- Course credit will automatically count as units toward your graduation
- Grades will automatically count toward your GPA
- Courses may count toward GE, major, or minor requirements. This will not happen automatically
- Non-UC Program coursework may count as transfer credit
- Course must be academic in nature
- Course must be similar to that offered at UCLA
- Course grade must be equivalent to "C" or higher
- Transcript must come from university recognized by that country's ministry of education
- Mail official study abroad transcript to UCLA Undergraduate Admissions
- If approved, transfer units will appear on your UCLA transcript 4-6 weeks after receipt
How do I get UCLA quarter units if I study abroad for a semester?
UCLA runs on a quarter system. Most study abroad universities run on a semester system and grant semester units rather than quarter units.
Travel Study
All Travel Study Program courses are taught by UCLA faculty. Thus, the courses are already in quarter units.
UCEAP
UCEAP will automatically convert all semester units earned abroad into UC quarter units. In general, semester units x 1.5 = quarter units. For example: if you earn 12 semester units abroad, it will likely be converted to 18 quarter units at UC.
Non-UC programs
UCLA will calculate units earned at Non-UC programs based on contact hours. In general, 10 contact hours = 1 quarter unit. For example: a course with 120 contact hours will equal 12 quarter units. There are exceptions; for more information, students should consult the IEO and the counseling unit for their College or School.
How much will it cost to study abroad?
Study abroad can be affordable. Costs do vary from program to program. Keep in mind that the cost of living varies greatly around the world; you are encouraged to explore the many cost effective programs offered in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. It's important to review program costs carefully and understand which costs are or are not included (tuition and fees, insurance, housing, meals, transportation, airfare, textbooks, # of quarter units, excursions, personal budget, etc.). It typically costs as much to study abroad as it does to attend UCLA. Remember, financial aid and scholarships are available to qualified students!
Can I use financial aid to fund all or part of study abroad? What about Scholarships?
Yes! Financial aid (loans and grants) can be applied to your study abroad costs (program fees plus estimated costs for housing, meals, airfare, transportation, and textbooks).
How do I make an appointment with a study abroad advisor?
Please call 310.825.4995 to make an appointment. A study abroad advisor would be happy to speak with you, though it is not mandatory. To ensure a productive appointment, you should research your study abroad options beforehand. Most information is on the IEO website. Study abroad counselors can help clarify information about program differences, academics, finances, housing, health, safety, culture, and other related topics. For quick questions, you may also email the study abroad advisors.
Can I study abroad during my senior year or last term as a UCLA student?
There are many opportunities for you to study abroad. It may be possible to study abroad during your senior year or last term as a UCLA student. There are, however, several important matters to prepare. You should schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor (310.825.4995) as soon as possible to discuss this possibility. Senior Residency and Unit Cap policies may apply, but may be waived in some cases.
Can I study abroad if I am approaching my unit cap?
Through careful planning and consultation with your advisors (academic, financial aid, and study abroad), you may be permitted to exceed your unit cap while studying abroad. You should schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor (310.825.4995) as soon as possible to discuss this possibility.
What are my next steps?
- Apply for a passport!
- Visit the IEO Getting Started page <link>