Frequently Asked Questions - Parents
Q. Why should my student study abroad?
Read the Bruinlink article about the advantages of study abroad.
Q. Why pick a UC or UCLA study abroad program?
UC and UCLA study abroad programs are high quality academic programs. Students receive UC credit for courses completed, and financial aid can be applied to all UCLA and UC study abroad programs.
Q. When can my son/daughter study abroad?
With so many program options available, students can choose to study abroad at any time during their academic career.
Q. Will courses taken abroad count toward my student’s UCLA degree?
All coursework taken while participating with on an official UCLA or UCEAP program will count towards graduation. Study abroad programs can help students fulfill major, minor, general education and graduation requirements and/or achieve proficiency in another language. Advisers in the International Education Office can help assist your student with identifying a program that will be the most meaningful for their academic goals.
Q. Can my loved one still graduate in 4 years if she/he studies abroad?
Yes. If a student chooses the program and courses carefully with an academic advisor, he/she should be able to study abroad and finish his/her curriculum in four years. UCLA offers summer, quarter, semester and year-long programs. Many majors can study abroad for an entire year and still graduate on time. Course selection is done prior to departure so students can plan for academic progress. All units taken on UC programs abroad will count towards graduation, and possibly major/minor or general education requirements.
Q. Does it cost significantly more to study abroad?
Program costs vary widely, but with adequate planning, a program that meets your student’s financial budget can be achieved. Financial aid is available for UC-sponsored programs and scholarships are available for certain programs.
Q. Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available for UC-sponsored programs. Simply refer to any Financial Aid link on our site’s program pages for more details.
Q. Where will my student live while abroad?
Housing for students varies and may include dorms, home-stays or apartments. Once the student identifies a program, housing details are available.
Q. Is it safe for my loved one to study abroad?
Student safety is paramount. While no one can guarantee safety, UC and UCLA have several health and safety measures in place for study abroad program we administer. Prior to departure, students receive health and safety information about their program site. In addition, all students receive travel/accident insurance, which is included in the program cost. Our staff also provides students with the information needed to register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their host country.
Visit our health and safety section for more information.
Q. Can I visit my student while they are studying abroad?
If you decide you want to visit your student, please plan your trip for when the program is on break. Please keep in mind that some short-term programs are quite academically intense, and it is best to plan any visits until the program has been completed. For longer programs, work with your student to find a time that will be convenient and not too disruptive. Program housing is not open to family and friends, so be sure to make any necessary accommodations for your trip.
We do encourage parents and guardians to apply for a passport if they do not already have one or renew one they already have that will expire within six months of the students return date. Should an emergency arise while your student is abroad, it may be helpful or necessary for you to travel abroad to be with them. Visit the State Department for more information.
Q. What happens if the passport gets lost?
The student should let their on-site director know when a passport has been lost or stolen. They will need to visit the U.S. Consulate or Embassy webpage for the office nearest them. There they will find instructions on how to replace a passport.
Q. Where can my student book an affordable flight?
Your student might find some deals with the following companies: Student Travel Association (STA), Kayak, Student Universe, Johnny Jet Travel, and SideStep.
FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Under FERPA guidelines, students who are over 18 have a legal right to privacy in regards to their educational records. This means UCLA staff is prohibited from providing any student information to anyone other than the student. In emergencies, UCLA staff will communicate with any individuals the student has listed as their emergency contacts in the application materials. However, be aware that FERPA guidelines apply to all non-emergency matters.