General Questions

• Why should I learn abroad?
  • Broaden your horizons. When you live in another country, you see what tourists do not. You experience hobbies, foods, and ways of socializing that shape a culture. You have the chance to become part of that country as well as become more flexible to new environments when faced with change.
  • See the U.S. from a different perspective. Living in the U.S. provides one viewpoint. When you live in another country, it creates a space that allows you to see how the U.S. affects and fits 1 June 2020 into the global landscape. This becomes an important quality when you return to the U.S. and make choices in our democracy.
  • Explore your heritage. Learning or working in the country of your heritage can put you in touch with your ethnicity, helping you to understand why you like certain foods, celebrate family traditions and honor your ancestors in a specific way.
  • Really learn a language. By immersing yourself in another country, you can become fluent in a language in ways you will miss by taking a class. For starters, you will hear people speaking in the native language wherever you go — in restaurants, at stores, on the radio and on TV.
  • Become more marketable. In today’s global economy, job applicants with international experience and knowledge of multiple languages are in demand.
  • Build an international network. When you learn or work abroad, you will make new friends whom you may know for the rest of your life. Even after coming back to the U.S., you will have someone to visit when you see Beijing, or Sao Paolo, or Senegal. Plus, you can keep in touch with your international friends as you enter the workforce and build your business network.
  • Dispel stereotypes. With growing access to global media, people in your host country may have views about your own country that are not true. When they get to know you, they will see another side of what they thought they knew.
• Am I able to get course credit?

  In most cases, yes, you may be able to either earn UC credit or receive transfer credit. Ask your academic advisor to help you choose coursework that fits into your major or minor. UC Education Abroad (UCEAP) and Faculty-Led Education Abroad Program (FLEAP) participants receive UC credit.

• What’s the first step I should take to learn abroad?
  • Go to MyUCR Abroad.
  • Complete a Student Profile Survey.
  • Sign up for an Information Session, to get a better idea of which program you would prefer.

   

• Whom can I speak with further if I have questions?

  If the dates listed for the Information Session or Application Workshop do not work for you, contact the Education Abroad office (educationabroad@ucr.edu) to make an appointment with an advisor.

• Are there programs specifically for my major?

  Whether you are in engineering, chemistry, math, language or theatre, education abroad offers opportunities for you! Look for programs in your major.

• I attended an information session last year. Do I have to do another one this year?

  Maybe! We will need to confirm that you have attended an information session last year. If you can answer these questions, you may not have to attend:

  • Which Education Abroad program do you want to do?
  • Does the program offer the courses you need? Do you know where to find the courses online?
  • Do you receive financial aid? Are you willing to take out sufficient student and parental loans if your program is more than the cost of UCR?
  • What are the eligibility requirements? Are you eligible for the program?
• Do I need to take a leave of absence from UCR to go abroad?

  You are an enrolled UCR student while on a FLEAP or UCEAP program. If you are doing an Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP), you must meet with the OAP education abroad advisor. After meeting with the OAP education abroad advisor, they will let you know your next steps. For example, if you are participating in OAP during the normal academic calendar, you will file the Planned Opportunities Abroad Agreement Form, which allows you to take a leave to learn abroad but maintains your student status at UCR.

• What scholarships are available for education abroad?

  There are a few scholarships that help students learn abroad while catering to specific areas of study and locations. See our list of scholarships.

• I’m having problems accessing MyUCR Abroad. Whom should I contact?

  Send an email to Education Abroad regarding your MyUCR Abroad access issue. Put “Accessing MyUCR Abroad” in the subject heading.

• Can I do my health clearance with my personal doctor? What about the immunizations?

  You can get your vaccines from your primary care physician as long as they meet the standards outlined by the travel nurse at UCR Student Health Services. It is important to complete the process at least 6 weeks before your departure date. Please note: specific programs may have different deadlines. Be sure you are tracking your program-specific deadlines in MyUCR Abroad.

• When will my grades be posted in RWeb?

  It may take up to 90 days for grades to post on R’Web. If your grades have not posted after 90 days, send an email to Education Abroad so we can make a grade inquiry.

• I’m not able to register for courses next quarter. What do I do?

  If you cannot register for classes for the term you are returning to UCR, email Education Abroad so that they can make an inquiry with the Registrars’ Office.

• How do I get reimbursed for medical fees I incurred while abroad?

  Please consult directly with your medical insurance provider.

• How can I stay involved with education abroad at UCR?

  As a returnee from an education abroad program, we hope you are willing to share your perspective with students who are interested in going abroad. Here are ways you can do that:

  • Global Opportunities Abroad Leader (GOAL). Did you recently return from learning, teaching, interning or volunteering abroad? Did you love your experience so much that you want to help others to do the same? Become a Global Opportunities Abroad Leader (GOAL). Help UCR students experience cultural enrichment and at the same time, enhance your leadership skills. As a GOAL, you can conduct Information Sessions and Application Workshops, design posters and flyers, work at the Worldfest Education Abroad Fair, and more.
  • UCEAP Student Ambassador. Are you a recent UCEAP participant? Become a UCEAP Student Ambassador! In exchange for actively promoting UCEAP’s education abroad program, you’ll receive a $3,000 scholarship. Host “UCEAP Education Abroad Nights” at UCR, spread the word among student organizations, clubs, classrooms and residence halls, and much more. 
  • Volunteer at WorldFest Education Abroad Fair.

Faculty Led Education Abroad Program (FLEAP)

• How can I apply the course units to my degree?

  The Faculty Led Abroad Program offers courses during the Summer term. These are official courses derived from the UC Riverside General Catalog. As such, they transfer throughout the UC system. Students should check with their academic adviser to find out if a course meets a particular requirement. All non-UC students should check with their home campus adviser to confirm that the units are transferable and comparable before the start of the application process. You can request a UCR Transcript at the UCR Registrar's website.

• Can seniors participate in education abroad?

  Yes, seniors can participate in education abroad with the approval of their academic and/or college departments(s). They will be able to advise you on such matters as graduation procedures, senior residency rules, and maximum unit load policies. Please make an appointment with your Academic and/or College Advisors to discuss your plans to learn abroad as a senior. Additionally, if you receive financial aid, you may need to speak with your Financial Aid Advisor about what types of aid you may still be eligible for.

• Why would a program get cancelled?

  A program can be cancelled due to low enrollment. Students enrolled in a cancelled program will be notified as early as the decision is made. If a program is cancelled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be given to the students for the application fee, deposit, and program fees paid.

• Do I have to participate in all group excursions and planned social activities?

  YES, the faculty led education abroad programs are relatively short in length (3 - 5 weeks). In addition to attendance in both classes, you will be expected to participate in organized group excursions as they are designed to complement the curriculum. You will benefit greatly by attending planned activities since they will help engage you more quickly with your new cultural surroundings.

• Can I participate in more than one program?

  Yes; but the programs cannot overlap for any period of time.

• Can the California Veteran's (Cal-Vet) Fee Waiver apply to the cost of the program?

  Yes; but the Cal-Vet Fee Waiver only applies to the Course Unit Fees and is valid toward participating vets.

• Do I have to take both classes listed in the program?

  Yes.

• Can non-UC students apply for the programs?

  Yes; but all applications must receive faculty approval to participate in the program. You may submit your application prior to meeting or speaking with the lead UCR instructor.

• Can I audit the classes in a program?

  No; you must participate fully in both courses in the program and receive a final grade (or S/NC for grad level courses).

• Can I bring someone with me or have someone visit me while I am abroad?

  Only registered participants are allowed to attend the program and housing arranged for participants. No exceptions are made.

UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)

• Can I learn abroad if I’m close to graduating?

  Yes. Seniors are often able to learn abroad as well, even in their last semester, with the guidance and approval from their academic department(s).

• How much does it cost to learn abroad for a quarter?

  The cost to learn abroad may be comparable to staying at UCR. Depending on where you go and the program you select, you can save on tuition and expenses through UCEAP. Learn more about costs.

• Once I submit my application, when will I hear if I’ve been selected?

  UCEAP applicants are notified 2-4 weeks after the posted campus application deadline.

• Do I need to bring anything with me to the application workshop?

  Bring items that will allow you to take notes (pen, note pad, laptop, or tablet)

• When are the deadlines to apply?

  Check out the specific program page for deadlines, on MyUCR Abroad.

• What meetings do I have to attend before I depart? When are they?
  • Information Session to get a better idea of UCEAP.
  • Application Workshop to learn the ins and outs of how to apply for a program abroad.
  • Other mandatory meetings, which you will learn about in the workshops. You must attend any meeting that is considered mandatory or you risk losing your chance to learn abroad in your desired program.
• What do I do if my UCEAP course registration is not listed on RWeb?

  While abroad on UCEAP the Registrar will have a placeholder for the classes you enroll in abroad. These will be generic units until your grades are posted at the end of your program. If you do not see this, please contact us at educationabroad@ucr.edu.

• What kind of holds will impact my UCEAP course registration?

  Library, parking, housing, student health services, financial aid, class scheduling, and quarterly advising holds.

• There is a UCEAP fee hold on my account. Whom do I call?

  If you have an “UCEAP Fee Hold” on your account, contact your education abroad advisor for details, or email educationabroad@ucr.edu.

Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP)

• Can I learn abroad if I’m close to graduating?

  Yes. Seniors are often able to learn abroad as well, even in their last semester.

• How much does it cost to learn abroad for a quarter?

  Contact your Opportunities Abroad Program providers to find out about costs.

• Is there a study center abroad that offers classes in my major?

  Contact your Opportunities Abroad Program Provider or see their website for additional information.

• Once I submit my application, when will I hear if I’ve been selected?

  Please contact your Opportunities Abroad Program Provider to access this information.

• Do I need to bring anything with me to the application workshop?
  • Bring items that will allow you to take notes, i.e., pen, note pad, laptop, or tablet.
  • Also, have the following pieces of information ready when attending the Other Program Application Workshop.
    • Other Program Organization Name
    • Other Program Title and Location
    • Other Program tentative Start & End Dates
    • University or Institution that will issue your transcripts
• When are the deadlines to apply?

  Check with your host institution for their deadlines.

• Can I still get financial aid if I study abroad?

  Yes, you can get financial aid for your education abroad experience if you earn academic credits or units on your program. If you go on one of the other UC or non-UC programs, you do not pay UC fees but you can still use federal and state financial aid as determined by the FAFSA. You may not use UCR grants or scholarships to finance your program but you can apply for other grants and scholarships in your major. If available, you may be able to receive aid from your other UC or non-UC program provider. But you may not receive aid through both UCR and your other UC or non-UC program provider at the same time.

  If you’re currently using a Cal or Pell Grant, you may use them for your education abroad program. Talk to your education abroad advisor about this. Learn more at Financial Aid.

• What forms are required in order to receive financial aid on the Opportunities Abroad Programs?

  You will need to complete the Individual Consortium/Contractual Agreement, UCR Financial Aid Verification, Other Program Participant Agreement, Academic Planning Form, and read and sign the Financial Aid Letter. All of these forms will be provided during the Other UC & Non-UC Program Application Workshop.

• I am going on an Opportunities Abroad Program. I’ve accepted my financial aid on R'Web but it shows I have a hold. What do I do?

  You may see a “Hold” comment on R’Web notifying you that your financial aid disbursement is on hold because you are not enrolled. Enrollment is a requirement for financial aid disbursement, so this comment automatically displays to all students who are not registered for classes at UCR. Since you will not be enrolled in UCR units, you may disregard this message, as your education abroad advisor will submit paperwork to confirm your enrollment status abroad. Read through all your messages regarding a “Hold” as they may not relate to financial aid and your education abroad experience.

• What meetings do I have to attend before I depart? When are they?
  • Information Session to get a better idea of the Opportunities Abroad Programs.
  • Application Workshop to learn the ins and outs of how to apply for a program abroad.
  • Other mandatory meetings, which you will learn about in the workshops. You must attend any meeting that is considered mandatory or you risk losing your chance to learn abroad in your desired program.
• I’m a student in one of the other UC or non-UC programs. When do I need to request my transcript and where do I send it once I have it?

  Right after your program ends, ask your other UC or non-UC program provider to send your transcripts to UC Riverside, Admissions Office, Attn: OAP Transcript, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521.