Considering Studying Abroad > Programs

Independent Study Abroad Programs

At UC Davis, opportunities exist for most students to study abroad in nearly every country of the world on a UC-sponsored program. However, you may prefer to study abroad with an independent third-party provider or directly enroll in a host institution. After you have researched the programs offered within the University of California system (EAP, Quarter Abroad and Summer Abroad) and you still cannot fit the right program to meet your goals, you can use study abroad search engines to find a particular program outside the UC system. Research the provider’s program description carefully and talk with past students on that program before you make a decision. In addition, you can set up an individualized advising appointment with the Advisor for independent study abroad programs once you have selected a preferred program or if you want to go on study abroad leave.

How does "independent study abroad leave" work? Read the Independent Study Abroad Student Handbook.

Independent programs fall in to one of two general categories described below: "Provider" programs and "Direct Enrollment" programs. The EAC independent program leave process covers both options and helps ensure you meet the goals of your academic plan. Additionally, through the EAC independent program leave process you may be eligible to take some of your federal and state financial aid on these programs (UC-based "institutional" aid cannot be applied to non-UC programs)

"Provider" Programs

Provider programs are programs offered by a non-profit or for-profit company, or other U.S. educational institution. These programs usually have a central administrative office that supports students on their programs beginning with initial advising, through to application, placement and support throughout the term abroad. This central office is often based in the United States and many providers have satellite offices located at their program sites abroad. Providers negotiate direct placement at host institutions around the world or they may be custom designed programs that offer an academic focus tailored to U.S. students. For this reason, you may hear these programs referred to as "third party" programs.

In choosing a provider program, it is important to consider two things:

1) Does the provider work with an accredited institution abroad? Or, is the provider itself accredited? 2) What level of student support do you require from the provider?

The EAC independent study abroad leave process will help with the answer to question one. The process will determine if a program is accredited by a recognized ministry of education; it will also assess whether the specific courses you plan to take will be transferrable as well.

Provider programs offer a wide range of support to their students. Some provide complete support with advising for program selection, pre-departure processes, visas, travel, in-country support, full medical insurance, etc. Others may only provide placement and minimal housing assistance. The overall cost of the program may reflect these differences so it is important to see what you will receive for the fees you pay. Regardless of program, EAC and UC Davis are not involved in administering provider programs and cannot provide assistance with visas, travel, pre-departure orientation, on in-country logistics. Therefore it is important to determine what level of support you will require, ask questions accordingly, and choose a provider that suits your needs.

"Direct Enrollment" Programs

Many foreign universities allow U.S. students to apply directly to their institution as a short-term visiting international student. This process does not involve any third-party intermediary. Instead, students work directly with the host institution's international student office – thus the term "direct enrollment."

Application processes, selection and in-country support will vary widely and will differ by institution. You will need to contact the institution directly to determine if they accept visiting students and, if so, what the process is and what services they provide. For example, some provide on campus housing, some assist with local housing, some provide no support. Some may assist students in obtaining student visas, others will leave it to the student to obtain visas on their own. Some have special international programs, others allow students to enroll in any course on offer.

The EAC independent leave process will help determine whether an institution is accredited and eligible for transfer credit, however it will be your responsibility to obtain a transcript and ensure the proper documents are provided to UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions upon return.

Direct enrollment programs represent a unique and "authentic" immersion opportunity that challenges students to be resourceful and fully independent. However, direct enrollment is also the most unstructured study abroad option. Students interested in direct enrollment MUST be highly organized and willing to work independently with various international agencies (consulates, local immigration, landlords/housing agencies, insurance providers, etc.) Students must also be responsible for setting their own deadlines to coordinate visa applications, travel and arrival logistics, housing, and so on. In short, students must have a high tolerance for uncertainty and risk.

Resources to search for independent study abroad programs:

• Go Abroad Search Engine
• IIE Search Engine
• Study Abroad Search Engine

Independent study abroad leave or PELP/withdraw?

The independent study abroad leave is the only way to ensure your proposal for transfer credit and coursework will be reviewed in advance. The leave process will help ensure you receive appropriate advising related to major requirements, College requirements, senior residency, and graduation plans. The independent study abroad leave is also the only leave option that will retain the appropriate student status for you to receive financial aid for your program.

If you choose not to apply for the independent study abroad leave, you may file for a PELP leave or withdraw from UC Davis. However, PELP and withdrawal statuses are intended for students to take a leave from studies altogether. As such, UC Davis cannot provide financial aid for students on these leaves nor can the campus review coursework taken during these leaves. Students must petition for transfer credit upon return and have courses reviewed at that time. It is possible some or all courses could be denied for transfer credit. Please review the chart for issues you must consider regarding your academic plan and if applicable financial aid status.

While on PELP leave or while withdrawn from UC Davis, the availability of university services will be limited including ability to register for courses, access to student services, and access to MyUCDavis and SISWEB.

Have questions? See the Independent Study Abroad FAQs

How to make an appointment
If you need help choosing a program, you can stop by the Education Abroad Center in person or call a peer advisor at (530) 297-4633. To make an appointment about independent study abroad leave, please first read the independent study abroad handbook cover to cover. To discuss your questions and get the leave form during an in-person advising appointment, please send an email to eacucd@ucdavis.edu and provide the following information: full name, phone number, country of interest, type of program, duration, and times and days of availability for an appointment.